7/18 (CNL): Virginia Derby (G2); Virginia Oaks (G3)

[SniperSB23]

Originally Posted by hockey2315

I don't disagree that this field looks really weak (as does the entire division), but I'm not sure what Nicanor has ever done to garner the title of "the one who sucks the least."

I don't fault anyone for trying to beat him, I love trying to bet overbet favorites (which he assuredly will be) but in this case I feel like he may be the most talented in the field, he's run much faster paces than anyone in here and held on which makes him the most likely pace horse to be around at the end, and the rest of the field is so mediocre that I can't pick between them even if I did try and beat him. So when my options are bet an overbet favorite that I feel is the most likely winner or box the whole rest of the field to try and beat him then I take a pass on the race.

[SniperSB23]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

I'm not attempting to convince you that the Colonial Turf Cup was strong but that the allowance race you're comparing it to was absolutely dreadful and thus significantly worse.

All of this discussion about 3YO turf horses and their relative lack of quality should prompt all of us to give consideration to this being a Red Giant-like Va Derby and should further make even a C-list Euro worth a long look in the Secretariat.

NT

That I definitely agree with. If Nicanor winds up in a speed duel and quits then anything could happen, there isn't much to separate the rest of the field.

If Hold Me Back takes to the turf, and if Kent doesn't give one of his patented tard rides, he will be tough to beat.

[MisterB]

Originally Posted by Coach Pants

If Hold Me Back takes to the turf, and if Kent doesn't give one of his patented tard rides, he will be tough to beat.

A lot of ifs

[opusone]

Does anyone know if this is nationally televised. Espn is showing USA v Canada slow pitch softball.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by -BT-

you talking about the whole ADW thing with twinspires?
i thought the attendence was kinda solid, granted you wouldn't find me there on a thursday night, but ALL the box seats and dinning room seats were sold out.
i was there for the turf cup, actually only race i came outside to watch. they kinda dropped the ball though, i remember there being ZERO race call, NOTHING. and after the race the odds board was on the fritz, then there was an inquiry, it was all over the place

bunch of friends and i are going for "derby experience", gonna be chilling on the hill. Absoultely the worst angle to watch a race from (turn 1 past the finish line), but they say they're gonna have tellers and tvs so it should make up for it. PLUS, the $20 ticket allows you to BYOB, and even though its a LONG ride back to nova, its worth it

you going?

-bt-

Yesterday's VA TB blog entry is worth reading and interesting.

Sounds like they are still getting no where with the ADW mess:
http://www.vtablog.org/

Today’s VRC meeting was marked with what Greg Scoggins of MEC/Xpress Bet called a “Virginia venting session.” After Colonial CEO Ian Stewart explained the negative impact of the TrackNet Media/Twin Spires/Xpress Bet/related racetracks and subsidiaries and YouBet boycott of the Colonial Downs signal, a spontaneous forum erupted and all the various parties in the room had a chance to speak their peace.

Two words: Nice mess.

We won’t rehash why each of the parties thinks their position is the right one, but suffice it to say that it’s going to take a while to sort out the ever growing ADW puzzle in Virginia.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by opusone

Does anyone know if this is nationally televised. Espn is showing USA v Canada slow pitch softball.

It is - CBS at 5 p.m.

[opusone]

Thank you.

[VOL JACK]

Originally Posted by Coach Pants

If Hold Me Back takes to the turf, and if Kent doesn't give one of his patented tard rides, he will be tough to beat.

I really thought these connections were smarter.
His ride on HMB in the Ky Derby was unforgivable.

[dalakhani]

Originally Posted by VOL JACK

I really thought these connections were smarter.
His ride on HMB in the Ky Derby was unforgivable.

Yes, I agree. Hold Me Back is the next coming of Secretariat and only that crappy ride could have gotten that juggernaut beat that day.

[cakes44]

Kent definitely has his head up his arse at times, but it's not like there's a million better options out there. He's one of the 2-3 best grass riders in the country even including some of the ridiculous crap he pulls on a week-to-week basis.

