Horseracingnation.com is showing the following for the Clark:
Probable: Mucho Macho Man, Wise Dan
Possible: Game On Dude, Will Take Charge
Plus a few others.
Wow! Have I missed something? Anybody know how much of that might be true?
http://www.horseracingnation.com/stakes/Clark_Handicap
All of it (except I hadn't heard about Wise Dan) is true as far as I know. The filly Wine Princess is also possible, last I read...
Unless they think Wise Dan's shot at HOY is in jeopardy, I can't see them entering him in this race. But, I'm not wishing against it.
I've never seen anything about MMM or Wise Dan being pointed for this.
Thought I read something about MM< but I might be confusing him with another horse (oddly enough). I know he is at GP right now though...
Since I started this thread a few hours ago, horseracingnation.com has removed its two so-called "probables", MMM and Wise Dan.
Still showing the Dude and Will Take Charge as "possibles".
Quote from: Vic in Chicago on November 14, 2013, 11:14:31 AM
Since I started this thread a few hours ago, horseracingnation.com has removed its two so-called "probables", MMM and Wise Dan.
Still showing the Dude and Will Take Charge as "possibles".
Even with the defections, the Clark with the Dude and WTC would be the strongest edition of that race since Giant Oak won the Clark a few years back! :forruffian:
Speaking of Giant Oak, I miss hearing from the guy. Hope he eventually finds his way back to TBC, or perhaps a new home here on TRF. :rhrse:
Quote from: Islandgirl45 on November 14, 2013, 02:05:40 PM
Speaking of Giant Oak, I miss hearing from the guy. Hope he eventually finds his way back to TBC, or perhaps a new home here on TRF. :rhrse:
Me too.
He could bring us up to date on his exploits in the breeding shed.
Wonder if, like in his racing career, he is a "slow starter" who "finishes with gusto!" :celebrate:
Quote from: Dave in TJ Mex on November 14, 2013, 06:58:44 PMMe too.
He could bring us up to date on his exploits in the breeding shed.
Wonder if, like in his racing career, he is a "slow starter" who "finishes with gusto!" :celebrate:
(giggles) ...
"It is Giant Oak, finishing fast on the outside...coming, charging...Giant Oak was huge..." ;D
Quote from: Islandgirl45 on November 14, 2013, 07:42:35 PM
Quote from: Dave in TJ Mex on November 14, 2013, 06:58:44 PMMe too.
He could bring us up to date on his exploits in the breeding shed.
Wonder if, like in his racing career, he is a "slow starter" who "finishes with gusto!" :celebrate:
(giggles) ... "It is Giant Oak, finishing fast on the outside...coming, charging...Giant Oak was huge..."
;D
You all should be ashamed of yourselves. I know you're not, but you should be. 8)
I'm glad I had swallowed what I was drinking before I read those two posts *smirk* :slap:
Quote from: Zenyatta on November 14, 2013, 10:09:59 PMYou all should be ashamed of yourselves. I know you're not, but you should be. 8)
Whaaa? It was Larry Collmus, I swear!
:D
Quote from: Zenyatta on November 14, 2013, 10:09:59 PM
You all should be ashamed of yourselves. I know you're not, but you should be. 8)
:lmao:
Quote from: Islandgirl45 on November 14, 2013, 07:42:35 PM
Quote from: Dave in TJ Mex on November 14, 2013, 06:58:44 PMMe too.
He could bring us up to date on his exploits in the breeding shed.
Wonder if, like in his racing career, he is a "slow starter" who "finishes with gusto!" :celebrate:
(giggles) ... "It is Giant Oak, finishing fast on the outside...coming, charging...Giant Oak was huge..."
;D
(http://i44.tinypic.com/2rfra4n.jpg)
Quote from: Ballerina on November 14, 2013, 08:22:28 AM
Unless they think Wise Dan's shot at HOY is in jeopardy, I can't see them entering him in this race. But, I'm not wishing against it.
Seems like running Wise Dan in the Clark shouldn't be needed for cementing HOY. That said, running him would be a silly chance to take.
Quote from: Catalina on November 15, 2013, 10:29:56 AM
Quote from: Ballerina on November 14, 2013, 08:22:28 AM
Unless they think Wise Dan's shot at HOY is in jeopardy, I can't see them entering him in this race. But, I'm not wishing against it.
