Is anybody else into horse racing here? [Archive]

hillgal

08-17-2008, 09:38 PM

Brooke

08-17-2008, 10:14 PM

Hi ClintonFan1992.

Horse racing is also my passion. Like you, I love the horses but rarely gamble. I spend most of the time at the track taking pictures. I live very close to the Meadowlands and I'm not too far from Monmouth Park. I was at the Hambletonian 2 weeks ago but was unable to make the Haskell at Monmouth.

I'm a fan of both thoroughbreds and harness racing. I have been a racing fan all my life but it became my number one spectator sport in 1977. I also visited Three Chimneys Farm in Midway, KY to see Seattle Slew and Slew O' Gold.

I was at the Haskell this year, my first one, it was awesome!! I'd been to Monmouth a few times, went to the BC last year. Fun times.

I've been to Three Chimneys to visit the new occupant of Slew's stall, and my homeboy, Smarty Jones!:D

Area504, do you go to Fair Grounds.

LOL..Muzza. He and I met for dinner the night I was coming home from the Belmont this year and he looked at me like I had three heads I think..hahaha. :)

Area504

08-17-2008, 10:18 PM

Area504, do you go to Fair Grounds.

Yes, almost every weekend from November until March!

Brooke

08-17-2008, 10:24 PM

Sweet!!!!!!

Do you ever get up to Oaklawn? I LOOOVEEE that place!!

Tracks I've been to:

Philadelphia Park (I live around the corner)
Monmouth Park
Charles Town
Keeneland
Churchill Downs
Laurel
Pimlico
Belmont
Saratoga
Oaklawn
Delaware Park
Turfway

My top three favorite tracks:

1. Saratoga!! (Was there twice last year and going up Labor Day weekend)
2. Keeneland
3. Oaklawn
4. Monmouth (Okay I had to add that one).

Tracks I still want to visit:

Santa Anita
Del Mar
Gulfstream
Fair Grounds
And I want to go to Keeneland for a race day, I've only been there when it's not running.

Area504

08-17-2008, 10:38 PM

I've never been to Oaklawn (yet)!

Besides the Fair Grounds, I've also been to Evangeline Downs (Lafayette, LA)
Sam Houston Race Park
Arlington Park in Chicago
Churchill Downs

Might go to Belmont next summer.

Brooke

08-17-2008, 10:47 PM

Oohh..if/when you get to Belmont, let me know, I can meet you. I'm only a short train ride away. I was there last for Big Brown's Belmont, but I've been a bunch of times.

Last year I followed one of my favorite racehorses around NY so I got to Belmont and Saratoga a lot. He was retired at the end of the year (which I figured) so I wanted to go to as many of his races as I could. I was unemployed so I had the time..lol. He ran 5 times in NY and I went to all 5 of his races. It was really exciting.

Area504

08-17-2008, 11:40 PM

Oohh..if/when you get to Belmont, let me know, I can meet you.

That would be cool...I'll let you know! :)

Brooke

08-18-2008, 07:00 AM

That would be cool...I'll let you know! :)

Cool!!

hillgal

08-18-2008, 04:42 PM

I was at the Haskell this year, my first one, it was awesome!! I'd been to Monmouth a few times, went to the BC last year. Fun times.

I've been to Three Chimneys to visit the new occupant of Slew's stall, and my homeboy, Smarty Jones

I was at the Haskell to see Funny Cide. Unfortunaley he didn't win that day but he drew the biggest crowd that Monmouth Park ever had.

You had a treat this year to see another Derby-Preakness winner run in the Haskell and win. Of course, I watched live on TV. I also subscribe to the horse racing channels because ESPN doesn't always broadcast the races I want to watch. This past Saturday, I watched the Iselin which was only shown on TVG.

One of my favorite moments in horse racing was seeing Rags To Riches win the Belmont.

My niece was born the same day Winning Colors won the Derby. I met her trainer, D. Wayne Lucas, at Monmouth Park. I spoke to him for a while and he was very friendly to the fans.

Did you know that the first horse to ever win the Derby undefeated was the filly Regret in 1915.

LetsHelpAmerica

08-18-2008, 04:49 PM

I love horses!!!
I go to the races here but they are only here for a few weeks.
It's one of my favorite things!! I don't, otherwise gamble at all.
It's just a horse thing!
I owned Day Trav ( related to Man O' War..... War Admiral ) after
his racing days. A friend rescued him from the Santa Anita Race Track
after a cracked ankle prevented him from serious contention. She had
the money and I wanted him! I loved him and keep him till he passed on
at 25 years old.
I also owned another Throughbred many years later..... Passing Mark.
Now I have 5 goats! They are much easier to afford! ha!! Love goats!!!!

Brooke

08-18-2008, 09:19 PM

I was at the Haskell to see Funny Cide. Unfortunaley he didn't win that day but he drew the biggest crowd that Monmouth Park ever had.

You had a treat this year to see another Derby-Preakness winner run in the Haskell and win. Of course, I watched live on TV. I also subscribe to the horse racing channels because ESPN doesn't always broadcast the races I want to watch. This past Saturday, I watched the Iselin which was only shown on TVG.

One of my favorite moments in horse racing was seeing Rags To Riches win the Belmont.

My niece was born the same day Winning Colors won the Derby. I met her trainer, D. Wayne Lucas, at Monmouth Park. I spoke to him for a while and he was very friendly to the fans.

Did you know that the first horse to ever win the Derby undefeated was the filly Regret in 1915.

Yep, saw Big Brown. I saw him in the Belmont too, that race didn't turn out as well as the Haskell did.

I know that about Regret. That is so cool about your neice and Winning Colors. I'm not really a Lukas fan, but he did train Charismatic who is the daddy of one of my favorite horses, Sun King, who was retired last year at 5.

Rags' Belmont was incredible. I wish I'd been there for that.

I get the Philly Park Phonebet TV channel. I live around the corner so I go to the track quite a bit. I'm good friends with Smarty Jones' trainer.

hillgal

08-18-2008, 09:56 PM

Yep, saw Big Brown. I saw him in the Belmont too, that race didn't turn out as well as the Haskell did.

I know that about Regret. That is so cool about your neice and Winning Colors. I'm not really a Lukas fan, but he did train Charismatic who is the daddy of one of my favorite horses, Sun King, who was retired last year at 5.

Rags' Belmont was incredible. I wish I'd been there for that.

I get the Philly Park Phonebet TV channel. I live around the corner so I go to the track quite a bit. I'm good friends with Smarty Jones' trainer.

I loved Smarty Jones and told all my friends a month before the Derby to watch out for him. We were all big fans. I really wanted him to win the Triple Crown and was very disappointed that day.

I'm familiar with Sun King and he was a very good horse as I remember when I saw him as a 3 and 4 year-old.

I spoke to Lukas about Charismatic and he told me that he visited him after the injury. He really seemed to care about him.

I made a DVD of Rags Belmont but I still have the race in hi-def on my DVR. I never erased it. I loved when the track announcer said after the race, "Girl Power Rules the Day." I hope that's true next week at the convention.

Brooke

08-18-2008, 10:05 PM

I loved Smarty Jones and told all my friends a month before the Derby to watch out for him. We were all big fans. I really wanted him to win the Triple Crown and was very disappointed that day.

I'm familiar with Sun King and he was a very good horse as I remember when I saw him as a 3 and 4 year-old.

I spoke to Lukas about Charismatic and he told me that he visited him after the injury. He really seemed to care about him.

I made a DVD of Rags Belmont but I still have the race in hi-def on my DVR. I never erased it. I loved when the track announcer said after the race, "Girl Power Rules the Day." I hope that's true next week at the convention.

Oh I hope so too!!! :D

Sun King was trained by Nick Zito, who I've come to know over the past few years. He's a really sweet guy and a great trainer. I call him "Uncle" Nick. Sun King never really won any big races but he had the heart of a champion. I saw him win the Pennsylvania Derby here a few years ago. He nearly beat Invasor in the Whitney in 2006, it was a great race.

Rags beat Curlin, who is an incredible horse. I saw him in the Jockey Club last year and then in the BC at Monmouth. I'm going up to Saratoga over Labor Day to see him in the Woodward. I can't wait.