[-BT-]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

Yesterday's VA TB blog entry is worth reading and interesting.

Sounds like they are still getting no where with the ADW mess:
http://www.vtablog.org/

Today’s VRC meeting was marked with what Greg Scoggins of MEC/Xpress Bet called a “Virginia venting session.” After Colonial CEO Ian Stewart explained the negative impact of the TrackNet Media/Twin Spires/Xpress Bet/related racetracks and subsidiaries and YouBet boycott of the Colonial Downs signal, a spontaneous forum erupted and all the various parties in the room had a chance to speak their peace.

Two words: Nice mess.

We won’t rehash why each of the parties thinks their position is the right one, but suffice it to say that it’s going to take a while to sort out the ever growing ADW puzzle in Virginia.

so they're saying i shouldn't hold my breath about getting the signal on twinspires before meets end this year? hopefully in time for harness racing, fingers crossed

there's ALWAYS timmonium!!!

-bt-

[the_fat_man]

Luckily, for those utilizing TWINSPIRES, there a few more options than CNL. Just a few.

Whoever is responsible for this on CNL's end is just a flat out idiot.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by the_fat_man

Luckily, for those utilizing TWINSPIRES, there a few more options than CNL. Just a few.

Whoever is responsible for this on CNL's end is just a flat out idiot.

I think it's the State, not CNL calling the shots on the breeder's awards.

[the_fat_man]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

I think it's the State, not CNL calling the shots on the breeder's awards.

Then I suppose the state of VA, unlike most of the other states, must be doing very well budget wise. When you're in a position to turn away money, it's a very good thing.

Originally Posted by dalakhani

Yes, I agree. Hold Me Back is the next coming of Secretariat and only that crappy ride could have gotten that juggernaut beat that day.

Yes because you need a Secretariat type performance to win this unbelievably stacked race.

Sarcasm is d'awesome.

[Bobby Fischer]

File Leparoux choosing "El Crespo" over Lime Rickey under stupid jock/agent moves...

Lime Rickey must be everyone's choice here among those not converted to the religion of Nicanor. He was the talk of the board going into the VA Derby. I guess that was just because he ran in a NY allowance prior??
Had a good late run in last. Still, without ever drinking his koolaid hard to see him getting up anyway, and he loses JL for the corndog.

Florentino absolutely gave up in the shadow of wire winning the Jefferson Cup. He hates the whip doesn't he? He can add pace pressure, but he is clearly quitting here.

Straight Story, Battle of Hastings and maybe lime rickey are the 3 alternatives to Nicanor. You could go ahead and force 2 other likely suspects for your 5horse play against box.

I desperately want Nicanor to be bet heavily, but he actually has a chance here. This isn't stardom bound on keeneland's poly, Nicanor is more of an unknown than a certain toss. He really shouldn't be less than 5-1. Logic says that 2 Lengths better than that cheap delaware nx1 (LESS if you count that advantage Rosie used with that quirky track configuration on the inside rail from the gate) that Battle of Hastings and co. have to be better. It should still be interesting.

Lots of speed signed on here. Affirmatif is really an unknown factor. He shouldn't get the distance with this kind of pace but who knows? THat cheap mud race actually got flattered a little bit at monmouth of all places. He figures to be near the lead @ the mile, and Decarlo is starting to carve a niche up front on the grass. I'm not using him in anything.

bash this field , but it's a decent BETTING race with several possibilities

[hockey2315]

Lime Rickey anywhere close to 8-1 seems like the play. I'm thinking he could actually go off that high since everyone will be spazzing out over Nicanor, Hold Me Back (who's logical), Straight Story who the geniuses on TVG were fawning over today, Battle of Hastings, etc...

[Sightseek]

Nicanor is out. Leg injury.

[-BT-]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

It is - CBS at 5 p.m.

http://www.drf.com/news/article/105553.html

if this doesn't pump you up, nothing will


NOOOOOOOOO NICANOR, COME BACK!!!!!!!!!!

-bt-