Seems like running Wise Dan in the Clark shouldn't be needed for cementing HOY. That said, running him would be a silly chance to take.
Wise Dan's a gelding and by running and winning the Clark he'd be doing what we should all hope for thoroughbred geldings to do--earn money. Yes he'll probably win the major award by staying in the barn but it would be nice to break away from the
dare I eat a peach mentality.
Quote from: curtis on November 15, 2013, 11:58:20 AM
Quote from: Catalina on November 15, 2013, 10:29:56 AM
Quote from: Ballerina on November 14, 2013, 08:22:28 AM
Unless they think Wise Dan's shot at HOY is in jeopardy, I can't see them entering him in this race. But, I'm not wishing against it.
Seems like running Wise Dan in the Clark shouldn't be needed for cementing HOY. That said, running him would be a silly chance to take.
Wise Dan's a gelding and by running and winning the Clark he'd be doing what we should all hope for thoroughbred geldings to do--earn money. Yes he'll probably win the major award by staying in the barn but it would be nice to break away from the dare I eat a peach mentality.
T'is to be hoped your attitude would be different if it were your horse. But, I can see it won't - the money to be collected for a win would far outweigh any other consideration for you. With "friends" like you, horseracing doesn't need any enemies.
Quote from: Catalina on November 15, 2013, 12:42:53 PM
Quote from: curtis on November 15, 2013, 11:58:20 AM
Quote from: Catalina on November 15, 2013, 10:29:56 AM
Quote from: Ballerina on November 14, 2013, 08:22:28 AM
Unless they think Wise Dan's shot at HOY is in jeopardy, I can't see them entering him in this race. But, I'm not wishing against it.
Seems like running Wise Dan in the Clark shouldn't be needed for cementing HOY. That said, running him would be a silly chance to take.
Wise Dan's a gelding and by running and winning the Clark he'd be doing what we should all hope for thoroughbred geldings to do--earn money. Yes he'll probably win the major award by staying in the barn but it would be nice to break away from the dare I eat a peach mentality.
T'is to be hoped your attitude would be different if it were your horse. But, I can see it won't - the money to be collected for a win would far outweigh any other consideration for you. With "friends" like you, horseracing doesn't need any enemies.
Catalina, I don't understand your comment.
If the connections believe (1) the horse is fit, (2) trains well and/or well run well on dirt, (3) will be highly competitive against the others entered, and (4) can get the distance, what is the problem with running him, and what other considerations militate against running him?
Quote from: Dave in TJ Mex on November 15, 2013, 01:04:01 PM
Quote from: Catalina on November 15, 2013, 12:42:53 PM
Quote from: curtis on November 15, 2013, 11:58:20 AM
Quote from: Catalina on November 15, 2013, 10:29:56 AM
Quote from: Ballerina on November 14, 2013, 08:22:28 AM
Unless they think Wise Dan's shot at HOY is in jeopardy, I can't see them entering him in this race. But, I'm not wishing against it.
Seems like running Wise Dan in the Clark shouldn't be needed for cementing HOY. That said, running him would be a silly chance to take.
Wise Dan's a gelding and by running and winning the Clark he'd be doing what we should all hope for thoroughbred geldings to do--earn money. Yes he'll probably win the major award by staying in the barn but it would be nice to break away from the dare I eat a peach mentality.
T'is to be hoped your attitude would be different if it were your horse. But, I can see it won't - the money to be collected for a win would far outweigh any other consideration for you. With "friends" like you, horseracing doesn't need any enemies.
Catalina, I don't understand your comment.
If the connections believe (1) the horse is fit, (2) trains well and/or well run well on dirt, (3) will be highly competitive against the others entered, and (4) can get the distance, what is the problem with running him, and what other considerations militate against running him?
The Clark can lose Wise Dan the coveted HOY repeat. It cannot win him HOY. Seems like another HOY title for a horse that people can visit at KY Horse Park would go far further to improve on the legend, than the $ he's expected to win from the Clark. If he wins the Clark.