My dad predicted Smarty would win the Derby three months ahead of time, it was cool. I was at that Derby, then Smarty's Preakness and Belmont. It was the ride of a lifetime.

I loved Chris Antley, his story was so sad.

hillgal

08-19-2008, 03:20 PM

Oh I hope so too!!!

Sun King was trained by Nick Zito, who I've come to know over the past few years. He's a really sweet guy and a great trainer. I call him "Uncle" Nick. Sun King never really won any big races but he had the heart of a champion. I saw him win the Pennsylvania Derby here a few years ago. He nearly beat Invasor in the Whitney in 2006, it was a great race.

Rags beat Curlin, who is an incredible horse. I saw him in the Jockey Club last year and then in the BC at Monmouth. I'm going up to Saratoga over Labor Day to see him in the Woodward. I can't wait.

My dad predicted Smarty would win the Derby three months ahead of time, it was cool. I was at that Derby, then Smarty's Preakness and Belmont. It was the ride of a lifetime.

I loved Chris Antley, his story was so sad.

I had predicted that Smarty Jones and Curlin would win the Derby over a month ahead of time. I thought Curlin was the best horse in the Derby but he proved that on another day. I picked him to win the Belmont too but was ecstatic when Rags won and, of course, rooted for her against my own pick.

Invasor was the best horse in training a couple of years ago. You have to be a great horse to come near to him at the finish. Invasor reminded me of Cigar.

Lost In The Fog was a tragedy too. I followed all of his races and he was a true champion sprinter. Was very sad when I heard of his terminal illness.

Zito seems like a genuine soul when I see him in interviews. He's also kind of a sleeper but a spoiler in the big races.

Who do you like in the Travers.

Brooke

08-19-2008, 11:41 PM

I had predicted that Smarty Jones and Curlin would win the Derby over a month ahead of time. I thought Curlin was the best horse in the Derby but he proved that on another day. I picked him to win the Belmont too but was ecstatic when Rags won and, of course, rooted for her against my own pick.

Invasor was the best horse in training a couple of years ago. You have to be a great horse to come near to him at the finish. Invasor reminded me of Cigar.

Lost In The Fog was a tragedy too. I followed all of his races and he was a true champion sprinter. Was very sad when I heard of his terminal illness.

Zito seems like a genuine soul when I see him in interviews. He's also kind of a sleeper but a spoiler in the big races.

Who do you like in the Travers.

Cigar was amazing. I've seen him at the Kentucky Horse Park twice and he is sooo sweet and awesome. I love him.

I saw Lost in the Fog in the BC Sprint in 2005 and I was cheering so hard for him. He was such a champion, and then Aleo died too this year, very sad as well.

Oh boy, the Travers?? I have no idea!! I know Zito was planning on putting Da'Tara and Anak Nakal in there after their dismal finishes in the Jim Dandy but something tells me he won't. I haven't even looked at the nominations list. Let me get back to you.

Edit: Okay, so Da'Tara and Cool Coal Man are both running. My #1 Derby pick this year until he got hurt was War Pass. I was at his maiden last summer at Saratoga and fell in love with him. Then I saw him win the BC Juvy. I was heartbroken when he got hurt but hopefully he'll be back. My #2 horse this year became Colonel John who is running in the Travers so I'm going with him.

How about you?

I also like Tres Borrachos.

hillgal

08-20-2008, 03:33 PM

Cigar was amazing. I've seen him at the Kentucky Horse Park twice and he is sooo sweet and awesome. I love him.

I saw Lost in the Fog in the BC Sprint in 2005 and I was cheering so hard for him. He was such a champion, and then Aleo died too this year, very sad as well.

Oh boy, the Travers?? I have no idea!! I know Zito was planning on putting Da'Tara and Anak Nakal in there after their dismal finishes in the Jim Dandy but something tells me he won't. I haven't even looked at the nominations list. Let me get back to you.

Edit: Okay, so Da'Tara and Cool Coal Man are both running. My #1 Derby pick this year until he got hurt was War Pass. I was at his maiden last summer at Saratoga and fell in love with him. Then I saw him win the BC Juvy. I was heartbroken when he got hurt but hopefully he'll be back. My #2 horse this year became Colonel John who is running in the Travers so I'm going with him.

How about you?

I also like Tres Borrachos.

I haven't studied the Travers field yet but will let you know my pick soon. Da'Tara looked really good in the Belmont and was totally overshadowed by Big Brown's loss. Colonel John was highly touted all year and was a big disappointment so far in the big races.

The BC Juvenal winners are usually cursed for winning the derby. To my knowledge, this is the only race in the sport that excludes fillies and mares. Yet, all the distaff races exclude the males. It's much more common for the females to run against the males in Europe and in harness racing.

Brooke

08-20-2008, 10:56 PM

I haven't studied the Travers field yet but will let you know my pick soon. Da'Tara looked really good in the Belmont and was totally overshadowed by Big Brown's loss. Colonel John was highly touted all year and was a big disappointment so far in the big races.

The BC Juvenal winners are usually cursed for winning the derby. To my knowledge, this is the only race in the sport that excludes fillies and mares. Yet, all the distaff races exclude the males. It's much more common for the females to run against the males in Europe and in harness racing.

Well Da'Tara is coming off a last place finish in the Jim Dandy against a pretty weak field so I'm not sure how his chances are going into this race. But Nick says he's training well so we'll see.

Yeah, the Juvy Jinx still exists even though Street Sense seemed to break it pretty easily..lol.

hillgal

08-21-2008, 05:22 PM

Well Da'Tara is coming off a last place finish in the Jim Dandy against a pretty weak field so I'm not sure how his chances are going into this race. But Nick says he's training well so we'll see.

Yeah, the Juvy Jinx still exists even though Street Sense seemed to break it pretty easily..lol.

Sometimes horses are very erratic. The one I remember the most was General Assembly. It's the erratic ones you always have to watch out for because they always have the potential and the ability.

I'm going to go out on a limb and pick Mambo Slew in the Travers. I always like the Slew offspring. They are bred for speed, endurance, and stamina. I will never count them out no matter how much of a long shot they may be. Since this is a weak field, anything is possible.

I assume you will be going.

Brooke

08-22-2008, 11:34 AM

Sometimes horses are very erratic. The one I remember the most was General Assembly. It's the erratic ones you always have to watch out for because they always have the potential and the ability.

I'm going to go out on a limb and pick Mambo Slew in the Travers. I always like the Slew offspring. They are bred for speed, endurance, and stamina. I will never count them out no matter how much of a long shot they may be. Since this is a weak field, anything is possible.

I assume you will be going.

Sweet, I like the name of that guy.

No, I'm going to Saratoga next weekend for the Woodward (CURLIN!!) so I'm not going to the Travers. But I will be watching!!

Did you read they're trying to get Big Brown to come to Philly Park for the PA Derby? He's not coming but it was a ridiculous amount of money. I live around the corner and that place is a mess as it is on PA Derby Day.

(Saw Sun King win that race three years ago, it was awesome).

hillgal

08-22-2008, 03:36 PM

Sweet, I like the name of that guy.

No, I'm going to Saratoga next weekend for the Woodward (CURLIN!!) so I'm not going to the Travers. But I will be watching!!

Did you read they're trying to get Big Brown to come to Philly Park for the PA Derby? He's not coming but it was a ridiculous amount of money. I live around the corner and that place is a mess as it is on PA Derby Day.

(Saw Sun King win that race three years ago, it was awesome).

Is that the same Woodward that used to be run in New York in the fall. Am sure Curlin will win. Don't even need to see the rest of the field.

A correction to my Travers pick. I meant to say Mambo in Seattle, not Mambo Slew. Mambo in Seattle is a grandson of Seattle Slew on the Dam's side. Mambo Slew is also a grandson but had been running as an older horse.

Sorry you won't get to see Big Brown locally. Do you know where he will race next. I expect he has to have at least one more race before the BC.

Brooke

08-22-2008, 07:40 PM

Is that the same Woodward that used to be run in New York in the fall. Am sure Curlin will win. Don't even need to see the rest of the field.

