Okay, I was wrong. I said that if Rachel Alexandra could stand up, owner Jess Jackson would enter her in Saturday’s Belmont Stakes.
Reluctantly, Jackson finally caved to pressure from his trainer, the media and scores of industry experts who said running the filly a fifth time in nine weeks was suicide. But Jackson did not go down easily.
He did not surrender the day after the Preakness when jockey Calvin Borel said the poor filly was “exhausted.” He did not surrender when she worked a slow half mile a week later. And he did not even surrender when it was obvious that Borel needed his release to ride Mine That Bird in the Belmont.
You see, every day Jackson made us wait was another day he got his name in the papers and another way to promote his Kendall-Jackson wines. Finally on Friday, kicking and screaming, Jackson said he’d give Rachel some time off.
Make no mistake; Jackson bought Rachel a few weeks ago so he could get his name in the press. So don’t be surprised if Jackson has another promotional idea brewing. By the end of the summer he could change her name from Rachel Alexandra to Rachel Jackson. He could start a new line of white wines, call them Rachel Jacksons, and put her likeness on every bottle.
Or he could stay away from the writers and the microphones and let a great filly complete a great career. But I’m afraid that would be asking too much.
--30--
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
It's Crazy to Run Rachel in Belmont
Jess Jackson, I assume, is an egomaniac. He slapped his name on his wines (Kendall-Jackson), and it appears he's not happy out of the limelight in rcaing, now that his champion Curlin is retired.
So he bought Rachel Alexandra for a bundle and ran her on just two weeks rest in the Preakness and beat the boys. Now they're getting her set to run again in just three weeks in the most grueling race of all, the mile and a half Belmont Stakes.
The problem is: she's "exhausted," according to what jockey Calvin Borel said Sunday morning after the Preakness. She was definitely tiring at the end of the race which could be the result of her lack of rest between races.
These days trainers rarely run a horse with less than a month between races, if not more. If she runs in the Belmont on June 6th, it will be her fifth race in nine weeks, or an average of one every 13 days. That's too much for just about any horse to survive.
And it's unlikely nobody is going to challenge her in the Belmont. Fresh shooters will be coming out of the weeds to take her on. Remember Smarty Jones? He lost to Nick Zito's Birdstone costing Smarty the Triple Crown. Winning jockey Edgar Prado was almost apologetic for his winning ride?
After her performance in the Preakness Rachel Alexandra is crying out for a break. But I don't expect Jackson to give her one. He needs to have his name in the papers. If she can stand up, she'll be entered.
So don't be shocked if America gets its heart broken again.
--30--
So he bought Rachel Alexandra for a bundle and ran her on just two weeks rest in the Preakness and beat the boys. Now they're getting her set to run again in just three weeks in the most grueling race of all, the mile and a half Belmont Stakes.
The problem is: she's "exhausted," according to what jockey Calvin Borel said Sunday morning after the Preakness. She was definitely tiring at the end of the race which could be the result of her lack of rest between races.
These days trainers rarely run a horse with less than a month between races, if not more. If she runs in the Belmont on June 6th, it will be her fifth race in nine weeks, or an average of one every 13 days. That's too much for just about any horse to survive.
And it's unlikely nobody is going to challenge her in the Belmont. Fresh shooters will be coming out of the weeds to take her on. Remember Smarty Jones? He lost to Nick Zito's Birdstone costing Smarty the Triple Crown. Winning jockey Edgar Prado was almost apologetic for his winning ride?
After her performance in the Preakness Rachel Alexandra is crying out for a break. But I don't expect Jackson to give her one. He needs to have his name in the papers. If she can stand up, she'll be entered.
So don't be shocked if America gets its heart broken again.
--30--
Friday, May 15, 2009
How to Clean Up at the Preakness
Here's the Preakness play:
Not being greedy, I'm going to reverse the horses with the two highest Beyer (speed figures) in their last race. Both Big Drama (post 1) and Rachel Alexandra (post 13) posted a 108 Beyer and neither got that number by surprise.
Rachel's been notching 100 plus Beyers regularly. If she loses it will be because she's coming off of just two weeks rest or because she was bounced wide, losing valuable lengths, by her post.
Big Drama has had seven weeks to recover from his 108 and I don't expect him to drop much off of that. And although he has the one hole, he doesn't need the lead. He's shown a great ability to rate near the lead, then pounce.
These are the two fastest horses in the race. They should finish one-two and produce the minimum of a $40 exacta. With Big Drama finishing first it could pay as much as $60. No need to fool around with tris and supers.
The bet: $20 exacta box: #1 Big Drama and #13 Rachel Alexandra. ($40 wager).
Save bet: $2 exactas using #1 and #13 on top, with #2, #3, #8 and #11 for second (Mine That Bird, Musket Man, General Quarters and Take the Points). ($16 wager).