It would also go far further towards generating new fans if the industry didn't insist on rubbing it in that stallions have residual post racing value, but that it's perfectly fine to run geldings until they drop.
Quote from: Catalina on November 15, 2013, 01:37:01 PM
Quote from: Dave in TJ Mex on November 15, 2013, 01:04:01 PM
Quote from: Catalina on November 15, 2013, 12:42:53 PM
Quote from: curtis on November 15, 2013, 11:58:20 AM
Quote from: Catalina on November 15, 2013, 10:29:56 AM
Quote from: Ballerina on November 14, 2013, 08:22:28 AM
Unless they think Wise Dan's shot at HOY is in jeopardy, I can't see them entering him in this race. But, I'm not wishing against it.
Seems like running Wise Dan in the Clark shouldn't be needed for cementing HOY. That said, running him would be a silly chance to take.
Wise Dan's a gelding and by running and winning the Clark he'd be doing what we should all hope for thoroughbred geldings to do--earn money. Yes he'll probably win the major award by staying in the barn but it would be nice to break away from the dare I eat a peach mentality.
T'is to be hoped your attitude would be different if it were your horse. But, I can see it won't - the money to be collected for a win would far outweigh any other consideration for you. With "friends" like you, horseracing doesn't need any enemies.
Catalina, I don't understand your comment.
If the connections believe (1) the horse is fit, (2) trains well and/or well run well on dirt, (3) will be highly competitive against the others entered, and (4) can get the distance, what is the problem with running him, and what other considerations militate against running him?
The Clark can lose Wise Dan the coveted HOY repeat. It cannot win him HOY. Seems like another HOY title for a horse that people can visit at KY Horse Park would go far further to improve on the legend, than the $ he's expected to win from the Clark. If he wins the Clark.
It would also go far further towards generating new fans if the industry didn't insist on rubbing it in that stallions have residual post racing value, but that it's perfectly fine to run geldings until they drop.
You know Wise Dan did win the Clark before so what I proposed is not outlandish. My comment about his being a gelding was not meant to imply he, or any other gelding, be run into the ground but that he is at an age when horses begin to slip a little. If he's deemed to be in top form I think Wise Dan should run because who knows how long that form will last? If he wins he should be hailed as one of the greats as opposed to a horse like, say, Mineshaft. Has Cigar being at the KY Horse Park generated scores of new fans?
As for horse racing not needing me, I beg to differ. I own, care for, live with and feed two OTTB's--both geldings--who raced 102 times combined and--except for collecting one bet on each--they earned not one dime for me. I claimed one to retire him because, ironically, in my opinion he was being run until he was going to drop. The other was 23 when I got him, two years ago, and being offered up for a kill buyers price. I devote a lot of time creating artwork that pays homage to many old favorite horses I recall from my youth in the 1970's. Many of those are obscure geldings of which I believe should not be eternally forgotten. Far more of this work is donated than sold. My gallery wishes I would spend more time creating work from some of my other genre since those are more marketable. I think the equine based work is important though so I continue to do them. If I am an enemy to horse racing, in your informed opinion, what is my motive?
Curtis, you have a good heart. My hat's off to you.
Please check your pm box.
Quote from: curtis on November 15, 2013, 03:29:22 PM
Quote from: Catalina on November 15, 2013, 01:37:01 PM
Quote from: Dave in TJ Mex on November 15, 2013, 01:04:01 PM
Quote from: Catalina on November 15, 2013, 12:42:53 PM
Quote from: curtis on November 15, 2013, 11:58:20 AM
Quote from: Catalina on November 15, 2013, 10:29:56 AM
Quote from: Ballerina on November 14, 2013, 08:22:28 AM
Unless they think Wise Dan's shot at HOY is in jeopardy, I can't see them entering him in this race. But, I'm not wishing against it.
Seems like running Wise Dan in the Clark shouldn't be needed for cementing HOY. That said, running him would be a silly chance to take.
Wise Dan's a gelding and by running and winning the Clark he'd be doing what we should all hope for thoroughbred geldings to do--earn money. Yes he'll probably win the major award by staying in the barn but it would be nice to break away from the dare I eat a peach mentality.
