Injuried Indyanne

The latest word on the street about 'Anne is...this...

To be honestly truthful, I'm not all that sure what to make of this. I mean, it sounds like she's badly injuried, then they say that she dosen't need surgery. Little confused. To be frank, it almost sounds like they don't want too much information to get out. The 'loudest' info is that she's going to be okay, there's a good prognosis, she's not out of the woods yet, and that they're optimistic about her future. Will keep you posted, just as Bloodhorse.com does for me.

Happiness meets saddness in the La Brea.

Well, the first thing that everyone was wondering after the La Brea was: What about Indyanne? Ever though Indian Blessing proved me right by winning the race, I was terrifed at what was happening to gray/roan filly. Even after you've seen horses break down and be put down on the track, the sick, bile feeling that rises in your stomach never leaves the next time you see it happen again. Luckily, it looks like, barring now complications, she's going to be okay. Now that I'm not freaked out at the fact of 'Anne up and dying on me, lets focus on the fact that Indian Blessing is amazing. I don't care how awsome people thought Cocca Beach or Music Note were, Indian Blessing is a very deserving candiate for three year old filly of the year, as is Proud Spell. Now if 'Spell won, I won't complain. But other than that, 'Blessing deserves Three-Filly of the year. Am I right?

Black Jack Attack!

Yes!

The Lull is not for this world!

I'm so pumped about the Malibu Stakes! Early this year, mister Bob Black Jack caught my attention, (all with a lot of other people,) when he broke a world record in the Sunshine Millions. He was put on the road to the Triple Crown, and raced (badly) in the Derby. However, not many people expected him to race well, given his status as a sprinter. But lets just say that he showed the world once again what he was made of, when we at least expected it: in the Malibu!

Maybe he's coming into his own, maybe he was a fluke. But it was a great race! I was also pleased to see Georgie Boy back, nosing out Colonel John for the show. Into Mischief in a good horse, (though now retired) and the third place was a decent show for George on the comeback trail. Nice race overall. And good prices to boot. News on the street is that we may see 'Blackjack attemping the Sunshine Millions again, before heading off to Dubai for the Golden Shaheen! 

Next up, a personal favorite of Indian Blessing in the La Brea!

Just a quick word before I break for the eggnog...

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

 - pm06

How do you know NUMB3RS?

I admit it.

As of late, I have become extremly obsessed with NUMB3RS, and I blame it due to the "Lull." I have to have something to follow, right? And while NUMB3RS may not be the perfect show, I do like the character development that it shows, (sometimes.) Of course, there are some things (that I will not mention) that I would like to see taken away from the show, but I do like it. So it falls to your poor people (the ones that actually read this blog) that I will be posting episode recaps periodically. 

I know, I know. You probably don't care for NUMB3RS and you want to hear about horse racing. I promise you, horse racing news will still be posted on a regular basis. But periodically, there will be NUMB3RS recaps as well. I know, I know.

Blame the Lull.

If you live in Flordia...

If you follow the Nicanor blog, you will have heard by now that 'Nicky was featured on TV! Yes, our little boy is growing up, and looking more like his brother every day. It's a painful memory to be reminded of, the passing of Bobby. But Nick brings hope. He may not be maturing as fast as his late brother, but he sure is a hansome fella, one that will recieve star-studded attention from everyone he meets, before he's even done anything! Win or not, the racing world will come to a stand-still when Nicanor makes his racing debut. Wouldn't that be a great way to kick off 2009? With the beautiful brother of Barbaro breaking his madien? Whether it be a win or a loss, you can be assured that the whole world will be pulling for Nicanor, and that, whatever the outcome, we will love him, regardless.

"The Lull"

As the sight of christmas lights, trees, and over-inflated Santa's fill the world, we begin to seep into what I call, "The Lull." This is the time of year when the horse racing world slows down and things are pretty low-key. Not that there's not enough to keep us occupied. There was Peppers' finale and the fact that Nicanor is progressing. You can keep up to date on the latest IEAH news, (if you want. I personally can kind better things to do.) You can keep a long list of the retires of this year, which we can now add Kentucky Bear to. But if this past year left any sort of bad taste in your mouth, you can relive the year with this 'happy moments', which made me feel much better, to tell you the truth. Sometimes we need to be reminded what a great year it's been, enough if there was a lot of saddness to compensate it.