For those who need to bet the trifecta, use #1 and #13 both first and second and first and third with #2, #3, #8 and #11 for both third and second as the case may be. A $1 tri part-wheel would cost $16 using #1 and #13 both ways.
Good luck and pray for a fast track.
Not being greedy, I'm going to reverse the horses with the two highest Beyer (speed figures) in their last race. Both Big Drama (post 1) and Rachel Alexandra (post 13) posted a 108 Beyer and neither got that number by surprise.
Rachel's been notching 100 plus Beyers regularly. If she loses it will be because she's coming off of just two weeks rest or because she was bounced wide, losing valuable lengths, by her post.
Big Drama has had seven weeks to recover from his 108 and I don't expect him to drop much off of that. And although he has the one hole, he doesn't need the lead. He's shown a great ability to rate near the lead, then pounce.
These are the two fastest horses in the race. They should finish one-two and produce the minimum of a $40 exacta. With Big Drama finishing first it could pay as much as $60. No need to fool around with tris and supers.
The bet: $20 exacta box: #1 Big Drama and #13 Rachel Alexandra. ($40 wager).
Save bet: $2 exactas using #1 and #13 on top, with #2, #3, #8 and #11 for second (Mine That Bird, Musket Man, General Quarters and Take the Points). ($16 wager).
For those who need to bet the trifecta, use #1 and #13 both first and second and first and third with #2, #3, #8 and #11 for both third and second as the case may be. A $1 tri part-wheel would cost $16 using #1 and #13 both ways.
Good luck and pray for a fast track.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
13 Post Could Spell Doom for Preakness Super Filly Rachel
When Jess Jackson bought super filly Rachel Alexandra for $4 million last week, I immediately thought of that classic scene from “The Godfather.” You know the one where movie mogul Jack Woltz wakes up with a bloody horse’s head in his bed and lets out a terrifying scream.
If you recall, Woltz wouldn’t give the Godfather’s nephew, Johnny Fontane, a role he was perfect for. No amount of money could sway him. There was only one thing Woltz cared about and that was a colt that came from perfect breeding. So perfect in fact that Woltz wasn’t even going to race him. He was sending the colt straight to stud.
When the colt’s head wound up under the sheets the next morning, Fontane suddenly got the part. Which brings us back to Jess Jackson.
When Jackson bought Rachel he announced he wanted to breed her to his champion, Curlin. And after she won the Kentucky Oaks by an astounding 20 lengths, (with a higher speed figure, 108, than the Derby winner’s) Jackson figured Rachel could win the Preakness and the Belmont and he then he could send her off to make the fastest race horse that ever lived.
A funny thing might happen along the way. She drew the 13 post. The lady drew the far outside which puts her at a distinct disadvantage going into Pimlico’s short first turn. Sure her connections are saying how happy they are with the post; that she’s out there where she can’t be bothered or intimidated. She’s also out there where no horse has ever won a Preakness, at post 13. This will be no easy chore.
And there is the possibility she will be intimidated by some of the boys, regardless. Sure Rags to Riches won the Belmont two years ago, and Winning Colors won the Derby a few decades ago, but that’s about it. The girls don’t usually take the boys on this early in their careers and when they do the results aren’t very good.
So when you consider that Rachel is going to be a 3-2 favorite and that juicy odds will be had for just about anyone else you like, it’s hard to get that excited about betting a filly being asked to do something she’s never done before.
Who could beat? There’s a line of 12 others who signed up for the chance. Among those are two that appear to have the best chance. Big Drama, leaving from post 1, and Derby winner Mine That Bird, in post 2. ‘Drama,’ who did not run in the Derby, has won five straight and set a track record at Gulfstream in his last. He’ll be near the lead the entire race and could easily win it at 10-1.
The ‘Bird’ looks like he’s improving with every race and should benefit from another race on a dirt track. He also could be a lot closer than most think, as he’s shown an ability to challenge from close up or far back. Another to watch for is 30-1 longshot Take the Points, who has won twice on dirt and has his best speed figure on dirt. He’s also working up to this race in grand form.
As for Derby runner-ups, Pioneerof the Nile, Papa Clem, Freisan Fire and Musket Man, they all look tired from difficult campaigns leading up to the Derby, and they may all go back some. Of the four, Musket Man appears to have the best shot to hit the board.
Then again, Rachel might be a super filly after all.
--30--
If you recall, Woltz wouldn’t give the Godfather’s nephew, Johnny Fontane, a role he was perfect for. No amount of money could sway him. There was only one thing Woltz cared about and that was a colt that came from perfect breeding. So perfect in fact that Woltz wasn’t even going to race him. He was sending the colt straight to stud.
When the colt’s head wound up under the sheets the next morning, Fontane suddenly got the part. Which brings us back to Jess Jackson.