T'is to be hoped your attitude would be different if it were your horse. But, I can see it won't - the money to be collected for a win would far outweigh any other consideration for you. With "friends" like you, horseracing doesn't need any enemies.
Catalina, I don't understand your comment.
If the connections believe (1) the horse is fit, (2) trains well and/or well run well on dirt, (3) will be highly competitive against the others entered, and (4) can get the distance, what is the problem with running him, and what other considerations militate against running him?
The Clark can lose Wise Dan the coveted HOY repeat. It cannot win him HOY. Seems like another HOY title for a horse that people can visit at KY Horse Park would go far further to improve on the legend, than the $ he's expected to win from the Clark. If he wins the Clark.
It would also go far further towards generating new fans if the industry didn't insist on rubbing it in that stallions have residual post racing value, but that it's perfectly fine to run geldings until they drop.
You know Wise Dan did win the Clark before so what I proposed is not outlandish. My comment about his being a gelding was not meant to imply he, or any other gelding, be run into the ground but that he is at an age when horses begin to slip a little. If he's deemed to be in top form I think Wise Dan should run because who knows how long that form will last? If he wins he should be hailed as one of the greats as opposed to a horse like, say, Mineshaft. Has Cigar being at the KY Horse Park generated scores of new fans?
As for horse racing not needing me, I beg to differ. I own, care for, live with and feed two OTTB's--both geldings--who raced 102 times combined and--except for collecting one bet on each--they earned not one dime for me. I claimed one to retire him because, ironically, in my opinion he was being run until he was going to drop. The other was 23 when I got him, two years ago, and being offered up for a kill buyers price. I devote a lot of time creating artwork that pays homage to many old favorite horses I recall from my youth in the 1970's. Many of those are obscure geldings of which I believe should not be eternally forgotten. Far more of this work is donated than sold. My gallery wishes I would spend more time creating work from some of my other genre since those are more marketable. I think the equine based work is important though so I continue to do them. If I am an enemy to horse racing, in your informed opinion, what is my motive?
Hats off to you for your good work! :thanks:
I get Catalina. She sounds like a big Wise Dan fan, and does not want him to run again and blow HOY. Nothing really wrong with that position, other than too many owners are too cagey with their horses, and thus fans miss out on a lot of great matchups and a lot of great races, because owners of really good horses never want to take a chance their horse might lose, and thus refuse to run their horses in really tough spots other than the BC.
Quote from: curtis on November 15, 2013, 03:29:22 PM
Quote from: Catalina on November 15, 2013, 01:37:01 PM
Quote from: Dave in TJ Mex on November 15, 2013, 01:04:01 PM
Quote from: Catalina on November 15, 2013, 12:42:53 PM
Quote from: curtis on November 15, 2013, 11:58:20 AM
Quote from: Catalina on November 15, 2013, 10:29:56 AM
Quote from: Ballerina on November 14, 2013, 08:22:28 AM
Unless they think Wise Dan's shot at HOY is in jeopardy, I can't see them entering him in this race. But, I'm not wishing against it.
Seems like running Wise Dan in the Clark shouldn't be needed for cementing HOY. That said, running him would be a silly chance to take.
Wise Dan's a gelding and by running and winning the Clark he'd be doing what we should all hope for thoroughbred geldings to do--earn money. Yes he'll probably win the major award by staying in the barn but it would be nice to break away from the dare I eat a peach mentality.
T'is to be hoped your attitude would be different if it were your horse. But, I can see it won't - the money to be collected for a win would far outweigh any other consideration for you. With "friends" like you, horseracing doesn't need any enemies.
Catalina, I don't understand your comment.
If the connections believe (1) the horse is fit, (2) trains well and/or well run well on dirt, (3) will be highly competitive against the others entered, and (4) can get the distance, what is the problem with running him, and what other considerations militate against running him?
The Clark can lose Wise Dan the coveted HOY repeat. It cannot win him HOY. Seems like another HOY title for a horse that people can visit at KY Horse Park would go far further to improve on the legend, than the $ he's expected to win from the Clark. If he wins the Clark.
It would also go far further towards generating new fans if the industry didn't insist on rubbing it in that stallions have residual post racing value, but that it's perfectly fine to run geldings until they drop.