Now, because of the "Lull," this is typically the time of year when Horse of the Year contemplating begins. I'm no different from the other fans out there who get worked up about it. I mean, it's HotY people. It's awsome. But for now,  I won't post my thoughts on that. Truth be told, HotY can get ugly. It's when horse racing fans fight for their favorite. And if there favorite isn't awarded, things can get personal. I know. I'll guilty as well. So for now, we'll let that settle. I'll post my takes on HotY later, because it's impossible to avoid.

During this Lull, I will also be spending some time reviewing books and such. I love being a critic, however bad I may be at it. So, don't be surprised if the new post isn't about horse racing. Just warning.

Merry (early) Christmas, guys!

"The Bad Cat"

Just a thought, does anyone have any word on El Gato Malo (racing pic)? I was a fan of his, and I know he had an injury, but will he be back? I hope so. I miss my bad cat. Next to Fusaichi Pegasus (stud shot) he has the funniest name to say!

Needed to post something happy...

Yes, the recent string of saddness in the racing world has left the ones invested in racing (including me) deply miserable. Even Wait A While's "doping" incedent made me feel low. I guess the need to report something pleasing has been overpowering, so here you go. It's better to concentrate on Funny Cide's new, happy life than the ones that have passed on and the displeasing things occuring in on and around the racetrack. Other happy things happening: Black Mamba will be appearing in the Turf Cup this Saturday against males, Baroness Thatcher is back in the Bayakoa after her sale, and Kodiak Kowboy will remain in training, under one of my favorite trainers: Larry Jones. Here's hoping he and Larry have a happy, injury-free year.

RIP Wild Again

Truly, this lastest batch of posts have been thourghly depressing. First Shakis, then Wanderin Boy, now Wild Again. Truth taken that Wild Again was euthanized due to old age and died peacefully. But still, he is now gone. It seems so long ago that he won the BC. His final picture at Bloodhorse (above) stroke tears in my heart. He was such a beautiful, attentive creature. Hopefully, things come in threes. Hopefully, we're done for now. Happier news comes later.

Unthinkable Cigar

Saturday's Cigar was one I was looking forward to this year. After October's Breeders Cup races, Thoroughbred Racing is in for a long, cold winter. Not a lot is going on, and no one but the fans care that much. The Hill 'N' Dale Cigar Mile is always welcomed by the racing world, a last chance to see some of our heros before we shelter against the unforgiving cold. But this year, the unforgiving cold came a bit early.

Wanderin Boy, the seven year old wonder racing stallion, that's right folks, a stallion, facutred his leg and way later put down. I was shocked and saddened by all measure. I was so excited over the tension between Harlem Rocker and Tale of Ekati, I failed to notice Wanderin's trouble. I am sick to my stomach. This was a horse with so much heart, so much heart, that he reminded me fleetingly of Barbaro. I can't believe it. I just can't believe it.

Article on the "Wanderin Wonder."

End of an era

I regret to report that this morning, the old fighter, Shakis, had be euthanized after fracturing his leg in a workout in preperation for his final race. After 2008, was he to enter stud. Shakis was a rare jewel in the sport, an eight year old racing stallion. Not a gelding, a stallion. He was one of my favorites this year, and I'm overcome. I can't say anymore on the subject now. I'm shook. RIP boy. I'm so sorry.

To the old fella...

As you have most certainly heard, Curlin has been retired for next year...while Zenyatta is coming back! But I'm gonna miss him. He was fabulous.

While we were asleep...

...everybody retired. I mean seriously folks, how many do we have to have this year? I shall name some from the year 2008:

Big Brown

Student Concil

Evening Attire (finally)

Bustin' Stones

Henrythenavigator

Duke of Marmalade

Raven's Pass

Chelokee (injry)

Perfect Drift (finally)

Dreaming of Anna

Lewis Michael

War Pass

Circular Quay

Run Away and Hide

Tough Tiz's Sis (injury)

Tiz Wonderful (injury)

The Tin Man (injury)

Lava Man (injury)

Street Boss

Greg's Gold

Rags to Riches

Midnight Lute

Ginger Punch

The Green Monkey

Zarkava

Zaftig (injury)

And that list is merely off the top of my head. There are so many more, it's hard to think that none of these exceptional horses will be back next year. However, we may still have Better Talk Now, Commentator, Zenyatta, Well Armed, Tiago, Colonel John, Proud Spell, Midshipman, Munnings, Square Eddie, Diabolical, Goldikova, Stardom Bound, Cocoa Bean and a few others. Here's what I think about them:

Better Talk Now: How can you not pull for this guy?

