Well, so far it seems the field for the Belmont Stakes looks like this:
California Chrome
Commanding Curve
Commissioner
Danza
Intense Holiday
Kid Cruz
Ride On Curlin
Samraat
Social Inclusion
Tonalist
Wicked Strong
http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/NYState/First_Look_at_the_Belmont_Stakes_Field_123
I think a small field benefits California Chrome and this field is looking biggest and bigger.
I do wonder if Uncle Sigh may enter this race as well. Or perhaps he'll be pointed to the Woody Stephens.
That is where I think Social Inclusion should point.
It will be interesting to see a strong closer like Wicked Strong taking on California Chrome at Belmont Park.
Tonalist finished first and Commissioner second in the G2 Peter Pan.
Wicked Strong has the advantage of having broken his maiden at Belmont Park - with two efforts over the surface.
Intense Holiday also has a race over the surface where he finished 5th in the Champagne Stakes.
Samraat broke his maiden at Belmont Park.
Kid Cruz is based at Belmont Park, but has never raced over the surface.
So, six of the eleven potential challengers have experience over the track. We will see what advantage that gives them.
I think California Chrome's connections are following a wise path in shipping him to Belmont Park soon. Chrome managed to win over Churchill's sandy track despite not liking it.
Belmont Park is known as "The Big Sandy".
However, Los Alamitos is known for having a dry, deep, sandy loam to it as well - so we'll see whether Belmont is more similar to Churchill's surface on Derby day or Los Alamitos'. I think Chrome may actually relish it.
Well in 2013 they had 14...
2012 - 11
2011 - 12
2010 - 12
2009 - 10
2008 - 9
2007 - 7
2006 - 12
2005 - 11
2004 - 9
2003 - 6
2002 - 11
2001 - 9
2000 - 11
Grandstand only general admission tickets are still available.
All seats are sold out.
However, I think since Clubhouse General Admission is not available, that this may be because they are going to remove the clubhouse benches and replace them with individual seating that they can sell at more than $100 a pop.
So stay-tuned if you are interested in going.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jesselawrence/2014/05/19/belmont-stakes-tickets-most-expensive-in-3-years-up-48-since-california-chrome-won-preakness/?ss=business
Latest Possible Field:
California Chrome
Commanding Curve
Commissioner
Danza (thanks Dusty)
Intense Holiday
Kid Cruz
Ride On Curlin
Ring Weekend
Samraat
Social Inclusion
Tonalist
Wicked Strong
Danza is OUT!
I've thought all along that this will be the easiest race for Junior of the 3 ... I still think so ... even more so now ...
He's never shown even a hint of being gassed in any of the races in his current streak ... I think he'll handle the extra 1/4 just fine ... and he's more proven at distance than any horse he'll be facing ...
Got a feeling he's gonna romp.
He's used to jogging 2 miles all of the time at his home in Los Al ... and the super long stretch there should have him well prepared there.
Here's hoping he stays healthy, as injury is the only way I can imagine he'd lose this.
Stay safe and have fun Junior!!!
I agree.
Victor has ridden him with not only confidence, but intelligence. He did not use any more of the horse than he needed to win the Preakness Stakes.
Now, Commanding Curve seemed to be coming strong in the Preakness Stakes, but that was after California Chrome had been geared down in the stretch so I really do not see him as having the same quality as Junior.
As I also noted, I think that he will also relish the sandy track at Belmont Park.
That said, I also tend to agree with Joe Drape that this is one of the stronger Belmont fields than we have seen in recent years with four of the top 5 Derby finishers competing and the top 3 Preakness finishers.
G1 Arkansas Derby
Ride on Curlin - 2nd
G1 Bluegrass Stakes
0
G1Florida Derby
0
G1 Wood Memorial
Wicked Strong - 1st
Samraat - 2nd
Social Inclusion - 3rd
G2 Peter Pan Stakes
Tonalist - 1st
Commissioner - 1st
G2 Louisiana Derby
Intense Holiday - 2nd
Commanding Curve - 3rd
G2 Tampa Bay Derby
Ring Weekend - 1st
I hope they don't run Social Inclusion. He's overrated imo, but his connections are not doing him any favors either.
I agree.
I think he is ideally suited for the Haskell Stakes, but running him the Belmont Stakes may hurt his prospects for the summer.
He reminds me a lot of Hard Spun.
A truly talented horse who just faced better horses in the big races. Had he been rested in the Preakness, Hard Spun might have won the Belmont.
I know that Social Inclusion was not in the Derby, but Hard Spun had much more of a bottom under him for the Triple Crown races having raced a number of times at two and three.
Point Social Inclusion to the Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth Park or to the Woody Stephens and the Dwyer. Let him get a stakes win. Then if he wins at 9 furlongs in the Haskell - move him up to a race like the Travers - but gradually.
Is it true that Victor is 2 for 65 at Belmont?
:mallet:
Quote from: Raven on May 21, 2014, 05:01:11 PM
Is it true that Victor is 2 for 65 at Belmont?
That's possible...
and check out this stat:
Belmont Stakes (when the TC is on the line):
7 or less starters: 9-for-13
8 or more starters: 2-for-12
9+ starters: 0-for-9
Good stats, but how many times pre-1978 have there been 9 or more starters in the Belmont Stakes?
That statistic is probably pretty low...
The fields for the TC races likely only started getting to be huge in recent years...but perhaps I am wrong.
This is why I suggested that smaller the field the better for California Chrome.
They had 11 in the gate in 2012 - 12 if I'll Have Another had been entered. I do not think that the number in the starting gate would have prevented I'll Have Another from bringing home the Triple Crown, just like I don't think 11 in the starting gate will prevent California Chrome.
He has been making history along the way, and I am certain if he wins the TC this will be one of many historic footnotes attached to the victory.
Quote from: Raven on May 21, 2014, 05:01:11 PM
Is it true that Victor is 2 for 65 at Belmont?
I think that is largely irrelevant.
He obviously was riding the best horse in only two of those races or issues interceded which prevented him from winning (see War Emblem's stumble at the gate).