A correction to my Travers pick. I meant to say Mambo in Seattle, not Mambo Slew. Mambo in Seattle is a grandson of Seattle Slew on the Dam's side. Mambo Slew is also a grandson but had been running as an older horse.

Sorry you won't get to see Big Brown locally. Do you know where he will race next. I expect he has to have at least one more race before the BC.

Yes it is, they pushed it up. I was there last year to see Sun King rebound from his Whitney to finish 2nd at 13-1 and I cashed a ticket on my boy that day. It was great.

LMAO..I didn't even catch the mistake! So don't even worry about it.

Big Brown will be running on the turf on Sept. 13th at Monmouth. I saw him twice already this year so I'm really not that upset.

hillgal

08-22-2008, 08:38 PM

Yes it is, they pushed it up. I was there last year to see Sun King rebound from his Whitney to finish 2nd at 13-1 and I cashed a ticket on my boy that day. It was great.

LMAO..I didn't even catch the mistake! So don't even worry about it.

Big Brown will be running on the turf on Sept. 13th at Monmouth. I saw him twice already this year so I'm really not that upset.

Should be interesting to see how Big Brown does on the turf. Curlin wasn't spectacular on it but did okay. What do you think of the steroids controversy that they took him off of for the Belmont. I think that change hurt him.

Read some of your other posts and it seems you like football too. I love football and we would be rivals. Of course being so close to the Meadowlands, I'm a Giants fan from way back. But I do have an Eagles sweatshirt.

Brooke

08-23-2008, 09:38 PM

Should be interesting to see how Big Brown does on the turf. Curlin wasn't spectacular on it but did okay. What do you think of the steroids controversy that they took him off of for the Belmont. I think that change hurt him.

Read some of your other posts and it seems you like football too. I love football and we would be rivals. Of course being so close to the Meadowlands, I'm a Giants fan from way back. But I do have an Eagles sweatshirt.

How about my COLONEL JOHN!!! That was awesome, and a great run by Mambo. That was an exciting race.

LOL..yeah we'd be rivals, I'm an Eagles fan through and through. But I did root for the Giants in the Super Bowl this year. :)

I don't think the steroids were a factor. I was there, it was 100 degrees that day and I just think he didn't want to run, simple as that. And the shoe problem too. I don't think the steroids were a factor, but I'm glad they're banning them.

hillgal

08-23-2008, 09:52 PM

How about my COLONEL JOHN!!! That was awesome, and a great run by Mambo. That was an exciting race.

LOL..yeah we'd be rivals, I'm an Eagles fan through and through. But I did root for the Giants in the Super Bowl this year.

I don't think the steroids were a factor. I was there, it was 100 degrees that day and I just think he didn't want to run, simple as that. And the shoe problem too. I don't think the steroids were a factor, but I'm glad they're banning them.

We both picked well in the Travers and your pick beat my pick by a hair. It was so close to a dead heat. Very exciting race and Colonel John finally won a big one.

You are probably right about the steroids but the reason I question that is Big Brown didn't seem to be his best in the Haskell either. He seemed to struggle a little against a mediocre field. But the loose shoe would have been a problem for any horse.

It looks like the BC will be more competitve this year. Is Curlin going in the Classic. There is talk of a match race with Big Brown but I don't think it will happen like that.

I've rooted for the Eagles in the past when the Giants were out of it.

Brooke

08-24-2008, 12:04 AM

We both picked well in the Travers and your pick beat my pick by a hair. It was so close to a dead heat. Very exciting race and Colonel John finally won a big one.

You are probably right about the steroids but the reason I question that is Big Brown didn't seem to be his best in the Haskell either. He seemed to struggle a little against a mediocre field. But the loose shoe would have been a problem for any horse.

It looks like the BC will be more competitve this year. Is Curlin going in the Classic. There is talk of a match race with Big Brown but I don't think it will happen like that.

I've rooted for the Eagles in the past when the Giants were out of it.

He did, I was quite happy. I thought Mambo had it though.

Curlin isn't going to the Classic, I don't believe. Actually, it's not going to be that competitive this year I don't think. Because it's on synthetic, lots of trainers and owners don't want any part of it. The girls will be good though.

Hey, why was this thread moved?

hillgal

08-25-2008, 10:02 PM

He did, I was quite happy. I thought Mambo had it though.

Curlin isn't going to the Classic, I don't believe. Actually, it's not going to be that competitive this year I don't think. Because it's on synthetic, lots of trainers and owners don't want any part of it. The girls will be good though.

Hey, why was this thread moved?

Sorry i didn't get back to you. The thread was moved and I had a lot of trouble finding it. I have no idea why it was moved. I went to where it had been and it was gone just like that.

The fillies and mares are always my favorites anyway. Those races are more competitive and much more fun.

Polytrack is suppose to be safer. It would be nice to have a BC where no one goes down. Something like that always ruins it for me. But you're right that a lot of trainers admit their horses don't do well at all on it. But the reverse is true too that some horses do better on it and are now avoiding some dirt races.

Brooke

08-27-2008, 02:19 PM

Sorry i didn't get back to you. The thread was moved and I had a lot of trouble finding it. I have no idea why it was moved. I went to where it had been and it was gone just like that.

The fillies and mares are always my favorites anyway. Those races are more competitive and much more fun.

Polytrack is suppose to be safer. It would be nice to have a BC where no one goes down. Something like that always ruins it for me. But you're right that a lot of trainers admit their horses don't do well at all on it. But the reverse is true too that some horses do better on it and are now avoiding some dirt races.

I agree but I'm not sure it's going to help the BC because we have so many different horses coming in from all over the place and they're not all going to like the surface. But we shall see.

Going to Saratoga in two days!!!!

hillgal

08-27-2008, 04:50 PM

I agree but I'm not sure it's going to help the BC because we have so many different horses coming in from all over the place and they're not all going to like the surface. But we shall see.

Going to Saratoga in two days!!!!

Have a good time in Saratoga. I will definitely be watching on TVG. The only thing that may be the fairest to all horses will be the turf races. Sometimes the turf is yielding or damp or whatever, but the horses train on all these surfaces including the Europeans.

The BC should tell a lot about the future of polytrack and whether other type of safer dirt surfaces may still be developed.

Brooke

09-01-2008, 11:13 PM

Have a good time in Saratoga. I will definitely be watching on TVG. The only thing that may be the fairest to all horses will be the turf races. Sometimes the turf is yielding or damp or whatever, but the horses train on all these surfaces including the Europeans.

The BC should tell a lot about the future of polytrack and whether other type of safer dirt surfaces may still be developed.

Agreed.

The Spa was awesome, as usual. Curlin was awesome too. We were there Saturday and yesterday. I love it up there. Today I got up early and drove back here to go to the PA Derby (I live around the corner from Philly Park and I've not missed a PA Derby in three years). The field was great and Nick Zito (I call him "Uncle" Nick because I've come to know him pretty well through Sun King) had a horse in. I've become his good luck charm this year it seems. Anyway, Anak Nakal went off at 16-1 and won. I had money on him too, but I was just thrilled to see him win the PA Derby again like he did with Sun King in 2005.

Got to see my other fave trainer win today too. John Servis (he trained Smarty Jones) had a nice 2 YO win one of the maiden races. I hadn't seen John in ages so that was cool too. It was a fun day and a fun weekend, but I'm about to drop!

hillgal

09-03-2008, 12:36 AM

The Spa was awesome, as usual. Curlin was awesome too. We were there Saturday and yesterday. I love it up there. Today I got up early and drove back here to go to the PA Derby (I live around the corner from Philly Park and I've not missed a PA Derby in three years). The field was great and Nick Zito (I call him "Uncle" Nick because I've come to know him pretty well through Sun King) had a horse in. I've become his good luck charm this year it seems. Anyway, Anak Nakal went off at 16-1 and won. I had money on him too, but I was just thrilled to see him win the PA Derby again like he did with Sun King in 2005.

Got to see my other fave trainer win today too. John Servis (he trained Smarty Jones) had a nice 2 YO win one of the maiden races. I hadn't seen John in ages so that was cool too. It was a fun day and a fun weekend, but I'm about to drop!