Commentator: Love it. He's on a roll.

Zenyatta: Should stay in top form and begin in late 2009 to begin another undefeated season.

Well Armed: What happened in the BC is still a mystery to me. Hope to see him bounce back for 2009.

Tiago: A personal, sentimental favorite of mine. He's maturing and I can't wait to see him next year. 

Colonel John: He seems to be coming into his own. Let him un-stress over the winter and start off slow in 2009. Will have an advantage over the other four year olds.

Proud Spell: Needs a long rest. Then will be ready to take on (and beat) all the comers.

Midshipman: Impressive. Should mature some more.

Munnings: Early favorite = early fadder?

Sqaure Eddie: Ran a green-but-game race in the BCJ. Will be ready in 2009.

Diabolical: Another personal favorite. Keep racing him the United States.

Goldikova: Can't wait to see more.

Stardom Bound: Better than the colts, in my opinion.

Cocoa Bean: Very impressive against Zenyatta. Wait or race early?

Music Note: Very talented filly, but I've never been a huge fan. She's seems to lack that extreme spark when she's looked in the eye. Reminds me of Bernardini.

Any one have any word on Carriage Trail, Indian Blessing, Ready's Image, or Idiot Proof?

 - pm06

He's SO gonna be okay...

After a long, hard wait, I just want everyone to know that Chelokee is GOING TO BE OKAY! He will be retired as a stud and will stand next year. So far, his leg injury has not given him much trouble, and hopefully, he will live out a long, healthy life as a profitable stallion.

Not good enough?

For those of you who haven't heard, Curlin failed to meet reserve at the Keeneland auction. Okay, so officaly he "didn't make an acceptable bid." Which is just another way of saying that the economy stinks, the economy for horses stinks worse, and wouldn't be all be happy to get a couple hundred thousands dollars? Yes, Curlin is worth millions. But I have a sneaky hunch that the owners saw that 14 million dollar tag on Better Than Honor and started seeing dollar signs in their heads. Logic called in, and they thought, "If a broodmare can bring that kind of cash, what kind will Curlin bring?"

C'mon people. He's Curlin.

I would really love to know what some people were biding on and what he'll sell for in the end. Wish I could buy him.

I just wonder...

We have elected Barack Obama. I just wonder what happens now...for any newbies, I was a McCain supporter.

Breeders Cup Recap - Zenyatta

I know everyone is dying to discuss Curlin and such, but, first of all, we the Americans may not have won the Classic, but do you people see ZENYATTA in the Distaff????!!!! (No, not the Ladies Classic.) She is officially amazing beyond description. Her win in the championship was simply effortless. The others were simply straining to matain their placing and she was simply taking it all in stride with those incredibly long legs of hers. She was so far back, that one would start to worry with any other horse. You have to wonder...just how good is she? She had never been beaten, and never been bascially tested. She has raced against the best of her class, last-years champion Ginger Punch, dangerous and gritty Hystericalady, brillant Music Note, track record setting Carriage Trail, and talented Cocca Bean. There is nothing less to test her against, she has shown herself to be unstoppable.

So much of the hype around the BC was centered around Curlin, but now we may have seen a horse that equals Curlin's worth today. I'm not saying that Zenyatta is better than Curlin, because that would be an impossible tastement to make. Curlin is battle-tested and purpose driven. He is one of the best horses we have seen lately, and he deserves to keep his fame. I am a loyal fan of his, and he got his standing ovation after the race.

But what do you say about this daughter of Street Cry? She had won every race with nonclatant brilliance, just the way Bernardini did in 2006. However, unlike 'Dini, Zenyatta has been looked in the eye by an older, more experienced horse and simply been too good for them. Tough Tiz's Sis nearly caught her once, but 'Zennie is game, and dug right back at her. I have a feeling, that we have yet to see the best of Zenyatta.

And that alone should scare the holy crap out of every other trainer, owner, and jockey out there.

The start of something new...

These will be the thoughts, feelings, opinions, etc. of a horse racing fanatic. And no, I'm not a suptid, naive racing fan (even though I can't spell to save my life, I apoligize in advance.) Leave commets, om me, whatever. This is an interactive blog, and I want to be able to hear from anyone who reads this.

Till next time,

 - pm06