In the Belmont Stakes, he will be riding the best horse.
For me what was important was that he raced several times on the Preakness undercard to get a feel for the track.
I hope his connections make certain that he does the same at Belmont Park on Stakes Day.
I think he has been doing a superlative job.
I do not want to jinx him, but we saw some concern about California Chrome breaking from the gate.
In both the Kentucky Derby and particularly the Preakness Stakes he broke sharply.
After the Kentucky Derby, there were concerns about the speed of the race - well he ran the fastest Preakness since Big Brown's 2008 victory.
People suggest that his pedigree is not adequate, but his grandfather is Pulpit and his great grandfather is AP Indy. His sire's dam was by Cozzene who was the 1985 Eclipse Award winning turf horse and led the North American General Sire list in 1996. His grandfather on his dam's side was sired by Mr. Prospector. His dam's dam was sired by a son of Danzig.
The horse was bred to run and that is what he does best from 5.5 furlongs to 10 furlongs and counting.
It seems that California Chrome is having no problem with the Belmont surface.
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more-sports/belmont-stakes-insider-early-trot-leaves-trainer-amazed-triple-threat-article-1.1802787
Let's hope that continues.
He's raced at 5 different tracks...and really 5 different surfaces since the Santa Anita dirt plays differently than the Churchill and Pimlico dirt and then there is the polytrack and the cushion track.
Perhaps if he wins the Triple Crown, I'll be calling for him to head to Europe to try out the turf in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. (SMILE)
Latest Possible Field:
California Chrome
Candy Boy
Commanding Curve
Commissioner
Intense Holiday
Kid Cruz
Matuszak is the latest possible entry. He finished 5th in the Remsen and 4th in the Jerome before heading to Maryland where he was third at Laurel to KId Cruz in the Private Terms and then second to him in the Federico Tesio Stakes at Pimlico.
Ride On Curlin
Ring Weekend
Samraat
Social Inclusion
Tonalist
Wicked Strong
Now its up to 13 - wow...
Quote from: Man o Taz on May 23, 2014, 07:01:41 AM
Latest Possible Field:
California Chrome
Candy Boy
Commanding Curve
Commissioner
Intense Holiday
Kid Cruz
Matuszak is the latest possible entry. He finished 5th in the Remsen and 4th in the Jerome before heading to Maryland where he was third at Laurel to KId Cruz in the Private Terms and then second to him in the Federico Tesio Stakes at Pimlico.
Ride On Curlin
Ring Weekend
Samraat
Social Inclusion
Tonalist
Wicked Strong
Now its up to 13 - wow...
Guess that 2nd place money is too enticing to the other 12 ... plus a little black type in a Classic race is a lure also ...
Just think ... in just over 2 weeks ... we're finally going to have that ever elusive Triple Crown ... as long as he stays healthy. :chickendance:
I guess...here is the field's record against CC...
California Chrome
Candy Boy 0-2
Commanding Curve 0-1
Commissioner 0-0
Intense Holiday 0-1
Kid Cruz 0-1
Matuszak 0-0
Ride On Curlin 0-2
Ring Weekend 0-1
Samraat 0-1
Social Inclusion 0-1
Tonalist 0-0
Wicked Strong 0-1
Quote from: Man o Taz on May 23, 2014, 10:34:47 AM
I guess...here is the field's record against CC...
California Chrome
Candy Boy 0-2
Commanding Curve 0-1
Commissioner 0-0
Intense Holiday 0-1
Kid Cruz 0-1
Matuszak 0-0
Ride On Curlin 0-2
Ring Weekend 0-1
Samraat 0-1
Social Inclusion 0-1
Tonalist 0-0
Wicked Strong 0-1
It's difficult to envision one of these guys beating Chrome, but as we know anything can happen in horse racing. Commanding Curve and Commissioner should at least appreciate the distance. Tonalist and Wicked Strong might be the biggest threats. I like Samraat mainly because of his forwardly placed grinding style of running. That style generally does well in this race. Not sure he's quiet good enough though. Be interesting to see how the field shapes up as we get closer to June 7.
Oh, and I think Ring Weekend was officially declared.
Check out the Santa Anita Celebration - http://www.santaanita.com/events I soooo want the t-Shirt but will not be able to go...drat
Me too!!!
Matterhorn - This Tapit son is the latest to be added to the list of potential starters.
California Chrome
Candy Boy
Commanding Curve
Commissioner
Intense Holiday - too bad. Really was looking forward to see him.
Kid Cruz
Matterhorn - the newest potential entry this son of Tapit was 4th in the G2 Peter Pan Stakes.
Matuszak
Medal Count
Ride On Curlin
Ring Weekend
Samraat
Social Inclusion
Tonalist
Wicked Strong
12 possible entries.
Candy Boy and Ring Weekend are out of this race. Candy Boy going to the Los Al Derby per Sadler, Ring Weekend out per trainer, no indication where he goes next.
Social Inclusion is cross-entered in 2 other races on the undercard from what I have been reading- thinking he may end up in one of those.
Quote from: serenassong on May 27, 2014, 12:02:18 PM
Candy Boy and Ring Weekend are out of this race. Candy Boy going to the Los Al Derby per Sadler, Ring Weekend out per trainer, no indication where he goes next.
Social Inclusion is cross-entered in 2 other races on the undercard from what I have been reading- thinking he may end up in one of those.
I cannot understand what the connections of Social Inclusion are thinking... it's very possible that they are not thinking at all.
They have their horse listed as possible for 3 different races on the same day:
1. a 7 furlong sprint against 3yos (where he probably would fare best)
2. a 12 furloing grind against the best 3yos out there (can't say he would do that well in this spot based on his Preakness run, but he
could close out the tri or super I suppose)
3. an 8 furlong test against some of the very best
older, male horses in the nation (he is a lock to get his ass handed to him if he runs here)
...yet they will use the
same training regime for all 3 races and decide at the last minute. :banghead:
Where is the eyeroller, wait, here he is: ::)
Quote from: peeptoad on May 27, 2014, 12:09:37 PM
I cannot understand what the connections of Social Inclusion are thinking... it's very possible that they are not thinking at all.
