Ranking Tom Durkin

[RollerDoc]

I wanted to ask how you would rate Tom Durkin as a track announcer. Personally I find his call of the race quite appealing. He doesn't seem to grandstand and I love the way he summarizes what appears to be the eventual winner. Here are a few of my favorites:

2005 Belmont
"And Afleet Alex just ran past Giacomo like he was standing still."

2006 Kentucky Derby
"They're coming to the finish and it's all Barbaro in a sublime performance. He runs away from them all and saves something left for the Preakness."

2007 Kentucky Derby
"And Street Sense has roared from 19th position to first in the Derby. And here is Street Sense, a stretch running sensation to win the Kentucky Derby by 2."

2008 Kentucky Derby
"And it's going to be Big Brown bobbing home to a convincing win in the run for the roses. It is Big Brown by five on the wire."

2008 Preakness
"Big Brown is doing it again. He disappears from the field. He's in front by five. He waltzes home to win the Preakness. No ones ever been close to Big Brown. And now it's on to the Belmont and the elusive triple crown."

And by the way, the butterflies for me watching my horse of choice officially start when I hear Ton Durkin say, "And they're off....in the Kentucky Derby."

[ArlJim78]

past his prime but one of the best, great for the big days.

[the_fat_man]

Whatever floats your boat, ACE.

You fixate on Durkin, I check out the chick sites and love to ride (bike) behind babes with nice asses and calves over at the park. It's all good.

[hoovesupsideyourhead]

like durkin and hes earned it,but if he does choose to go.. becker

[Scav]

Is it me or is RollerDoc hitting every possible hot internet message board topic possible?

[the_fat_man]

Announcers of races will be a thing of the past once TRAKUS(like) systems are in place.

There's accurate and then there's LESS accurate.

[RollerDoc]

Originally Posted by the_fat_man

Announcers of races will be a thing of the past once TRAKUS(like) systems are in place.

There's accurate and then there's LESS accurate.

Is that really true? Wouldn't that be trespassing on tradition? Why would they do that. I understand accuracy but couldn't they still have a track announcer?

[mclem10011]

Vic Stauffer to me has the most excited call these days! His passion for this game comes through in every call he makes! His big race calls are very exciting to here, and are always impressive to hear again, and again in my opinion.

[herkhorse]

Originally Posted by the_fat_man

Announcers of races will be a thing of the past once TRAKUS(like) systems are in place.

There's accurate and then there's LESS accurate.

The problem with TRAKUS is that I find myself watching those stupid little colored m&m's instead of the actual race.

[DogsUp]

Track Announcers are a waste and a bore. I liked when Keeneland went without an announcer. I think track announcers ruin the race.

[mclem10011]

Originally Posted by DogsUp

Track Announcers are a waste and a bore. I liked when Keeneland went without an announcer. I think track announcers ruin the race.

Hope your kidding? If not that is a ridiculous comment! Your entitled to you opinion, but I do not agree at all.

[DogsUp]

Originally Posted by DogsUp

Track Announcers are a waste and a bore. I liked when Keeneland went without an announcer. I think track announcers ruin the race.

What I posted has been bothering me all day. It sure does come across bad. I apologize if I offended anyone. I should have said this: a race caller does not add any value to a race for me. I rarely listen to the call when I am at the race track. When I am home, I do not listen to the call at all. The race call may add some excitement, but it doesnt really do anything for my horse. I do think an announcer is important for scratches, inquiries, etc etc. But during the race, I do not notice the call at all.

[pick4]

Originally Posted by hoovesupsideyourhead

like durkin and hes earned it,but if he does choose to go.. becker

I agree. Durkin is still the best. However I liked Kurt Beckers calls while Tom was away during Derby and Preakness weeks. Becker misjudged the distance between horses a few times but Belmont is a tricky track for a racecaller who is unfamiliar with the track. However he would be a fine choice as the next track announcer at NYRA tracks.

[justindew]

Originally Posted by pick4

I agree. Durkin is still the best. However I liked Kurt Beckers calls while Tom was away during Derby and Preakness weeks. Becker misjudged the distance between horses a few times but Belmont is a tricky track for a racecaller who is unfamiliar with the track. However he would be a fine choice as the next track announcer at NYRA tracks.

Becker is the best.

[turf fan]

Durkin"s best call was the BC a few years back when Dick Mandella wins four on the day, " Man o' man, Mandella today!!"