Glad you had a good time. I did watch the races and am glad Curlin won. He's a great horse but I wonder if he's peaked because he has been struggling more than in the past. The Forego was also very exciting. I know Forego the horse is way before your time but he and Kelso were 2 of the all time greats. I followed Forego's career. Do you think Curlin will retire at the end of this year. Usually, the champion geldings race past 4 years old and the other high money winners go to stud.

I love those kinds of weekends where I can be around the horses every day.

Brooke

09-03-2008, 07:17 AM

Glad you had a good time. I did watch the races and am glad Curlin won. He's a great horse but I wonder if he's peaked because he has been struggling more than in the past. The Forego was also very exciting. I know Forego the horse is way before your time but he and Kelso were 2 of the all time greats. I followed Forego's career. Do you think Curlin will retire at the end of this year. Usually, the champion geldings race past 4 years old and the other high money winners go to stud.

I love those kinds of weekends where I can be around the horses every day.

That's something being talked about on the racing forums. I still think the race was very impressive. He's still winning and he clearly loves being out there. But you're right, it's not the same dominance he was winning with. Maybe it's just that the competition has finally figured him out.;)

Forego and Kelso were awesome. Yes, they're before my time but I know about them for sure.

Per the retirement question, I don't really know. Jess Jackson (his owner) says there's a "possibility" he'll be around next year. But if what we're seeing is him slipping a bit and maybe he really suffers, they'll retire him. They have always done everything in his best interest. They love that horse (Jackson, Asmussen, etc). But if they brought him back next year that would be the greatest thing for this sport.

I know they're planning on the Jockey Club Gold Cup again. He won it last year. I was there and if he goes, I'll be there again. Past that I don't know. I know they don't want to run him on the synthetic, but they might. As of right now I see the BC Classic being between Go Between and Colonel John.

hillgal

09-03-2008, 10:36 PM

That's something being talked about on the racing forums. I still think the race was very impressive. He's still winning and he clearly loves being out there. But you're right, it's not the same dominance he was winning with. Maybe it's just that the competition has finally figured him out.

Forego and Kelso were awesome. Yes, they're before my time but I know about them for sure.

Per the retirement question, I don't really know. Jess Jackson (his owner) says there's a "possibility" he'll be around next year. But if what we're seeing is him slipping a bit and maybe he really suffers, they'll retire him. They have always done everything in his best interest. They love that horse (Jackson, Asmussen, etc). But if they brought him back next year that would be the greatest thing for this sport.

I know they're planning on the Jockey Club Gold Cup again. He won it last year. I was there and if he goes, I'll be there again. Past that I don't know. I know they don't want to run him on the synthetic, but they might. As of right now I see the BC Classic being between Go Between and Colonel John.

I think Curlin's connections would like to break Cigar's money record and become the leading money winner of all time. Could be another reason they would consider running him as an older horse.

Slew O' Gold owned the Jockey Club in his day. His sire won the Woodward, the Marlboro, and lost the Jockey Club to Excellor by a nose. I remember watching that race. All 3 races used to be called the fall triple crown. Slew O' Gold became the first and now the only horse ever to win those three in the same year.

You sound like a horse racing history buff. I got heavy into the sport in 1977 but was fascinated by the racing as way back as the early 1900's. I also have the tape called The Jewels of the Triple Crown. A lot of history on that tape.

Colonel John seems primed to run a good Classic. I like to study the field and pick a long shot. Generally, in a year where you have horses like Invasor and Ghost Zapper, picking a long shot is a waste. This year, the field may be more open.

Brooke

09-04-2008, 12:20 PM

I think Curlin's connections would like to break Cigar's money record and become the leading money winner of all time. Could be another reason they would consider running him as an older horse.

Slew O' Gold owned the Jockey Club in his day. His sire won the Woodward, the Marlboro, and lost the Jockey Club to Excellor by a nose. I remember watching that race. All 3 races used to be called the fall triple crown. Slew O' Gold became the first and now the only horse ever to win those three in the same year.

You sound like a horse racing history buff. I got heavy into the sport in 1977 but was fascinated by the racing as way back as the early 1900's. I also have the tape called The Jewels of the Triple Crown. A lot of history on that tape.

Colonel John seems primed to run a good Classic. I like to study the field and pick a long shot. Generally, in a year where you have horses like Invasor and Ghost Zapper, picking a long shot is a waste. This year, the field may be more open.

Well I'm learning. I'm still "new' to the sport, I got into it 8 years ago. But I've become really passionate about it. I may not know extensive info on classic horses but I know who they are. My favorite has to be Seabiscuit, I just fell in love with him.

INNNN-VVAAA-SORR!!! LOL. I loved him, but my boy ALMOST beat him two years ago.;)

It's funny because I see so many similiarites between horse racing and politics and the various forums I'm on. It's always fascinating to me.

So let me ask you, who is your LEAST favorite racehorse of the past few years? For me, it's got to be Bernardini. I never liked that horse at all. Thought he was completely overrated and I saw him in the 2006 JCGC and was not impressed.

hillgal

09-04-2008, 09:50 PM

Well I'm learning. I'm still "new' to the sport, I got into it 8 years ago. But I've become really passionate about it. I may not know extensive info on classic horses but I know who they are. My favorite has to be Seabiscuit, I just fell in love with him.

INNNN-VVAAA-SORR!!! LOL. I loved him, but my boy ALMOST beat him two years ago.

It's funny because I see so many similiarites between horse racing and politics and the various forums I'm on. It's always fascinating to me.

So let me ask you, who is your LEAST favorite racehorse of the past few years? For me, it's got to be Bernardini. I never liked that horse at all. Thought he was completely overrated and I saw him in the 2006 JCGC and was not impressed.

Seabiscuit was a special horse who warmed the hearts of everyone. There are so many stories like that concerning many of the champions and even the ill-fated ones too.

As for my favorite horse, it's hard to choose but I did have one that I loved. Seattle Slew got me interested in horse racing big time but it was Slewpy who became my favorite. Slewpy was a big disappointment except in NJ. In fact, Slewpy raced a lot in NJ and won every race. He was also named Horse of the Year in NJ. He had a big fan club out here too. I was at many of his races. He went off at 10-1 in the Meadowlands Cup with Angel Cordero aboard. Of course he won and the fans went wild.

My least favorite was Real Quiet. I never thought he was that good and all his competition that year dropped out of the triple crown. He was the only one left standing and went on to almost win the Triple Crown. I was glad when he lost the Belmont because I didn't think he deserved to be among the greats.

You are so right about the analogy between politics and horse racing. I used the comparison when talking to my friends about Hillary vs. Obama. The best thing I like about horse racing is that there is discrimination against the horses and colts but none against the fillies and mares. None of the boys ever get to enter a distaff but the girls can run in every race except the BC Juvenile. And Rags to Riches sure showed them again this year what us females can do.

By the way, 1980 Derby winner, Genuine Risque, died a couple of weeks ago. Now we need another filly to win the Derby.

Brooke

09-05-2008, 09:46 PM

Oh goodness..Real Quiet huh? It's a good thing one of my best friends isn't here, she's a HUGE RQ fan. And now she's a HUGE Midnight Lute fan. I've seen RQ in retirement and he's impressive. I wasn't into racing back in 1998 but I always liked him. I have another friend who loves Victory Gallop so she was happy with that Belmont too.

I heard about Genuine Risk, it was so sad. Yes, we do need another filly to win the Derby.

LOL..see, I compared it to Big Brown (Obama was Big Brown, even though I liked BB) how he won the first two races and was expected to win the huge race and finished dead last..lol.