They have their horse listed as possible for 3 different races on the same day:
1. a 7 furlong sprint against 3yos (where he probably would fare best)
2. a 12 furloing grind against the best 3yos out there (can't say he would do that well in this spot based on his Preakness run, but he could close out the tri or super I suppose)
3. an 8 furlong test against some of the very best older, male horses in the nation (he is a lock to get his ass handed to him if he runs here)
...yet they will use the same training regime for all 3 races and decide at the last minute. :banghead:
Where is the eyeroller, wait, here he is: ::)
This^. Would make the most sense, but as we all know, it can be lacking in this sport. He is a fast horse, if he can keep it together and not wash out and throw fits the closer he gets into the gate. He came apart behind the gate for the Preakness.
Ah, thought there was someone else coming in-
"horseracinghl @horseracinghl 5m
Ned Toffey of @spendthriftfarm confirms that Medal Count will join the list of contenders for the Belmont Stakes."
Agreed.
I heard he was going to be cross-entered in the Woody Stephens. I hadn't heard of a third race.
He has shown that he can carry his speed as a lightly raced horse 8.5 furlongs, albeit on a fast Gulfstream Park track.
I know its not as a big a racing day at Monmouth Park, but looking at the summer racing schedule I think his best chance to win a Grade 1 race is the Haskell Stakes. Perhaps his connections are thinking of the Kings Bishop for him which is why the Woody Stephens is in the mix.
I think he could run in the Pegasus Stakes and the Haskell and if he does not win both of those, point to the Kings Bishop and perhaps the Kelso/Dirt Mile.
If he excels at the 9 furlong Haskell, then you can even consider him for the Travers Stakes, though I do not think this is an optimal race for him. Granted he is a Pioneer of the Nile just like Cairo Prince, but I think he's more of a 9 furlong horse. And Cairo Prince may be as well.
Just a thought allowing the connections to still keep open the possibility of his still being among the best of this three year old class, while keeping all opportunities open.
However, running in the Woody Stephens off a three week rest may not be an optimal position for him.
The reason I like Monmouth Park is that it tends to favor horses who race on the lead. He would get a four week layoff between races. Now he has more of a bottom under him than he did in the Wood. I think, like Gulfstream Park, Social Inclusion might appreciate the Monmouth Park race course.
Quote from: peeptoad on May 27, 2014, 12:09:37 PM
I cannot understand what the connections of Social Inclusion are thinking... it's very possible that they are not thinking at all.
They have their horse listed as possible for 3 different races on the same day:
1. a 7 furlong sprint against 3yos (where he probably would fare best)
2. a 12 furloing grind against the best 3yos out there (can't say he would do that well in this spot based on his Preakness run, but he could close out the tri or super I suppose)
3. an 8 furlong test against some of the very best older, male horses in the nation (he is a lock to get his ass handed to him if he runs here)
...yet they will use the same training regime for all 3 races and decide at the last minute. :banghead:
Where is the eyeroller, wait, here he is: ::)
All I can say is "wow".
Noms for Woody Stevens (7F)
http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorsemenAreaDownloadAction.cfm?sn=SN-BEL-20140607-523339
Noms for Metropolitan (8F)
http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorsemenAreaDownloadAction.cfm?sn=SN-BEL-20140607-523346
Quote from: Man o Taz on May 27, 2014, 12:22:23 PM
Agreed.
I heard he was going to be cross-entered in the Woody Stephens. I hadn't heard of a third race.
He has shown that he can carry his speed as a lightly raced horse 8.5 furlongs, albeit on a fast Gulfstream Park track.
I know its not as a big a racing day at Monmouth Park, but looking at the summer racing schedule I think his best chance to win a Grade 1 race is the Haskell Stakes. Perhaps his connections are thinking of the Kings Bishop for him which is why the Woody Stephens is in the mix.
I think he could run in the Pegasus Stakes and the Haskell and if he does not win both of those, point to the Kings Bishop and perhaps the Kelso/Dirt Mile.
If he excels at the 9 furlong Haskell, then you can even consider him for the Travers Stakes, though I do not think this is an optimal race for him. Granted he is a Pioneer of the Nile just like Cairo Prince, but I think he's more of a 9 furlong horse. And Cairo Prince may be as well.
Just a thought allowing the connections to still keep open the possibility of his still being among the best of this three year old class, while keeping all opportunities open.
However, running in the Woody Stephens off a three week rest may not be an optimal position for him.
The reason I like Monmouth Park is that it tends to favor horses who race on the lead. He would get a four week layoff between races. Now he has more of a bottom under him than he did in the Wood. I think, like Gulfstream Park, Social Inclusion might appreciate the Monmouth Park race course.
All I can say is "wow".
Wow in response to what I posted, or to what the connections are doing with him?
FWIW, I agree on the Pegasus/Haskell... and SI is still very lightly raced, but I think the connections made a mistake turning down that 8 mill. JMHO.
To the connections.
I hope they are just excited with their charge.
This is the horse of a lifetime for them and perhaps in their exuberance and excitement they are keeping all opportunities open.
I just hope they come back down to Earth before his next race.
And in the news...
Penny Chenery changes schedule to attend Belmont Stakes...
http://msn.foxsports.com/horse-racing/story/secretariat-s-penny-chenery-is-firmly-in-california-chrome-s-triple-crown-corner-052714
Affirmed's owner Patrice Wolfson believes California Chrome is going to do it...
http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/10984591/numbers-california-chrome-favor
Ron Turcotte cheering for California Chrome and thinks he will do it...and Billy Turner sees no trouble for California Chrome...
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/article/Triple-Crown-vets-give-California-Chrome-ringing-5508287.php
Steve Cauthen on California Chrome...
http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Former-Triple-Crown-players-like-California-5508311.php
Amanda Duckworth has an interesting column on ESPN regarding the Belmont Stakes.