You know Wise Dan did win the Clark before so what I proposed is not outlandish. My comment about his being a gelding was not meant to imply he, or any other gelding, be run into the ground but that he is at an age when horses begin to slip a little. If he's deemed to be in top form I think Wise Dan should run because who knows how long that form will last? If he wins he should be hailed as one of the greats as opposed to a horse like, say, Mineshaft. Has Cigar being at the KY Horse Park generated scores of new fans?
As for horse racing not needing me, I beg to differ. I own, care for, live with and feed two OTTB's--both geldings--who raced 102 times combined and--except for collecting one bet on each--they earned not one dime for me. I claimed one to retire him because, ironically, in my opinion he was being run until he was going to drop. The other was 23 when I got him, two years ago, and being offered up for a kill buyers price. I devote a lot of time creating artwork that pays homage to many old favorite horses I recall from my youth in the 1970's. Many of those are obscure geldings of which I believe should not be eternally forgotten. Far more of this work is donated than sold. My gallery wishes I would spend more time creating work from some of my other genre since those are more marketable. I think the equine based work is important though so I continue to do them. If I am an enemy to horse racing, in your informed opinion, what is my motive?
Kudos for caring for two OTTB's, and for donating some of your artwork. As to wise Dan having won the Clark before, repeats don't happen all that often. Unless they are aiming him at Dubai, I find running him in the Clark an unnecessary risk, to HOY, to the horse, and what for? The Clark money is peanuts compared to what he raked in for them in the BC and the others he won for them in 2013.
Quote from: Dave in TJ Mex on November 15, 2013, 05:27:10 PM
I get Catalina. She sounds like a big Wise Dan fan, and does not want him to run again and blow HOY. Nothing really wrong with that position, other than too many owners are too cagey with their horses, and thus fans miss out on a lot of great matchups and a lot of great races, because owners of really good horses never want to take a chance their horse might lose, and thus refuse to run their horses in really tough spots other than the BC.
Me, too - REALLY
BIG WISE DAN FAN.
But whether you're a Dan Fan or not, there's no good reason to run Dan any more this year. Unless something unexpectedly outstanding happens before year end, Dan has HOY wrapped up. The connections played the game, and I'm not certain their strategy was to go for a repeat HOY - it's just the way the cards were dealt. As a fan, I don't feel this horse or his connections owe me anything more or have to prove anything more to ME. Wise Dan's a great horse - in my personal opinion, of course. Some fans are never satisfied. This horse could do cartwheels around the track in the Clark, winning by 20 lengths, and spit silver dollars crossing the finish line. But someone would be shouting for gold.
:thanks: for listening.
Youz a good boy, DAN. :girlkiss:
Quote from: Islandgirl45 on November 14, 2013, 02:05:40 PM
Speaking of Giant Oak, I miss hearing from the guy. Hope he eventually finds his way back to TBC, or perhaps a new home here on TRF. :rhrse:
Hi Friends...
Well, as they say - "Back By Popular Demand"! Thanks to my old pal - Islandgirl45 - for thinking of me. I'm currently enjoying the good life - in more ways than one - here in Bluegrass Country (near Lexington Ky.). But I'll be happy to share my insights and knowledge from my years on the track, and maybe I'll even enlighten you a bit on what it's like in the breeding shed. ;)
And I think I'll move my online base of operations over to TRF. Seems like a good group of nice folks over here, and maybe I can avoid all the "snail" jokes I had to put up with on that other board. But I'm definitely bringing along my avatar...the beautiful portrait of me from my friend Gravano!
So here I am - back and better than ever - looking forward to hearing from you!
(By the way, does anyone have Zenyatta's email address? I'd like to discuss with her an item of...shall we say...mutual interest!)
Cheers!
Your friend,
Giant Oak
Multiple G1 winner, and now proud Daddy!
Quote from: Giant Oak on November 18, 2013, 12:07:31 PM
Quote from: Islandgirl45 on November 14, 2013, 02:05:40 PM
Speaking of Giant Oak, I miss hearing from the guy. Hope he eventually finds his way back to TBC, or perhaps a new home here on TRF. :rhrse:
Hi Friends...