One of my faves was retired today. War Pass, the 2 YO BC Juvy champ from last year. He was injured earlier in the year and was progressing slowly. I had a feeling he wouldn't make it back but I'm so sad. He took Sun King's place for me after he was retired. I saw his maiden (that he won) and then saw him win the Juvy. I love that horse. I hope he has a nice retirement. But talk about the highs and lows of racing. Nick wins the PA Derby on Monday and on Friday, his top horse is retired.:(

hillgal

09-05-2008, 11:10 PM

It's really strange why some horses appeal to us and some don't. I could love a horse and other people may have no interest and vice versa. Sometimes I just like a horse by the way it looks. I went to the Meadowlands for the Meadowlands Cup because Belmont winner Touch Gold was running against Behrens. I like to see Triple Crown horses when I get the chance. Turns out, Touch Gold was a nice looking horse but Behrens blew me away. I had never seen a horse like that. He was exquisite. My friends stay up in the grand stand but I am always down in the paddock area. I'd go back up to our seats to see the race. I went back up and told my friends that Behrens would win even though Touch Gold was favored. He did.

It is sad to see a horse you love retired. But new ones come along to love as well.

LOL. I made a very similar analogy but talked about it in terms of a generic horse who was leading in the stretch but a different horse ultimately won the race. Hillary really did win and now we learn the fix was in from the beginning.

Brooke

09-08-2008, 10:46 PM

LOL.

I have a ton of claimers I love at Philly Park. I just fall for a lot of them.

Big Brown runs this weekend..yay!!!

hillgal

09-08-2008, 11:06 PM

Which race is Big Brown in this weekend. Haven't checked the schedule. Has a decision been made about Curlin and the BC.

Brooke

09-11-2008, 10:43 PM

Big Brown is in the Monmouth Stakes at Monmouth. It's a turf race.

No idea about Curlin. I know they're running him in the JCGC. I'll be there.

hillgal

09-13-2008, 12:02 AM

The Monmouth Stakes should be interesting. TVG will televise it tomorrow.

The Gold Cup is 2 weeks away. Do you know who else is running.

Brooke

09-14-2008, 08:28 PM

Wow..did Big Brown win or what? That was an incredible horse. He really proved himself!

No idea, probably the same horses from the Woodward maybe.

Mass Cap is on Saturday. GO COMMENTATOR!!!!!

hillgal

09-14-2008, 11:33 PM

Agreed. Big Brown passed the test. He showed determination and guts and he faced real competition. I would love to see him face Curlin. That would be the ultimate race of the year. Both horses are campaigning for Horse of the Year and it would be fitting for them to face off.

Also watched the Futurity, the Matron, and the Gazelle from Belmont. Watch out for Futurity winner Charitable Man next year. I get 2 horse racing channels and was switching back and forth from Monmouth to Belmont.

Note: Big Brown will stand stud at Three Chimneys. He'll get to meet Smarty Jones.

Brooke

09-15-2008, 10:04 PM

You get TVG and HRTV? I don't get either but I love TVG. I met Matt Caruthers at the BC last year. He's cool.

I get the Philly Park PhoneBetTV which is good too.

I know about BB going to TC, it's a great place. I love all the horses there, but Smarty is my homeboy.

Going to see Proud Spell in the Cotilion on Saturday at Philly Park.

hillgal

09-15-2008, 10:43 PM

I used to have Comcast for years and they never offered the sports package which included HRTV & TVG. As soon as Verizon Fios came to my area, I switched my provider. Verizon has the same programming as DirecTV which carries the same Comcast sports package and does include TVG & HRTV. I was ecstatic and signed up immediately for the package. I love the analysis they give before and after the races. Much better than ESPN though they are okay most of the time.

When I visited Three Chimneys, they had, along with Seattle Slew and Slew of Gold, the great sire Rahy and Chiefs Crown. I only met both Slews up close and personal. I saw Chiefs Crown in the pasture and Rahy was not available. Back then, you had to make an appointment with the horse ahead of time. We had no appointment with Rahy. Seattle Slew was in his stall awaiting our arrival. His groom took him out and we spent a lot of time with him taking pictures and touching him.

I'll try to watch the races this weekend. I love Commentator.

Brooke

09-16-2008, 12:10 AM

YourAussieFriend

09-16-2008, 12:21 AM

hillgal

09-16-2008, 02:13 PM

Yeah, I wish I had those two channels. But we don't have FiOS and I can't have a satellite on my balcony since I'm in the back of the apt building so this is what I'm stuck with. But it's not bad. I watch TVG at one of my best friend's houses.

Rahy is a gorgeous horse. I wish I could have seen Slew.

Did you see that The Green Monkey is standing for $5,000? They paid $3.2 Million for him. Ouch.

Fios is the best of both worlds. I get all of DirecTV programming which is way better than cable and I don't have a dish on my roof.

Wish I could have seen Rahy. He's sired a lot of champions. That does hurt to pay top dollar for a horse only to get a $5,000 stud fee.

we take a holiday every year for a horse race - The Melbourne Cup - it is huge, and run during our Spring Carnival. I may be wrong but I don't think there is anywhere else in the world where the whole State has a day off work.

That it true dedication to horse racing. How many people go to the race.

Brooke

09-21-2008, 08:45 PM

we take a holiday every year for a horse race - The Melbourne Cup - it is huge, and run during our Spring Carnival. I may be wrong but I don't think there is anywhere else in the world where the whole State has a day off work.
:D:D:D

That is awesome!!!! That's a great race!!

Commentator won huge yesterday!! I was at Philly Park and we watched Proud Spell in the Cotillion. She got a horrible ride. Larry Jones won a few races yesterday, he is such a sweetheart.

My favorite trainer's horses didn't do so hot yesterday though, we were there for four of their races. :(

hillgal

09-23-2008, 09:19 PM

Didn't get to see Commentator's race but I will watch it on racereplay.com. Very happy he won.

Too bad your friends didn't do better on the card but that's horse racing sometimes.

Sorry about Proud Spell too because you were looking forward to that race.

Have been really busy trying to get things done before the holidays next week.

Brooke

09-23-2008, 11:27 PM

hillgal

09-24-2008, 02:51 PM

L'shana Tova to you too. I'm spending Rosh Hashannah with my mother's side of the family and Yom Kippur with my father's side. We have an annual break-the-fast dinner.

The BC will be soon after the holidays and I am really looking forward to it. I'm the only one in my family who loves the horses. Depending on what BB does in the BC, that should determine Horse of the Year.

Brooke

09-24-2008, 10:10 PM

My family is celebrating next weekend and then I'm going to synagogue with my Aunt and grandmother.

I'm not going to Belmont. It's going to rain all weekend. But Curlin should win easily.

hillgal

09-25-2008, 03:09 PM

I agree, Curlin should have no trouble in the Gold Cup.

I'm going to Shul for the Kol Nidre service. My synagogue hired a woman Rabbi last year when our Rabbi of many years retired. Our former Rabbi's daughter is also a Rabbi but she works somewhere else. I like the synagogue because they treat women equally.

Brooke

09-29-2008, 10:31 PM

Nice. Are you conservative, reform, orthodox?

Curlin did win the Jockey Club, well pretty easily. Wanderin Boy gave him a bit of a run. I didn't go up, the weather was nasty. I was really bummed Ginger Punch lost. I think Bejarano stopped riding her in the stretch. I love Rafi (he used to ride Sun King regularly), but that's what it looked like to me.

Did you get to see Zenyetta? I totally missed it. I was at the OTB, trying to watch Belmont and the Phillies game. I didn't know what time it went off and by the time I looked up, it was over. I was so mad I missed it. She's an incredible filly.

Speaking of Sun King, check out his beautiful conformation pic:
http://www.darbydan.com/stallions/images/conformation/sunking-conformation_lg.jpg

Is my boy gorgeous or what?

hillgal

09-30-2008, 09:59 PM

I'm conservative and the synagogue I go to is also conservative. How about you?

That picture is phenomenal. I have a large collection of pictures of my favorites. Some I took, some I downloaded from the net, some I saved from the newspaper, and some I got from other people.

Hard to believe Ginger Punch lost. Sometimes near the end of a long season, they tire and need a break. Also didn't get to see Zenyetta.

I watched the Gold Cup and even though Wanderin Boy made a race out of it, the outcome was never in doubt. Curlin won easily. Now I hear the pressure is on him to face Big Brown in the classic. That could be the race of the year.

Brooke

09-30-2008, 10:45 PM

I'm conservative and I don't belong to a synagogue anymore but when I do get to go to services, I have a conservative one I go to around here. My parents don't belong anymore, they used to. I was raised in a conservative synagogue.