The Belmont's place
The final jewel in the Triple Crown will be of particular interest this year
http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/10990580/the-belmont-place
Updated: May 28, 2014, 12:14 PM ET
By Amanda Duckworth | Special to ESPN.com
She appears to be suggesting that the Belmont Stakes is perhaps the least respected Triple Crown race unless there is a Triple Crown on the line.
I must respectfully disagree.
It is a given that breeders in the US are not looking for 12 furlongs horses. However, it is the case that breeders ARE looking for 10 furlong horses. Breeding a 12 furlong horse is still attractive to breeders seeking to foal a 10 furlong champion.
Examine who the leading sire used to be until recently - A.P. Indy. He is a Belmont Stakes winner. Granted he also won the Breeders Cup Classic, but I am certain Lanes End Farm was proud to advertise their stallion as a Belmont Stakes/Breeders Cup Classic Champion.
Lanes End also has Lemon Drop Kid who won the Belmont Stakes, Travers Stakes, and other race.
Union Rags also stands at Lanes End. The Belmont Stakes was his best race.
The same goes for Jazil who stands at Shadwell Farm.
Remember how Belmont Stakes winner Birdstone was so successful as a stallion in a single year he had the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes winner. Granted, he too had won at 10 furlongs in the Travers Stakes, but I do think that his Belmont Stakes win was an attractive feature on his resume.
If this were the case, most of the Derby entrants would not skip the Preakness Stakes to run in Belmont Stakes.
This happens regardless of whether there is a Triple Crown on the line.
I would argue that the Preakness Stakes, is more likely the least respected race by examining the caliber of the horses entered in that race - few Kentucky Derby starters - usually horses that could not make the Kentucky Derby.
Securing a win in the third leg of the Triple Crown, 12 furlongs or not, is still a meaningful goal of many trainers throughout the country.
Thank you MoT for all your informative posts!!!
A labor of love...
And here's the latest Chrews(Chrome News)...
California Chrome training well before Belmont
NEW YORK Wed May 28, 2014 2:25pm EDT
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/28/us-horseracing-belmont-idUSKBN0E823H20140528
California Chrome Has Exercise Rider Raving After Belmont Gallop
May 28, 2014 8:40 AM
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/05/28/california-chrome-has-exercise-rider-raving-after-belmont-gallop/
Art Sherman explains why Chrome can win
May 27, 2014
http://www.10news.com/news/local-trainer-explains-why-california-chrome-has-the-goods-to-win-triple-crown-05272014
California Chrome on the verge of making history...
May 29, 2013
http://www.thecorsaironline.com/news/2014/05/28/california-chrome-on-verge-of-making-history-2/
Tough Race Sharping up for California Chrome
May 29, 2014
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/05/29/tough-race-shaping-up-for-california-chromes-triple-crown-bid-at-belmont/
Belmont Park hopes old song will do the trick
May 29, 2014
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/29/nyregion/belmont-park-hopes-old-song-will-break-triple-crown-drought.html?hpw&rref=nyregion&_r=0
BRIS pps for Belmont probables:
http://www.brisnet.com/brisnet_promos/14BelmontProbables.pdf (http://www.brisnet.com/brisnet_promos/14BelmontProbables.pdf)
Can It Happen To California Chrome?
http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/11001291/can-happen-california-chrome-belmont-stakes
Interesting points.
I think the lesson to be learned is "don't change what you have been doing".
Don't work too fast, or too slow, and when riding the Belmont Stakes you do not need to move too soon. Patience.
California Chrome in the gate at Belmont
http://www.newsday.com/sports/horseracing/belmont-stakes/california-chrome-in-the-gate-at-belmont-1.8272237
Will California Chrome end the drought?
http://www.lowellsun.com/news/ci_25864238/will-california-chrome-end-crown-drought
SI:California Chrome's quest for the Triple Crown (hopefully the below link works so you do not have to watch an annoying ad)
http://si.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?expire=&title=California+Chrome%27s+quest+for+the+Triple+Crown+-+Horse+Racing+-+Tim+Layden+-+SI.com&urlID=528897072&action=cpt&partnerID=2356&fb=Y&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsportsillustrated.cnn.com%2Fmore%2Fnews%2F20140530%2Fcalifornia-chrome-selectable%2F
California Chrome co-owner the toast of Nevada
http://www.kentucky.com/2014/05/29/3264966/california-chrome-co-owner-coburn.html
Espinoza on the hot seat in the Belmont
http://sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=horse/writers/upthebackstretch/archive/agriss_05_28_2014.htm
Quote from: Man o Taz on May 27, 2014, 11:29:17 AM
Me too!!!
Matterhorn - This Tapit son is the latest to be added to the list of potential starters.
California Chrome
Candy Boy
Commanding Curve
Commissioner
Intense Holiday - too bad. Really was looking forward to see him.
Kid Cruz
Matterhorn - the newest potential entry this son of Tapit was 4th in the G2 Peter Pan Stakes.
Matuszak
Medal Count
Ride On Curlin
Ring Weekend
Samraat
Social Inclusion
Tonalist
Wicked Strong
12 possible entries.
Well, if this is the field I am going to do a combination of my Derby and Preakness picks.
Derby PicksCalifornia Chrome
Wicked Strong
Ride On Curlin
Commanding Curve
Preakness PicksCalifornia Chrome
Ride On Curlin
Kid Cruz
General a Rod
Belmont PicksCalifornia Chrome
Wicked Strong
Commissioner
Kid Cruz
I believed in Commanding Curve for the Kentucky Derby, but for some reason I do not think he is as strong a choice for the Belmont Stakes. I think he would have been a better fit for the race if he had trained more at Belmont Park. Churchill and Belmont are two different race tracks. I don't know who the last Belmont Stakes winner was who prepped at Churchill Downs for the race was, but I cannot imagine there are many (I thought maybe Sarava or Drosselmeyer) so Commanding Curve may prove me wrong. No doubt he had a sharp work out at Churchill just like California Chrome did this weekend, but one was over the surface he'll be racing over and the other was over the quirky Churchill surface.