Well, as they say - "Back By Popular Demand"! Thanks to my old pal - Islandgirl45 - for thinking of me. I'm currently enjoying the good life - in more ways than one - here in Bluegrass Country (near Lexington Ky.). But I'll be happy to share my insights and knowledge from my years on the track, and maybe I'll even enlighten you a bit on what it's like in the breeding shed. ;)
And I think I'll move my online base of operations over to TRF. Seems like a good group of nice folks over here, and maybe I can avoid all the "snail" jokes I had to put up with on that other board. But I'm definitely bringing along my avatar...the beautiful portrait of me from my friend Gravano!
So here I am - back and better than ever - looking forward to hearing from you!
(By the way, does anyone have Zenyatta's email address? I'd like to discuss with her an item of...shall we say...mutual interest!)
Cheers!
Your friend,
Giant Oak
Multiple G1 winner, and now proud Daddy!
No, I will not be bred to you, if that's why you want you want my email address!
Whoa, now that's a put-down!
But hey, Giant Oak, there are other fillies in the barn, you know, and maybe two deeeeep closers isn't the best idea anyway.
I'm thinking you'd be a good match for someone with a little more speed up front. Maybe keep an eye out for Groupie Doll in spring 2014. She's a pretty chestnut like you!
Quote from: Islandgirl45 on November 20, 2013, 11:22:43 AM
Whoa, now that's a put-down!
But hey, Giant Oak, there are other fillies in the barn, you know, and maybe two deeeeep closers isn't the best idea anyway.
I'm thinking you'd be a good match for someone with a little more speed up front. Maybe keep an eye out for Groupie Doll in spring 2014. She's a pretty chestnut like you!
Groupie Doll. Hmmm... :happy:
Men. They are SO fickle!
Game On Dude has been assigned high weight for the Clark. I have to think this gives Will Take Charge an advantage in the race. Yes, I know he's a three-year-old and he's getting the normal weight break for a sophomore, but you can't convince me that WTC isn't the stronger, bigger (definitely bigger!!) horse right now.
Three-time grade I winner Game On Dude has been assigned high weight of 126 pounds for the Nov. 29 running of the $500,000-added Clark Handicap Presented by Norton Healthcare (gr. I), Churchill Downs officials said Nov. 22.
Racing secretary Ben Huffman gave the Bob Baffert trainee 126 pounds for the 1 1/8-mile event, three pounds more than 3-year-old Will Take Charge, winner of the Travers (gr. I) and recent runner-up in the Nov. 2 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I). Will Take Charge receives a three-pound break in the weights as a 3-year-old facing older males, and will carry 123.
Baffert said Game On Dude will work over the weekend at Santa Anita Park. He'll consider that move and the weight assignments in making a final decision on the trip to Churchill for the Clark.
"They've weighted him like he's Horse of the Year, so I guess that's a compliment," Baffert said by telephone. "I'm glad Huffman isn't down on the horse like everyone else is."
Baffert said that if all goes well in coming days, Game On Dude would ship to Kentucky on Wednesday, Nov. 27. Baffert plans to be in attendance on raceday.
Assigned weights for other likely or possible starters in the Clark include Golden Ticket, 120; Prayer for Relief, 118, Bourbon Courage, 117; Easter Gift, 116; Finnegans Wake, 116; and Jaguar Paw, 115.
Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/82136/game-on-dude-assigned-clark-high-weight#ixzz2lPzyf05n
Quote from: Zenyatta on November 20, 2013, 06:12:04 PM
Men. They are SO fickle!
WHAT! You told me you weren't interested, Zenyatta.
Women. Who can figure them out? :-\
Here is my ice cold, peep exacta: Game On Dude/Bourbon Courage. You all can thank me later... ha ha. Oh wait, maybe I shold have posted this in the losing ticket thread. :o
Going with the dude over will take charge
Good luck
Hi Everybody...it's the old Oakster here!