They're trying to get Zenyetta to run in the Classic. And Curlin is going. It's gonna be awesome.

hillgal

10-01-2008, 06:15 PM

That's great news about Curlin. This race should settle Horse of the Year. Would love to see a filly in the classic and win. That's one challenge a female hasn't overcome yet. Now I'm really looking forward to the BC.

I don't belong to the synagogue I go to either. My parents used to belong when they were alive. The synagogue has an open door policy and I'm always welcome without having to join.

Brooke

10-01-2008, 08:43 PM

That's like the ones I've been to. It's nice.

I think Zenyetta could give the boys a run for the money in the Classic.

Have you ever been to the BC?

hillgal

10-01-2008, 11:51 PM

I have never been to the BC but have almost all of them on tape or on dvd. I wanted to go to the one at Monmouth but was unable to go at that time. I had a very sick dog at home and couldn't leave her alone for a whole day. My dog passed a month later.

Was reading some about Zenyetta and she was described as the older version of Eight Bells. Can't find any info on her bloodlines. Would you know who her sire or dam is. But from what I read, she could very well do well in the BC. Sometimes fillies and mares do poorly and sometimes they blow the males away. They also seem to beat the males more on grass than on dirt.

Brooke

10-04-2008, 09:44 AM

You should try www.pedigreequery.com for pedigree info.

Zenyatta: dkb/br. F, 2004, Street Cry x Verttigeneux, out of Kris S. She's a half sister to Balance who was one of my favorite fillies.

Owned by Jerry and Ann Moss, trained by John Sherriffs, ridden by Mike Smith. These folks also gave us Giacomo and Tiago.

I went to the 2005 BC at Belmont and last year at Monmouth. Fun times. Saw Saint Liam win the Classic (and Curlin of course).

I am so sorry about your dog. How old was she? Mine will be 14 next month and she's doing well for her age but it's only a matter of time. I have been preparing myself.

hillgal

10-04-2008, 05:46 PM

That URL is the one I go to for the bloodlines. I think I typed in the wrong spelling which is why it didn't come up. Thanks for the information though. Street Cry is a good sire.

Saint Liam was one of the great older horses and died way too soon. It was a tragedy.

I'm watching the racing in KY right now on ESPN.

The dog I lost was a Basset Hound. She was 13-yrs-old and had an inoperable malignant tumor in the bladder. Large purebreds don't tend to live as long as small dogs or mixed breeds. Their average age is usually 12 so she had a good life. My mixed breed male is now 11. I adopted those two a year apart. They were both rescues. After I lost my Basset, I went to the shelter and adopted another rescue. She's a mixed breed Boston Bull Terrier.

What kind of dog do you have? I've had dogs all my life and they lived to be 18, 17, 16, 15, and now 13.

The ESPN talking heads are discussing the upcoming race between Big Brown and Curlin. Jerry Bailey gives Curlin the advantage.

Brooke

10-05-2008, 08:37 PM

I saw some of those races yesterday and watched with my uncle when my fam showed up for Rosh Hashanah dinner. Fun times. Square Eddie is now my fave 2 YO.

Curlin over BB? Yeah, I'd think so. :D

We have a black lab. I have pictures of her somewhere on this forum. Her name is Soybean. She turns 14 on Election Day, November 4th. She's my "bff" :) I only see her on the weekends when I'm at my parents but I love her to death and it's getting hard knowing she's not going to be with us forever and she's had some problems, but incredibly healthy for a dog her age.

Anytime I get up to leave the room, she gets up and follows me. It's so cute.

hillgal

10-05-2008, 11:28 PM

The bond between human and animal is very strong and based on unconditional love. Soybean may fool you and be around for a while. My neighbor's lab was pretty old when they had to put her down. Both of mine follow me everywhere and they vie for my attention but they get along quite well with each other. You can always get another pet but you can never replace the one you lost. They are definitely your bff's and vice versa.

I was rooting for the Eagles today against Washington and was disappointed they lost. My Giants are 4-0. But your Phillies get to live another day and move to the next level.

Square Eddie looked really good but for now I'm sticking with Charitable Man. I found the Man quite impressive. Square Eddie has Northern Dancer and Quadrangle's blood on the dam side while Charitable Man is from the Slew bloodline. Should be interesting to watch them at 3.

Brooke

10-08-2008, 02:15 PM

I keep thinking it's her love for us and our love for her that's keeping her around. Because she's very spoiled and everyone adores her. My brother (who is younger than me and lives at home) doesn't spend much time with her and is very impatient with her. He would never lay a hand on her but he yells and raises his voice. Even his g/f said to him one night 'Kevin, you're mean to her' Fortunately he's not home enough to annoy her.

She adores me, even my parents think it's cute. Every time I get up and go upstairs, she's in the foyer looking up at me and I always say "Soy, I'm coming back down" She hates when I leave. I spent the past two summers taking care of her on the weekends while my parents were at the shore and brother was at work and I think that we bonded. I always call her my best friend because she's always there for a kiss or anything no matter how bad I feel, she always cheers me up.

I hope you're right and that she is around for a while. It's going to be incredibly hard without her.

My dad built her a ramp for the back door so she can have an easier time going to the bathroom. She's now using it to get out and back in. It's the cutest thing. He said a few months ago that he was going to build her one. But my dad takes forever to get around to doing anything so I didn't really think he'd do it. But he built it last week.

Yeah, our Phillies start the NLCS tomorrow. First trip there in 15 years. I'm excited, nervous, but excited. I'm just along for the ride. I hope we do it. It's at least kept my mind off the election crap and given me an outlet.

The Eagles stink..it's okay. My fave player is Brian Westbrook and now he's hurt again. Having lived in DC, I'm used to the Redskins and their fans..lol. I don't care for them but not as much as I dislike the Cowboys.

I'm leaving work shortly for the holiday. Have a nice Yom Kippur.

hillgal

10-10-2008, 01:22 AM

I believe that too, your love can make all the difference in the world. What a sweet thing your dad did to build that ramp. Soybean does know and can connect these little things as a sign of caring. It works in reverse too. Twelve years ago my dog at the time was a Sheltie and he was very old and not doing well. My mother was also very ill and not doing well. My biggest fear was losing both at the same time. But my dog hung on to see me through my mother's death and then hung on a few more months. When I could see he was suffering and hanging on just for me, I told him that I was now okay and he could go. A week later he died at home with me by his side. They understand a lot more than you think. All you can do is to give Soybean a lot of love and keep her comfortable.

Yom Kippur is finally over. How was your holdiay. Now it's back to baseball, football, and horse racing. Shame about Westbrook because McNabb seems to be having a good season.

I went to our annual break-the-fast dinner at my cousins' house. Funny thing, most democrats there don't like Obama but will vote for him (not me of course). The republicans there don't like McCain but will vote for him. No one was happy about their party's candidate but all there agreed on one thing. We all, with no exception, would have voted for Hillary.

Brooke

10-12-2008, 06:18 PM

That's funny about your family. Glad you had a nice Yom Kippur. Mine was good too, but I just came back to my apt to break fast. I would have hit all the Phillies traffic had I stayed in Jersey for it.

Eagles are winning!!!! Hopefully they can hold on. And hopefully the Phils win today. Flyers lost last night. No help from Sarah Palin rooting for the Rangers I'm sure. Ugh.

That is so sad and cute about your Sheltie. I think they know. One of our neighbors said to my dad the other day "You guys have had that dog for a long time. We've had three dogs already since living here" So have a few other of my parents' neighbors. It was funny though.

hillgal

10-12-2008, 06:39 PM

I think the Phillies will go to the world series. The Dodgers aren't that good but they do have Torre as the manager. The Giants don't play till tomorrow night. Am watching the Dallas-Arizona game and Dallas just scored a TD to tie up the game at the end of the half. Hope Palin is on the winning side come election day though.

Where I used to live, there were 5 houses around a cul-de-sac and a total of 9 dogs at the same time. And a stray cat had adopted our neighborhood and lived among us too.

Think the BC is less than 2 weeks away. It starts on a Friday with the fillies if i remember correctly. Really looking forward to the Classic.