I think Commissioner is a stronger choice given his effort in the Peter Pan Stakes.
I am giving Kid Cruz another chance since he just did not fire in the Preakness.
An Impressive Workout By California Chrome Electrifies Belmont Park
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/01/sports/an-impressive-workout-by-california-chrome-electrifies-belmont-park.html?_r=0
Chrome Visits The Paddock
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/05/30/california-chrome-visits-paddock-at-belmont-timed-workout-saturday/
Will Wet Track Derail California Chrome
http://www.nj.com/horse-racing/index.ssf/2014/05/belmont_stakes_2014_will_wet_track_derail_california_chromes_triple_crown_bid.html
California Chrome handles the wet track at Belmont just fine
http://www.drf.com/news/california-chrome-handles-wet-belmont-track-just-fine
It seems that Social Inclusion's gate issues are continuing.
http://www.newsday.com/sports/horseracing/belmont-stakes/social-exclusion-inclusion-s-connections-might-not-enter-belmont-1.8306424
Again, I understand the excitement the connections have with shepherding a top three year old through the stakes calendar, but I continue to believe that it is a mistake to race SI on Belmont Stakes Day.
They should find a quieter place for him.
Thirteen Reasons why California Chrome wins the Triple Crown
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/horses/2014/06/02/california-chrome-triple-crown-belmont-kentucky-derby-victor-espinoza-art-sherman/9865321/
In California Chrome's Barn, a Hopeful Network of Relative Strangers
By JOE DRAPE JUNE 3, 2014
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/04/sports/in-california-chromes-belmont-stakes-barn-a-hopeful-network-of-relative-strangers.html?_r=0
Quote from: Man o Taz on May 30, 2014, 12:38:49 PM
Well, if this is the field I am going to do a combination of my Derby and Preakness picks.
Derby Picks
California Chrome
Wicked Strong
Ride On Curlin
Commanding Curve
Preakness Picks
California Chrome
Ride On Curlin
Kid Cruz
General a Rod
Belmont Picks
California Chrome
Wicked Strong
Commissioner
Kid Cruz
I believed in Commanding Curve for the Kentucky Derby, but for some reason I do not think he is as strong a choice for the Belmont Stakes. I think he would have been a better fit for the race if he had trained more at Belmont Park. Churchill and Belmont are two different race tracks. I don't know who the last Belmont Stakes winner was who prepped at Churchill Downs for the race was, but I cannot imagine there are many (I thought maybe Sarava or Drosselmeyer) so Commanding Curve may prove me wrong. No doubt he had a sharp work out at Churchill just like California Chrome did this weekend, but one was over the surface he'll be racing over and the other was over the quirky Churchill surface.
I think Commissioner is a stronger choice given his effort in the Peter Pan Stakes.
I am giving Kid Cruz another chance since he just did not fire in the Preakness.
Picks stand even with the addition of General a Rod
California Chrome
Candy Boy Commanding Curve
Commissioner
General a Rod
Intense Holiday Kid Cruz
Matterhorn
Matuszak
Medal Count
Ride On Curlin
Ring Weekend Samraat
Social Inclusion
Tonalist
Wicked Strong
Hopefully Social Inclusion will follow his connection's thoughts yesterday and opt for the Woody Stephens...
The Dark Report from Horse Racing Nation
http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/Chicago/The_Dark_Report_June_1_2014_123
http://www.belmontstakes.com/livestream/
Belmont Stakes Post Position Draw Broadcast On MSG Streamed Live Online
Story by: Dan Silver
Source: NYRA.com
In addition to the coverage provided by the MSG television network, video of Wednesday's post position draw for the 143rd running of the June 11, Grade 1 Belmont Stakes will be streamed live on BelmontStakes.com at the following link: http://www.belmontstakes.com/livestream/
The MSG broadcast, hosted by NYRA TV's Jason Blewitt and with contributions from Eric Donovan, Richard Migliore, and Maggie Wolfendale, will run from 11-11:30 a.m. EDT. It will include interviews conducted by NYRA TV's Andy Serling with connections of the Belmont Stakes contenders, and MSG Plus will replay the show at 1 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. (June 9).
In addition to the live stream of the post position draw, BelmontStakes.com features news stories, contender profiles, embedded videos, pictures, podcasts, historical information, and blogs. The latest Belmont Stakes news is available through the official Belmont Stakes Twitter feed, available at Twitter.com/BelmontStakes.
:thanks:
...for the heads-up!
They're doing other stakes now...
How California Chrome's Owners Beat A Million Dollar System
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/how-california-chrome-s-owners-beat-a-million-dollar-system-with--8-000-220656323.html
Race 11 - Belmont S. (Grade I)
Purse $1,500,000. For Three Year Olds. By subscription of $600 each, to accompany the nomination, if made on or before January 25, 2014, or $6,000, if made on or before March 22, 2014. At any time prior to the closing time of entries, horses may be nominated to The Belmont Stakes upon payment of a supplementary fee of $75,000 to the New York Racing Association, Inc. $15,000 to pass the entry box and $15,000 additional to start. All entrants will be required to pay entry and starting fees; but no fees, supplemental or otherwise shall be added to the purse. The purse to be divided $800,000 to the winner, $280,000 to second, $150,000 to third, $100,000 to fourth, $60,000 to fifth, $45,000 to sixth, $35,000 to seventh and $30,000 to eighth. Colts and Geldings, 126 Lbs.; Fillies, 121 Lbs. The winning owner will be presented with the August Belmont Memorial Cup to be retained for one year as well as a trophy for permanent possession and trophies to the winning trainer and jockey. One And One Half Miles.