When Jackson bought Rachel he announced he wanted to breed her to his champion, Curlin. And after she won the Kentucky Oaks by an astounding 20 lengths, (with a higher speed figure, 108, than the Derby winner’s) Jackson figured Rachel could win the Preakness and the Belmont and he then he could send her off to make the fastest race horse that ever lived.
A funny thing might happen along the way. She drew the 13 post. The lady drew the far outside which puts her at a distinct disadvantage going into Pimlico’s short first turn. Sure her connections are saying how happy they are with the post; that she’s out there where she can’t be bothered or intimidated. She’s also out there where no horse has ever won a Preakness, at post 13. This will be no easy chore.
And there is the possibility she will be intimidated by some of the boys, regardless. Sure Rags to Riches won the Belmont two years ago, and Winning Colors won the Derby a few decades ago, but that’s about it. The girls don’t usually take the boys on this early in their careers and when they do the results aren’t very good.
So when you consider that Rachel is going to be a 3-2 favorite and that juicy odds will be had for just about anyone else you like, it’s hard to get that excited about betting a filly being asked to do something she’s never done before.
Who could beat? There’s a line of 12 others who signed up for the chance. Among those are two that appear to have the best chance. Big Drama, leaving from post 1, and Derby winner Mine That Bird, in post 2. ‘Drama,’ who did not run in the Derby, has won five straight and set a track record at Gulfstream in his last. He’ll be near the lead the entire race and could easily win it at 10-1.
The ‘Bird’ looks like he’s improving with every race and should benefit from another race on a dirt track. He also could be a lot closer than most think, as he’s shown an ability to challenge from close up or far back. Another to watch for is 30-1 longshot Take the Points, who has won twice on dirt and has his best speed figure on dirt. He’s also working up to this race in grand form.
As for Derby runner-ups, Pioneerof the Nile, Papa Clem, Freisan Fire and Musket Man, they all look tired from difficult campaigns leading up to the Derby, and they may all go back some. Of the four, Musket Man appears to have the best shot to hit the board.
Then again, Rachel might be a super filly after all.
--30--
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Nantz: Sportscaster of Year...Again
Sunday night the best sportscasters and sportswriters in the country got together for the 50th time to honor their own. And Jim Nantz was named National Sportscaster of the Year. Again.
There has never been a more popular decision.
When Jim Nantz first came to CBS I mistook his graceful approach to play-by-play as one who had a lack of enthusiasm for what he was watching, and I mistakenly referred to him as dull. But I was wrong. Nantz needed to be experienced and cultivated for us at home to appreciate him.
He never yells, which just about every other play-by-play man thinks is the only way to communicate. Instead, Nantz serenades us with storylines and anecdotes. Analysts take to him like flowers to a rain shower. He always seems to get the most out of them, while never pushing himself to the front.
He also has a great sense of history, getting close with former CBS great Jack Whitaker, and several others who paved the way for him. A near scratch golfer, Nantz has played with several presidents and has been friends with the Bush family for years, but he’d never let that friendship influence his work.
Jim Nantz is so good covering the NFL, NCAA Basketball and the PGA for CBS, that you couldn’t imagine what TV would be like without him.
This marks the fourth time in 11 years Nantz has won the honor and when you think back you have to wonder who could have possibly been better the other seven years.
--30--
There has never been a more popular decision.
When Jim Nantz first came to CBS I mistook his graceful approach to play-by-play as one who had a lack of enthusiasm for what he was watching, and I mistakenly referred to him as dull. But I was wrong. Nantz needed to be experienced and cultivated for us at home to appreciate him.
He never yells, which just about every other play-by-play man thinks is the only way to communicate. Instead, Nantz serenades us with storylines and anecdotes. Analysts take to him like flowers to a rain shower. He always seems to get the most out of them, while never pushing himself to the front.
He also has a great sense of history, getting close with former CBS great Jack Whitaker, and several others who paved the way for him. A near scratch golfer, Nantz has played with several presidents and has been friends with the Bush family for years, but he’d never let that friendship influence his work.
Jim Nantz is so good covering the NFL, NCAA Basketball and the PGA for CBS, that you couldn’t imagine what TV would be like without him.
This marks the fourth time in 11 years Nantz has won the honor and when you think back you have to wonder who could have possibly been better the other seven years.
--30--
Sunday, May 3, 2009
It Wasn't Just the Public Who Ignored Kentucky Derby Winner
When Mine That Bird won Saturday’s Derby at 50-1 my first thought was: why was he only 50-1? He should’ve been 80 or 90 or 100-1. Nobody knew anything about the horse and nobody really cared. So why only 50-1?
The fault for this lies with racing’s media establishment which had no interest in a horse coming from Canada who’s most recent form showed a fourth place finish in New Mexico’s Sunland Derby. Because he didn’t run in Kentucky or California or Florida or New York, the racing snobs decided had no chance.