Brooke

10-13-2008, 12:11 PM

Big Brown out of the BC. Why am I not shocked?

gaziza

10-13-2008, 04:18 PM

Big Brown out of the BC. Why am I not shocked?

Big Brown apparently won't race again after suffering an injury to a foot (http://sports.yahoo.com/rah/news;_ylt=Aoi9oxyHA7bghNTQ4KigWVQ5nYcB?slug=ap-bigbrown-injured&prov=ap&type=lgns). Somehow he kicked himself.

This story brought to mind something I read by an Obama supporter during the Kentucky Derby. Hillary attended the derby and bet on the only filly, Eight Belles. She was supporting the female.

Then Eight Belles went down and was euthanized on the track after coming in second to Big Brown. This Obama supporter thought it was the perfect metaphor for the Democratic race at the time.

While I didn't take any joy in hearing that Big Brown had injured himself, it made me wonder if that Obama supporter is drawing any conclusions now.

Brooke

10-13-2008, 04:55 PM

Big Brown apparently won't race again after suffering an injury to a foot (http://sports.yahoo.com/rah/news;_ylt=Aoi9oxyHA7bghNTQ4KigWVQ5nYcB?slug=ap-bigbrown-injured&prov=ap&type=lgns). Somehow he kicked himself.

This story brought to mind something I read by an Obama supporter during the Kentucky Derby. Hillary attended the derby and bet on the only filly, Eight Belles. She was supporting the female.

Then Eight Belles went down and was euthanized on the track after coming in second to Big Brown. This Obama supporter thought it was the perfect metaphor for the Democratic race at the time.

While I didn't take any joy in hearing that Big Brown had injured himself, it made me wonder if that Obama supporter is drawing any conclusions now.

Heh. I thought the same thing. I thought "Hopefully the other Big Brown gets retired too":D

hillgal

10-13-2008, 05:47 PM

Wow. That's some news. It's a good decision to retire him now but a convenient injury because he would have likely lost to Curlin.

I just hope Curlin is McCain and both win. Do you know if the filly is still entered in the Classic.

Brooke

10-13-2008, 08:18 PM

McCain's not as cute as Curlin. Or as young. LOL.

I have no idea if she's headed there. I haven't heard.

hillgal

10-13-2008, 10:18 PM

True, I also like the sound of Curlin for Prez much better too. At least he has horse sense. And, he has much nicer friends than Obama. And Curlin might be far superior in the stretch run. Curlin could also pick Zenyatta as his running mate.

Brooke

10-14-2008, 02:20 PM

Hahaha..so true!!

HOW BOUT MY PHILLIES LAST NIGHT?!!! That game drove me nuts and I stayed up. I'm exhausted today, but wow. I'm thrilled. This has been ridiculously exciting.

hillgal

10-14-2008, 11:04 PM

I didn't get to see the game last night because my Giants were playing. Wish i watched your game instead. Glad you were rewarded with a win. It's worth losing sleep over sometimes. Phillies are up 3 games to 1.

Think the BC is a week from Friday. It's coming up really fast.

Brooke

10-15-2008, 01:51 AM

Yeah, I heard they lost. To the Browns. Ouch. I am sorry for you, but I wasn't disappointed to see every team in the NFC East lose this week but us.

As it looks now, it'll be us and the Devil Rays. Boston has just completely imploded. Wow.

I am excited for the BC but right now I'm so focused on baseball I'm having a hard time getting focused. I will be though.

hillgal

10-15-2008, 06:22 PM

I know exactly how you feel about having your team on the way to a championship series and trying to stay focused. The Giants' march to the Super Bowl brought weeks of tension. But I think by the time the BC is here, you will quickly get into it. It does look like the Phillies and the Rays. And I'll be very happy because it won't be Boston or the Yankees. Am sick of those 2 teams.

The Giants were ill-prepared in that game against the Browns. Am sure they will not repeat that performance. But their schedule is getting much tougher now. I wasn't disappointed that Dallas and the Skins lost either.

Brooke

10-16-2008, 07:20 AM

Well we know it's officially the PHILLIES!!!!!!!!!!!! First time since 1993 when Bill was President. :D

hillgal

10-16-2008, 06:44 PM

Congratulations Philadelphia. Now you just have to wait and see who you play. The Rays can wrap it up tonight and I hope they do. The Phillies and the Rays are good hitting teams so it should be a good series.

Brooke

10-17-2008, 10:15 PM

Thanks! Everyone around here is really excited. :D

Well we don't know who we're playing still..lol. Boston made a huge comeback last night. I couldn't believe it.

BC a week from today!!!!!!

hillgal

10-17-2008, 11:17 PM

Re Boston - I believe it because I've seen them do this to the Yankees after being down 3 games to none. But I think the Rays are a better team this year than the Yankees were when this happened, and with 2 games to go, I don't think Boston can pull it off again but never think they can't.

Have you heard anything more about who's running in the Classic. The fields, the PP's, and the morning line odds should be out by Tuesday or Wednesday. Our local newspaper has exceptional coverage and provides a lot of history and analysis.

Brooke

10-19-2008, 12:52 AM

I haven't, I've been pretty busy lately and this weekend been running around. I will let you know if I hear anything.

Yeah, wow, we've got Game 7 tomorrow. Now I'm worried.

hillgal

10-19-2008, 11:31 PM

Don't be worried because I think the Phillies will beat either team. Boston isn't that good this year but the Phillies are. The Rays are a not a consistent hitting team and they rely on the long ball to win. If they don't hit homers, Boston will win. Right now, it's a close game.

Obama is going to stick his face into the world series. I just hope we don't have to see his face during the BC commercials.

Brooke

10-20-2008, 12:28 PM

Well we're getting the Rays and I think we can beat them. But it will be tough.

I hope he doesn't interrupt the BC either. Ugh.

How was your weekend?

mjno7777

10-20-2008, 01:51 PM

We have a two live racing tracks in Arizona. Great place to hand out literature on OBAMA.

hillgal

10-20-2008, 06:57 PM

Not sure the tracks allow handing out of political literature, but if they do, go for it.

My weekend was busy. I had to work on Saturday and watched most of the Giant game on Sunday while doing chores. It wasn't pretty, but at least the Giants won. I love that Dallas lost to the Rams. Their losing ways will turn around when Romo returns. Hope it's too late for them by that time. I did watch the baseball game too last night. I think the Phillies will win because they have better pitching and hitting, but you never know - that's why they play the game or run the race.

How did you fare over the weekend. I know what you'll be doing next weekend.

Brooke

10-20-2008, 09:24 PM

Hahaha..word. I love it when Dallas loses, PERIOD.

My weekend was good, busy. I had to pick my grandmom up in South Philly from a cruise really early on Saturday morning, then I did some stuff in Jersey at my parents, then came back here Saturday night since I had a concert. Yesterday I slept in, went to lunch with some friends, and picked up some World Series gear, hung out. It was nice since the Eagles had a bye.

hillgal

10-20-2008, 11:36 PM

The Eagles had a bye at the right time for you and the Phillies. One less thing to worry about. It's fun to pick up team stuff when they go to the championship. The first time the Giants went to the super bowl, I bought a shirt. Every time I wore that shirt when they went to the super bowl after that, they won. The one time they lost, I went to a party and didn't wear that shirt. I also have an Eagle shirt and a Steeler shirt. My brother went to Pitt. A close friend of mine is a relative of a former Giant great and my cousin's brother used to be one of the team physicians a long time ago.

I already set the dvr for the Friday and Saturday BC cards. It's a given that I get a call right in the middle of a race so I always tape them even though I watch live. I'm used to a noon start on Saturday but now that it's broken up into 2 days, it starts around 3:00 PM.

Brooke

10-21-2008, 10:39 PM

I'm really happy the races will be over by the time the game starts on Saturday. I'm going to miss most of the races on Friday but I'll get to see the Distaff, which will be good.

hillgal

10-21-2008, 11:37 PM

Am sure you know about this site but just in case you don't, you can still watch all the stakes races you miss: http://www.ntra.com/videoarchive.aspx

Also, racereplay.com is another site. It's free but you have to sign up with each individual track. I signed up with a few of them. Trouble is, some of the tracks post replays 3 hours later but Monmouth posts 24 hours later. So I write down the date and race number I want to watch and then watch at a later date. No rush because the races are archived for a while.