PP Horse Virtual Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 Medal Count (KY) 3/C L R Albarado 126 D L Romans
2 California Chrome (CA) 3/C L V Espinoza 126 A Sherman
3 Matterhorn (KY) 3/C L J Bravo 126 T A Pletcher
4 Commanding Curve (KY) 3/R L S Bridgmohan 126 D Stewart
5 Ride On Curlin (KY) 3/C L J R Velazquez 126 W G Gowan
6 Matuszak (KY) 3/C L M E Smith 126 W I Mott
7 Samraat (NY) 3/C L J L Ortiz 126 R A Violette, Jr.
8 Commissioner (KY) 3/C L J Castellano 126 T A Pletcher
9 Wicked Strong (KY) 3/C L R Maragh 126 J A Jerkens
10 General a Rod (KY) 3/C L R Napravnik 126 M J Maker
11 Tonalist (KY) 3/C L J Rosario 126 C Clement
Owners: 1 - Spendthrift Farm LLC ; 2 - Coburn, Steven and Martin, Perry ; 3 - Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Town and Country Farms, Corp. ; 4 - West Point Thoroughbreds ; 5 - Dougherty, Daniel, J. ; 6 - Prussin, George, J. ; 7 - My Meadowview Farm ; 8 - WinStar Farm LLC ; 9 - Centennial Farms ; 10 - Skychai Racing LLC and Starlight Racing ; 11 - Evans, Robert, S.
Breeders: 1 - Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC; 2 - Perry Martin & Steve Coburn; 3 - Town & Country Farm Corp; 4 - T. F. VanMeter; 5 - G. Watts Humphrey Jr. & Louise IrelandHumphrey Revocable Trust - 2008; 6 - Sha-Li Leasing Associates, Inc.; 7 - My Meadowview LLC; 8 - WinStar Farm, LLC; 9 - William F. Lynn; 10 - Hare Forest Farm; 11 - Woodslane Farm
Quote from: Man o Taz on May 30, 2014, 12:38:49 PM
Well, if this is the field I am going to do a combination of my Derby and Preakness picks.
Derby Picks
California Chrome
Wicked Strong
Ride On Curlin
Commanding Curve
Preakness Picks
California Chrome
Ride On Curlin
Kid Cruz
General a Rod
Belmont Picks
California Chrome
Wicked Strong
Commissioner
Kid Cruz
I believed in Commanding Curve for the Kentucky Derby, but for some reason I do not think he is as strong a choice for the Belmont Stakes. I think he would have been a better fit for the race if he had trained more at Belmont Park. Churchill and Belmont are two different race tracks. I don't know who the last Belmont Stakes winner was who prepped at Churchill Downs for the race was, but I cannot imagine there are many (I thought maybe Sarava or Drosselmeyer) so Commanding Curve may prove me wrong. No doubt he had a sharp work out at Churchill just like California Chrome did this weekend, but one was over the surface he'll be racing over and the other was over the quirky Churchill surface.
I think Commissioner is a stronger choice given his effort in the Peter Pan Stakes.
I am giving Kid Cruz another chance since he just did not fire in the Preakness.
Kid Cruz is out so I am picking Tonalist even though I heard his last work was not the greatest over a dry fast track which is likely to be what he faces on Saturday.
California Chrome follows Secretariat's Triple Crown Path...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2014/06/04/california-chrome-follows-secretariats-triple-crown-path-in-belmont-draw/
California Chrome's Breeding Value Might Be Much Less Than Owner's Expect
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/othersports/california-chromes-value-might-be-much-less-than-the-30-million-his-trainer-and-owners-expect/2014/06/02/19163db0-ea54-11e3-b98c-72cef4a00499_story.html
Here goes Mr. Beyer again trying to gin up some controversy suggesting California Chrome is not worth the $30 million that his owners suggested after the Preakness or the $50 million paid for Fusaichi Pegasus...
Though I agree with the latter, I would think that someone will pay $40-50 million if he wins the Triple Crown - and if the US is not careful that someone may be from Japan...
Granted California Chrome's immediate pedigree may not be as rich as Honor Code or Commissioner. However, he is not far removed from a good pedigree on the top and bottom as others have pointed out.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2014/05/23/haskin-belmont-pedigrees-befuddling.aspx
On his dam's side he is a great grandson of Mr. Prospector and a great, great grandson of Danzig.
I think Mr. Beyer if we were to wager on what fee California Chrome would be purchased for for breeding...it would come in higher than what Mr. Beyer expects.
http://www.drf.com/news/kentucky-derby-win-california-chrome-casts-pedigree-new-light
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/05/31/family-ties-does-california-chrome-have-enough/slsVnykSOkMqB2mpL61qXM/story.html
Mr. Beyer often seems slow to catch on...
I've not followed who Beyer preferred in the Derby and the Preakness, but if I know him ... it wasn't California Chrome in either and it won't be CC in The Belmont either ...
I think we ALL know where he's coming from when he writes ... and it's not from objectivity ... just his usual East Coast bias BS ... His point of view means nothing when it comes to giving real value or credit to a West Coast horse. In fact, the less credit he gives to a top performing West Coaster ... the better that horse likely is.
I, personally, am very pro-West Coast and make no bones about it ... but when it comes to picking a race, I'm picking the horse I honestly think will win regardless of coast ... I thought Rachel was one of the most over-rated horses I'd ever seen(of top performers, that is), but when it came to her Preakness I SINGLED her on top of my Superfecta and got paid very handsomely for doing so.
I dropped MY bias and I got paid. I NEVER handicap from a West Coast bias standpoint. I personally support and love horses from one though ... but don't pick them from one.
Beyer would do well top drop his bias at the door when it comes to his public missives. Not doing so in such obvious situations like CC and Zenyatta just makes him continue to look like the fool he is.
Quote from: The Tin Man on June 05, 2014, 08:02:04 AM
I've not followed who Beyer preferred in the Derby and the Preakness, but if I know him ... it wasn't California Chrome in either and it won't be CC in The Belmont either ...
I think we ALL know where he's coming from when he writes ... and it's not from objectivity ... just his usual East Coast bias BS ... His point of view means nothing when it comes to giving real value or credit to a West Coast horse. In fact, the less credit he gives to a top performing West Coaster ... the better that horse likely is.