When Mine That Bird’s owners decided to put up the money to enter him in the Derby, the groans could be heard clear across the country. That’s because the ‘Bird’ was taking up a valued starting spot in the Derby—which he earned via his graded stakes earnings in Canada—which some other blue blood horse could have had. He earned them by becoming last year’s two-year-old champion in Canada.
The New York Post’s great racing writer Ray Kerrison is a perfect example. In Sunday’s Post he wrote the when he saw Mine That Bird’s unknown trainer standing alone at the barn last week, he kept right on walking by. Why waste time talking to someone whose horse had no chance, Kerrison reasoned. Good for Kerrison, at least he admits his snobbery.
Every major racing website, from the Daily Racing Form to the famous Kentucky magazine Blood-Horse, offered stories, bios, past performances and videos of races leading up to the Derby. They had videos of contenders’ races going back to last year, but none had any video on the winner. Why bother getting the video of a race from Sunland Park because no horse from New Mexico could ever win the Derby, they must’ve thought. Not when great trainers like Todd Pletcher and Bob Baffert and Bill Mott are gunning for the prize. And not when the Sheik has spent another $10 million buying horses to bring to the race.
Does This Mark the End for the Beyer Boys?
But even without video, Mine That Bird’s last past performance comments give an indication he had a chance. Although fourth in the $900,000 race he was racing four wide, losing tons of ground, and even had the lead near the finish. That kind of performance was a clear signal the horse was improving rapidly, but the Beyer Boys—the ones who hand out speed figures—said that Mine That Bird’s race was at least 10 lengths slower than the true contenders. How could they be so far off? Are their speed figures a joke?
So everyone threw him out. Myself included. I would have loved to have seen video of that race but I couldn’t find it. And when I saw that he was only 50-1, I asked myself, why only 50-1? But then the racing establishment snobbery kicked into my brain. His Beyer figures were too slow, so let’s move on to consider somebody that has a chance.
And in the aftermath one has to ask, is this horse the real thing? Or was he a horse that loved the mud and found a golden rail to whistle to victory on? We’ll find out at the Preakness in two weeks. In the meantime, maybe the Beyer Boys ought to reconsider how they’re rating New Mexico races, and the rest of us should be a little less elitist, too.
For more go to: www.podolskyspicks.com
--30--
The fault for this lies with racing’s media establishment which had no interest in a horse coming from Canada who’s most recent form showed a fourth place finish in New Mexico’s Sunland Derby. Because he didn’t run in Kentucky or California or Florida or New York, the racing snobs decided had no chance.
When Mine That Bird’s owners decided to put up the money to enter him in the Derby, the groans could be heard clear across the country. That’s because the ‘Bird’ was taking up a valued starting spot in the Derby—which he earned via his graded stakes earnings in Canada—which some other blue blood horse could have had. He earned them by becoming last year’s two-year-old champion in Canada.
The New York Post’s great racing writer Ray Kerrison is a perfect example. In Sunday’s Post he wrote the when he saw Mine That Bird’s unknown trainer standing alone at the barn last week, he kept right on walking by. Why waste time talking to someone whose horse had no chance, Kerrison reasoned. Good for Kerrison, at least he admits his snobbery.
Every major racing website, from the Daily Racing Form to the famous Kentucky magazine Blood-Horse, offered stories, bios, past performances and videos of races leading up to the Derby. They had videos of contenders’ races going back to last year, but none had any video on the winner. Why bother getting the video of a race from Sunland Park because no horse from New Mexico could ever win the Derby, they must’ve thought. Not when great trainers like Todd Pletcher and Bob Baffert and Bill Mott are gunning for the prize. And not when the Sheik has spent another $10 million buying horses to bring to the race.
Does This Mark the End for the Beyer Boys?
But even without video, Mine That Bird’s last past performance comments give an indication he had a chance. Although fourth in the $900,000 race he was racing four wide, losing tons of ground, and even had the lead near the finish. That kind of performance was a clear signal the horse was improving rapidly, but the Beyer Boys—the ones who hand out speed figures—said that Mine That Bird’s race was at least 10 lengths slower than the true contenders. How could they be so far off? Are their speed figures a joke?
So everyone threw him out. Myself included. I would have loved to have seen video of that race but I couldn’t find it. And when I saw that he was only 50-1, I asked myself, why only 50-1? But then the racing establishment snobbery kicked into my brain. His Beyer figures were too slow, so let’s move on to consider somebody that has a chance.
And in the aftermath one has to ask, is this horse the real thing? Or was he a horse that loved the mud and found a golden rail to whistle to victory on? We’ll find out at the Preakness in two weeks. In the meantime, maybe the Beyer Boys ought to reconsider how they’re rating New Mexico races, and the rest of us should be a little less elitist, too.
For more go to: www.podolskyspicks.com
--30--
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