As we look forward to Friday's renewal of the Clark Handicap, it might be fun to look back on the famous 2010 Clark, which virtually every knowledgeable racing fan agrees is the most exciting and significant Clark of all time. Yes, on that fateful and historic day, 11 world-class thoroughbreds, winners of 63 races between them, crowded into the Churchill Downs gate. And when they crossed under the wire, as always, only one horse could win. And that horse was - drum roll please - ME!! :chickendance: :thanks: :rhrse:
Legal disclaimer: I didn't actually get to the finish line first. The ironically-named Successful Dan played "bumper cars" down the stretch and was taken down. But - hey - a win by DQ is still a win, right? And the 2010 Clark holds a special place in my heart because it was the first of many (actually...2) Grade I wins in my long and illustrious career. (But in the other one I really did get to the finish line first!)
For those of you who wish to relive the excitement of that day, catch the replay:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/CD/2010/11/26/11/clark-h-gr-i
Also, for further,evidence of that glorious day, below is a good picture of me (on the left) and Dan battling down to the wire!
Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy Friday's race!
Your Friend,
Giant Oak
Former Clark Winner and now Proud Daddy!
[attachment deleted by admin]
Quote from: Giant Oak on November 27, 2013, 07:09:50 PM
Hi Everybody...it's the old Oakster here!
As we look forward to Friday's renewal of the Clark Handicap, it might be fun to look back on the famous 2010 Clark, which virtually every knowledgeable racing fan agrees is the most exciting and significant Clark of all time. Yes, on that fateful and historic day, 11 world-class thoroughbreds, winners of 63 races between them, crowded into the Churchill Downs gate. And when they crossed under the wire, as always, only one horse could win. And that horse was - drum roll please - ME!! :chickendance: :thanks: :rhrse:
Legal disclaimer: I didn't actually get to the finish line first. The ironically-named Successful Dan played "bumper cars" down the stretch and was taken down. But - hey - a win by DQ is still a win, right? And the 2010 Clark holds a special place in my heart because it was the first of many (actually...2) Grade I wins in my long and illustrious career. (But in the other one I really did get to the finish line first!)
For those of you who wish to relive the excitement of that day, catch the replay:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/CD/2010/11/26/11/clark-h-gr-i
Also, for further,evidence of that glorious day, below is a good picture of me (on the left) and Dan battling down to the wire!
Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy Friday's race!
Your Friend,
Giant Oak
Former Clark Winner and now Proud Daddy!
Wow, those were the glory days when horse racing was good, Oakster!
Quote from: Giant Oak on November 27, 2013, 07:09:50 PM
Legal disclaimer: I didn't actually get to the finish line first. The ironically-named Successful Dan played "bumper cars" down the stretch and was taken down. But - hey - a win by DQ is still a win, right?
Hey Oakster - As Successful Dan's number was taken down, all of Chicagoland...your hometown...as well as Giant Oak Nation worldwide, rose as one, cheering in unison for your glorious victory!!
Happy Thanksgiving, pal! :HT1:
Wow, the 2013 version of the Clark was just as thrilling as your race, G.O.!
The stretch drive by Will Take Charge was impressive. I bet he's going to be the 3-year-old Eclipse winner now.
Still, I really wanted the Dude to take this one. Wish he could have surged a little before the wire.
Quote from: Islandgirl45 on November 29, 2013, 02:48:43 PM
Wow, the 2013 version of the Clark was just as thrilling as your race, G.O.!
The stretch drive by Will Take Charge was impressive. I bet he's going to be the 3-year-old Eclipse winner now.
Still, I really wanted the Dude to take this one. Wish he could have surged a little before the wire.
WTC is easily three year old champ.
Orb freaked on an off track, then ran so-so in his subsequent races.
A Ky Derby win is nice, but lots of so-so horses have won a Derby, then never won anything of significance afterwards.
WTC is likely a head short (in the BCC) of being HOY.
Will Game On Dude be HOY after being 0 for 2 against WTC? I think today's result should give HOY to Wise Dan.
Quote from: Dave in TJ Mex on November 29, 2013, 04:09:28 PMWTC is easily three year old champ.
Orb freaked on an off track, then ran so-so in his subsequent races.
A Ky Derby win is nice, but lots of so-so horses have won a Derby, then never won anything of significance afterwards.
WTC is likely a head short (in the BCC) of being HOY.
Will Game On Dude be HOY after being 0 for 2 against WTC? I think today's result should give HOY to Wise Dan.
Yeah, I think Game On Dude had to win to be HOTY.