I, personally, am very pro-West Coast and make no bones about it ... but when it comes to picking a race, I'm picking the horse I honestly think will win regardless of coast ... I thought Rachel was one of the most over-rated horses I'd ever seen(of top performers, that is), but when it came to her Preakness I SINGLED her on top of my Superfecta and got paid very handsomely for doing so.
I dropped MY bias and I got paid. I NEVER handicap from a West Coast bias standpoint. I personally support and love horses from one though ... but don't pick them from one.
Beyer would do well top drop his bias at the door when it comes to his public missives. Not doing so in such obvious situations like CC and Zenyatta just makes him continue to look like the fool he is.
Beyer is a horse player first, and he posts his picks like you and i do!! When you and i drop our bias, then we can ask him to drop his!!!
Dave, You know i'm an east coast guy!
Spiro
The irony is that Mr. Beyer will be picking pedigree over Beyer Speed Figure if he goes against California Chrome since he is far and away the fastest horse.
I understand he may be picking based on being a handicapper first, but from my perspective whether he writes disisng an East coast horse or a West coast horse finding an angle to write about that he himself does not believe - but he picks it to just suggest a controversy that is not really there.
His columns have not all been anti-Chrome...
In Belmont Stakes, place your sentiments on California Chrome; put your money elsewhere
Smart handicappers will place their sentiments on California Chrome but put their Belmont wagers elsewhere.
June 6, 2014
American thoroughbreds are no longer bred to go the distance in the Belmont Stakes
(The Washington Post, June 3, 2014; 7:52 AM)
For California Chrome, a tactically brilliant Preakness triumph
(The Washington Post, May 17, 2014; 9:00 PM)
Sluggish Derby field makes projecting Preakness winners a challenge
(The Washington Post, May 15, 2014; 9:57 AM)
California Chrome's Kentucky Derby victory was aesthetically pleasing, historically slow
(The Washington Post, May 4, 2014; 1:30 PM)
Odds are against California Chrome win
http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/06/05/4159996/odds-are-against-california-chromes.html
Here's what California Chrome can earn as stud fees (or what he can't earn - really they say it will be less than $300,000 but not what it might actually be)
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/how-much-of-a-stud-is-california-chrome-2014-06-05
True Test of a Champion
http://espn.go.com/espn/print?id=11035946&type=story
Freaking Matterhorn ... a horse with ZERO realistic chance to win ... Even Pletcher all but exclaimed that leading up to the race ... Steps on Chrome's foot the instant the gates open ... and the racing gods have bypassed another Triple Crown ...
Sucks.
Tried to post the picture showing it, but it says my "upload folder" is full ... whatever that means ... so it won't let me.
Also ... wanna know the key to hitting a $3,400 Belmont trifecta?
Just toss any horse that ran in The Preakness and box the others.
Really could have hit it for 6 bucks by doing that. Anyone in their right mind would have tossed Matterhorn and Matuszak ... So that only left Tonalist, Commissioner and medal Count ...
Easy 6 buck trifecta box paying $3,400 bucks.
Next year in The Belmont, I'm tossing ANY horse that ran in The Preakness and only using the others in my trifecta ... I bet I'll hit it too.
Quote from: The Tin Man on June 07, 2014, 09:06:44 PM
Freaking Matterhorn ... a horse with ZERO realistic chance to win ... Even Pletcher all but exclaimed that leading up to the race ... Steps on Chrome's foot the instant the gates open ... and the racing gods have bypassed another Triple Crown ...
Sucks.
Tried to post the picture showing it, but it says my "upload folder" is full ... whatever that means ... so it won't let me.
Agreed. CC just didn't seem like 'himself,' and since he had been training so well, I wondered what had gone wrong. Didn't know about the injury until later. :(
Quote from: Delamont on June 08, 2014, 06:08:44 AM
Agreed. CC just didn't seem like 'himself,' and since he had been training so well, I wondered what had gone wrong. Didn't know about the injury until later. :(
Getting a gash in your foot and slamming it down hard in sand non-stop for a mile and a half could definitely affect the way one runs ... I would say ...
As it was, even with that, he only officially lost by 1 3/4 lengths ... that's pretty damn impressive to me ... The racing gods are not kind.
And all of the high dollar breeders breathe a HUGE sigh of relief .... a 2500 dollar breeding winning THE TRIPLE CROWN most certainly would have put a big hit on the high dollar breeding fees, as others realize that you CAN win it all without paying a mint.
Bet those cats are VERY relieved that CC didn't win all 3.
Courageous animal. I hope he recovers well and goes on to win more major stakes.
Agree all around.
I thought I had hit the superfecta thinking that Medal Count was the one that dead heated with Chrome and not Wicked Strong.
Oh well.
I did pick the exacta...horses in my top 4 which I always box - Tonalist and Commissioner.
The Chrome certainly showed his heart, courage and determination in managing a fourth place finish despite his injury. I cannot imagine the pain - or a human enduring a similar injury and continuing on for 12 furlongs.
Quote from: The Tin Man on June 08, 2014, 08:53:06 AM
And all of the high dollar breeders breathe a HUGE sigh of relief .... a 2500 dollar breeding winning THE TRIPLE CROWN most certainly would have put a big hit on the high dollar breeding fees, as others realize that you CAN win it all without paying a mint.
Bet those cats are VERY relieved that CC didn't win all 3.
After he wins the Breeders Cup Classic this year and next they will still have to contend with him. ;)
Darn it. I'm back to using emoticons. I love these guys/gals.
The one reality that you get with California Chrome is durability.
Rarely have I seen a horse with the durability that he has demonstrated in a Triple Crown run.
Sorry we will not see him again this year (out East), but hope to see him next.
I think that Chrome's connections were treated well in NY. Better than in Kentucky. So, I hope they will consider returning next year.
Quote from: The Tin Man on June 08, 2014, 08:53:06 AM
And all of the high dollar breeders breathe a HUGE sigh of relief .... a 2500 dollar breeding winning THE TRIPLE CROWN most certainly would have put a big hit on the high dollar breeding fees, as others realize that you CAN win it all without paying a mint.
