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.