What will be interesting is if Goldencents wins the Cigar Mile. Given he also won a BC race, would they give the 3-year-old Eclipse to him or Will Take Charge?
What puzzled me is when the Dude had an opportunity to take the lead coming out of the gate, he didn't or couldn't. Instead, he let two horses come from outside and beat him to the first turn.
It seemed that all year up to the BCC, his pattern was to burst out of the gate and seize the lead, gradually increase his lead on the backstretch, power around the far turn, and enter the top of the stretch with such a head of steam that no one could catch him.
But in the BCC and the Clark, he didn't grab the lead when he seemingly could have, was content to stalk the lead down the backstretch, moved up on the turn, and entered the stretch with a small lead he couldn't hold.
To state the obvious, he's not the same horse he was earlier this year.
Quote from: Islandgirl45 on November 29, 2013, 07:12:59 PM
Quote from: Dave in TJ Mex on November 29, 2013, 04:09:28 PMWTC is easily three year old champ.
Orb freaked on an off track, then ran so-so in his subsequent races.
A Ky Derby win is nice, but lots of so-so horses have won a Derby, then never won anything of significance afterwards.
WTC is likely a head short (in the BCC) of being HOY.
Will Game On Dude be HOY after being 0 for 2 against WTC? I think today's result should give HOY to Wise Dan.
Yeah, I think Game On Dude had to win to be HOTY.
What will be interesting is if Goldencents wins the Cigar Mile. Given he also won a BC race, would they give the 3-year-old Eclipse to him or Will Take Charge?
To me, it is not close.
WTC won the Travers and lost the BCC by a head, both at the "classic" race distance.
Then he ran down and beat presumptive HOY GOD in the Clark.
Yes, Goldencents won a BC race and the SA Derby, right? But he lost a couple of sprints over the summer.
Assuming the usual bias in favor of classic race distance winners, I think WTC takes the 3 year old championship.
WTC is likely the best horse in the country right now, as a three year old. Mucho Macho Man was fortunate to hold him off in the BCC.
Quote from: Dave in TJ Mex on November 29, 2013, 07:57:03 PM
To me, it is not close.
WTC won the Travers and lost the BCC by a head, both at the "classic" race distance.
Then he ran down and beat presumptive HOY GOD in the Clark.
Yes, Goldencents won a BC race and the SA Derby, right? But he lost a couple of sprints over the summer.
Assuming the usual bias in favor of classic race distance winners, I think WTC takes the 3 year old championship.
WTC is likely the best horse in the country right now, as a three year old. Mucho Macho Man was fortunate to hold him off in the BCC.
I think Dave is exactly right.
Quote from: Vic in Chicago on November 29, 2013, 07:38:16 PM
To state the obvious, he's not the same horse he was earlier this year.
Let me clarify. The Clark was a great race. The Dude ran his heart out, and fought to the end, losing to another great horse by a very small margin. As far as I'm concerned, he greatly redeemed himself for his flop in the BC.
Bob Baffert says he will stay in training, which is great news!
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/82218/will-take-charge-nips-dude-for-clark-victory
. . . and WTC's owner wants to work out a breeding deal that allows WTC to race next year.
http://www.drf.com/news/churchill-downs-owner-hoping-race-will-take-charge-2014
Oddly slow Clark Handicap for no apparent reason, with WTC earning only a Beyer number of 101.
Quote from: Dave in TJ Mex on November 30, 2013, 09:03:53 AM
Oddly slow Clark Handicap for no apparent reason, with WTC earning only a Beyer number of 101.
Dave...
Without a speedball like me in there pushing the pace, what do you expect? :lmao:
Your friend,
Giant Oak
Disputed winner of the Clark, but still the winner!
Quote from: Dave in TJ Mex on November 30, 2013, 09:03:53 AM
. . . and WTC's owner wants to work out a breeding deal that allows WTC to race next year.
http://www.drf.com/news/churchill-downs-owner-hoping-race-will-take-charge-2014
Oddly slow Clark Handicap for no apparent reason, with WTC earning only a Beyer number of 101.
I'm glad Dude is gonna stay in training and same for WTC, or well thats its possible anyway.
Maybe the slow time was a product of two tired horses who have raced all year? Especially Will Take Charge.