Bet those cats are VERY relieved that CC didn't win all 3.
One of the first things that I thought about in watching the race and realizing that there would be no TC- was you Tin Man. I am sorry that we did not get to see this. It would have been wonderful. It reminds me of being at Belmont Park with Smarty- they loved him as well- and when that same point came- you could have heard a pin drop.
You cant take away what he has already done and will continue to do. Onward and upward.
Quote from: The Tin Man on June 07, 2014, 09:11:13 PM
Also ... wanna know the key to hitting a $3,400 Belmont trifecta?
Just toss any horse that ran in The Preakness and box the others.
Really could have hit it for 6 bucks by doing that. Anyone in their right mind would have tossed Matterhorn and Matuszak ... So that only left Tonalist, Commissioner and medal Count ...
Easy 6 buck trifecta box paying $3,400 bucks.
Next year in The Belmont, I'm tossing ANY horse that ran in The Preakness and only using the others in my trifecta ... I bet I'll hit it too.
This year perhaps, It wouldn't have got you a dime last year.
Quote from: The Tin Man on June 07, 2014, 09:06:44 PM
Freaking Matterhorn ... a horse with ZERO realistic chance to win ... Even Pletcher all but exclaimed that leading up to the race ... Steps on Chrome's foot the instant the gates open ... and the racing gods have bypassed another Triple Crown ...
Sucks.
Tried to post the picture showing it, but it says my "upload folder" is full ... whatever that means ... so it won't let me.
I was listening to Mike Francesa on the 660, The Fan talk about this.
Francesa is dangerous because he owns horses and as a result thinks he knows about the sport, and many listeners respect his point of view on horse racing.
He has again proved his lack of racing knowledge.
He kept saying over and over again how horses get cut all the time in these races and that California Chrome's injury was no big deal and had no impact on the race result since he was in perfect position coming down the stretch and he just came up empty.
Now, he is correct that many horses to get cut in the gate and often these injuries are superficial. I know that California Chrome's injury us also a common one - grabbing a quarter - ...but the injury was more than just a cut...and the fact that he did not know when the injury occurred (it has been verified that it occurred coming out of the gate) as you note...the injury was not superficial and as a farrier notes further down the page via comments - a grabbed quarter has a serious impact upon a horse's ability to compete.
http://www.drf.com/news/california-chrome-grabbed-quarter-during-belmont
The folks on Paulick think the number one reason he lost was the injury at the start...
http://www.paulickreport.com/news/triple-crown/santa-anita-horsemen-reflect-on-california-chromes-belmont/
Quote from: serenassong on June 09, 2014, 08:32:36 AM
One of the first things that I thought about in watching the race and realizing that there would be no TC- was you Tin Man. I am sorry that we did not get to see this. It would have been wonderful. It reminds me of being at Belmont Park with Smarty- they loved him as well- and when that same point came- you could have heard a pin drop.
You cant take away what he has already done and will continue to do. Onward and upward.
I appreciate the thought Serena ... and yes ... while extremely disappointed ... I'm very, very proud of Junior and look forward to meeting him one on one soon ... :)
Just wish his foot wouldn't have been stepped on 1st jump out of the gate ... We may have been singing a very different song post race.
Racing gods suck ... sometime ... >:(
Fantastic article and I agree with it wholeheartedly ...
If only Steve had stated it this way, nothing would have changed, but maybe people would have at least realized how salient his point is ...
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/racinghub/archive/2014/06/08/whoa-nellie-maybe-coburn-s-right.aspx?rnd=635378505524948750&CommentPosted=true#commentmessage#ixzz345lUv68R
Also ... Keep in mind that the average size of Belmont fields for Triple Crown winners was 5.4 horses ... Not 11 like in CC's Belmont ... Heck ... He faced more "new shooters" than horses were in the average Belmont fields of TC winners.
Quote from: Man o Taz on June 09, 2014, 01:21:33 PM
I was listening to Mike Francesa on the 660, The Fan talk about this.
Francesa is dangerous because he owns horses and as a result thinks he knows about the sport, and many listeners respect his point of view on horse racing.
He has again proved his lack of racing knowledge.
He kept saying over and over again how horses get cut all the time in these races and that California Chrome's injury was no big deal and had no impact on the race result since he was in perfect position coming down the stretch and he just came up empty.
Now, he is correct that many horses to get cut in the gate and often these injuries are superficial. I know that California Chrome's injury us also a common one - grabbing a quarter - ...but the injury was more than just a cut...and the fact that he did not know when the injury occurred (it has been verified that it occurred coming out of the gate) as you note...the injury was not superficial and as a farrier notes further down the page via comments - a grabbed quarter has a serious impact upon a horse's ability to compete.
http://www.drf.com/news/california-chrome-grabbed-quarter-during-belmont
The folks on Paulick think the number one reason he lost was the injury at the start...
http://www.paulickreport.com/news/triple-crown/santa-anita-horsemen-reflect-on-california-chromes-belmont/
And that's how the polling closed...
http://www.paulickreport.com/pollsarchive/
And here is more regarding grabbing a quarter being particularly painful to the horse...
http://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/California-Chrome-s-Crown-hopes-clipped-5536899.php
http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/California-Chrome-finishes-4th-in-Belmont-5536674.php
"Maybe that foot got to stinging him," Art Sherman, California Chrome's 77-year-old trainer, said as he walked briskly back to the barn on the Belmont backstretch. "It's just hard to run on a track when you grab your quarter. Very painful. We might have an excuse."
Of course, here the suggestion is that he did it to himself...
http://longshotsblues.wordpress.com/2014/06/08/california-chrome-injured-out-of-the-gate-at-belmont-and-there-went-history/
But here we see Matterhorn running into him...
What the heck was Joe Bravo thinking? Did he want to run along the rail from the 3 position? I can't imagine it was intentional. I find it hard to believe with his attention to detail, but perhaps Mr. Pletcher's horses need better gate schooling. We were at Monmouth Park on Sunday and one of his horses flipped over in the gate and needed to be scratched.