Sometimes when I tape a race, I avoid all the sports news shows which might tell me the results ahead of time. Then it's still like watching the races live.

Enjoy your game tomorrow night. Good luck with the Phillies.

Brooke

10-24-2008, 08:46 PM

Well we lost last night and split the first two games. We cannot keep leaving runners on base like that. But we're home for three days, so hopefully that'll help.

Okay, I taped all the races and I only got spoiled for one (Filly and Mare turf, gah, I looked at the bottom of the screen). I got home about 10 mins to post in the Distaff (now Ladies Classic) so I saw that LIVE. OH MY GOD, ZENYETTA IS INCREDIBLE!!!!! I love this filly! She is just special. I love the connections too. John Shirreffs is so classy. I saw him at the BC last year and I wished him good luck and he smiled and waved and said thank you. He is such a happy guy.

Don't spoil me on the others, I'm gonna watch them tonight!

hillgal

10-25-2008, 12:30 AM

I still think the Phillies will win the series.

I had the dvr running but chose to watch live anyway. Most of the races were very close and very exciting. And thankfully, no one got hurt or went down. Maybe the polytrack works.

But that Zenyatta. She is just super. She came from dead last and just circled the field at the right time. She's something else. I really wish she had run against Curlin because she is Curlin's only competition for horse of the year. If by some chance Curlin loses, I think she is horse of the year. But now, who can beat Curlin. Colonel John is 20-1 on the morning line. I think those odds could be an overlay. But in the end, I just don't see anyone beating Curlin at this point.

Square Eddie is the favorite in the Juvenile. Charitable Man isn't running. I'm going to go out on a limb and pick Midshipman to win the Juvenile.

Brooke

10-25-2008, 10:41 AM

I LOVE Square Eddie! I only saw him win that race at Keeneland but I fell in love with him.

Did you hear what Dutrow said? He's such a sexist pig.

hillgal

10-25-2008, 05:21 PM

Would love to know what Dutrow said. If he said it on the air, I may have missed it.

Regardless, a filly beat the boys in the turf mile. This happens a lot.

Anyway, this time, my horse beat your horse. Midshipman looks like a 3 yr-old. He's very muscular. I didn't think he would get it done because he seemed to be tiring in the stretch with Square Eddie coming on. But he didn't waiver and held on. He's got stamina which is something to watch for in the Derby where you need it.

Haven't really studied the fields for the Juvenile Turf and the Turf so I can't pick anyone right now. But in the classic, on paper at least, if Curlin's on his game, there's nobody in the field who can beat him.

I'll be switching back and forth between the Penn St. game and the Phillies game tonight. How's the weather in Philadelphia. It's been raining here all day.

Brooke

10-26-2008, 02:29 PM

Oh he said he would never walk into a barn with a female trainer, when they did that segment on Carla Gaines.

One of my friends has a horse racing forum and we did a fake $500 BC gambling thing and I won on the Juvy because I did an exacta box with Midshipman and Square Eddie. Congrats on his win, hope he doesn't fall victim to the Juvy Jinx.

I love Bob Baffert so I was happy for him.

AND MIDNIGHT LUTE!!!!!! One of my best friends is a Real Quet loyalist and LOVES Lute. I do too, I was freaking out during that race. He is awesome. I saw him win the Forego and the Sprint last year. He's incredible.

I love Curlin but I think he just got beat. He was also too far back in the backstretch and maybe the surface had something to do with it but I can't just blame that. But I did want to see him or Colonel John take it. Sentimentally, I wanted Raven's Pass once I found out he was owned by King Hussein's daughter. King Hussein was one of the most incredible men to ever grace this earth and one of my personal heros. He must have been smiling down yesterday.

We were flipping during the Penn State game too..lol. I actually stayed up fo the entire World Series game, wow that was some game. I'm so glad we won but the officiating in this World Series has been atrocious.

Good luck to your Giants!!!

hillgal

10-26-2008, 06:15 PM

That was the pits in sexist remarks. Women are on the move in the training department and I hope he has fits over it.

Our picks are pretty good so far. We come in first and second. I was thinking the same thing about Midshipman and the jinx. Didn't Street Sense finally break the jinx? I don't know what happened to Charitable Man but I still look for him to do well at 3 if he's healthy.

Midnight Lute was a back-to-back winner. Not an easy thing to do. I agree with you about Curlin's loss. I think he was a tired horse after a long campaign and he probably didn't take well to the surface. But in a sense, it was worth it because no one went down and no one got hurt. I still don't think you can compare Curlin to Cigar. They are doing that money wise which is valid but Cigar equalled Citation's 16 in a row. Curlin never came close to that and Cigar pretty much won similar races at many tracks too. But i love the comparison of Zenyatta to Personal Ensign. They were already thinking ahead and that she needs 4 more wins. I want to see 7 more wins and tie Citation and Cigar.

My cousin is an alumnus of Penn St. and is still a fanatic about the team. He usually goes to almost every game. I root for them too. My friend is from Ohio and she is not happy right now.

I'm hoping the Phillies put the series away at home and then we don't have to deal with "the one" before the game on the 29th.

Brooke

10-26-2008, 10:33 PM

Well Street Sense did but it didn't help my beloved War Pass. :(

Congrats on the Giants. Eagles won too, so that's cool!!

Oh gosh, I forgot about Bama's campaign thing! Good, I hope we can end this here..heh. We're up 2-1 right now at the bottom of the 4th. Blanton has been awesome. Crawford just hit a solo HR. This thing has been close the entire way. Hopefully we can get some more runs.

I like the Zenyatta/Personal Ensign comparisons too.

hillgal

10-26-2008, 10:44 PM

Street Sense was the first and only one to break the jinx so if you consider the odds, it doesn't bode well for Midshipman in the Derby. But Midshipman doesn't know that.

The Phillies are hitting in every inning and seem to be hot with the momentum at their backs from last night. There's no Sunday night football. There were no division games today in our division so all 4 teams won. Surprised Dallas won without Romo but so be it. The Skins look good too. At least the Giants finally beat a good team because their schedule gets much harder in the weeks to come.

Wish I could forget about the election. And I don't want to see his face before a World Series game. If the series is over, no one will watch him. One can only hope.

Well, you are on your way. The Phillies now lead 5-1.

Brooke

10-27-2008, 12:22 AM

Tee hee..it's 10-2 with Brad Lidge coming up.

Hee. Hee..I'm giddy. :D Especially at the prospect of no BO. Awesome.

Yeah, War Pass didn't know it either. But I hope Midshipman does well. :D

PHILS WIN!!!!!!!!

hillgal

10-27-2008, 06:02 PM

Think Obama miscalculated and likely believed the series would go 6-7 games. Now I hope it's over tonight. Then a lot less people will get to see him. Without the game on following him, people just won't tune it at all and will even forget he's speaking. Who tunes in for infomercials anymore anyway.

If both horses stay healthy, there could be a great rivalry developing between Midshipman and Sqare Eddie. Hope these 2 face off again in the spring.

Go Phillies.

Brooke

11-02-2008, 10:16 PM

IEAH just bought Stardom Bound and is sending her to Dutrow. Bleah. I like IEAH but I don't like Dutrow.

Still trying to get my voice back from the parade on Friday. Was a blast!:D Eagles won today too..woo!! I see your Giants did as well, congrats.

hillgal

11-02-2008, 11:01 PM

CONGRATULATIONS! You've got to be in 7th heaven. I knew that feeling last January. Glad you were at the parade. They showed clips of it here.

Dallas doesn't have that good a team. Maybe their offense without Romo is suffering but the failures of their defense have nothing to do with the offense. I dvr'd the Giants game and will watch it later. I watched the tape of the Marathon while the Giants game was on. The Eagles were all over Seattle and McNab had a good day.

Too bad about Stardom Bound going to Dutrow. Many times I really like a horse but hate the trainer. The season will be relatively slow now that the BC is over. It picks up in Feb.