12/26 (SA): Malibu (G1), Sir Beaufort (G3), Cal Breeders (M/F)

[Merlinsky]

Artie Schiller went 1-2 in the Sir Beaufort. Nice.

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by helicopter11

What did Baffert do in the Big Cap that was embarrasing?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRw8Lj2MGp4

The highlight for me is at about 5:25 in the video. Richard Mandella seems less than enthused to be told by Baffert that "You want to win it fair."

His response to Brad Free's questions were pretty funny also. When he's done with the horses, politics might be an easy transition based on those responses.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by RockHardTen1985

Guy is a legend. Best trainer in the history of horse racing. True GOAT status. Plus the hair, plus his wife. Bobs a ROCKHARDTEN in my book.

yeah, baffert showed true class with how that all went down. i bet his first wife thinks he's the goat.

Originally Posted by Dahoss

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRw8Lj2MGp4

The highlight for me is at about 5:25 in the video. Richard Mandella seems less than enthused to be told by Baffert that "You want to win it fair."

His response to Brad Free's questions were pretty funny also. When he's done with the horses, politics might be an easy transition based on those responses.

Good stuff. Mandella acted with class unlike Baffert in that video. Its funny how Mandella says those calls Baffert made to the stewards should be recorded.

[Dahoss]

Could anyone tell what happened to Centralinteligence in the Malibu? From the head on it looked like he was spooked by something he saw.

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

Could anyone tell what happened to Centralinteligence in the Malibu? From the head on it looked like he was spooked by something he saw.

Seemed like he didn't like being in a little tight on the inside and Rosario said afterwards that he has a really sensitive mouth. Garcia did a good job race riding Rothko.

I love that Trevor said Mr. Commons "could not have been more impressive." Yeah, a huge pace setup, a perfect trip and never being more than 10 feet off the rail was incredible.

[3kings]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

Could anyone tell what happened to Centralinteligence in the Malibu? From the head on it looked like he was spooked by something he saw.

I only saw it once but I thought the 6 came in on him and he was taken up losing any chance. Rothko was right behind them and kind of got lucky getting by and it only cost him a step or two.

[RolloTomasi]

I wonder if today's win by The Factor helps or hurts Caleb's Posse's chances for the 3yo Eclipse.

The Factor was part of the caboose in the latter's BC Dirt Mile. However, he also blasted Caleb's Posse in the two-turn Grade 2 Rebel by over 6 lengths.

In addition, The Factor has a seasonal profile very similar to Caleb's Posse in that he won a pair of one-turn Grade 1s (one vs. elders) while adding a couple of Grade 2 wins for a total of 4. As they are both sort of "unique" candidates, they might cancel each other out.

Of course, there's a chance that the vast majority of voters have already made up their mind before this race.

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

I wonder if today's win by The Factor helps or hurts Caleb's Posse's chances for the 3yo Eclipse.

The Factor was part of the caboose in the latter's BC Dirt Mile. However, he also blasted Caleb's Posse in the two-turn Grade 2 Rebel by over 6 lengths.

In addition, The Factor has a seasonal profile very similar to Caleb's Posse in that he won a pair of one-turn Grade 1s (one vs. elders) while adding a couple of Grade 2 wins for a total of 4. As they are both sort of "unique" candidates, they might cancel each other out.

Of course, there's a chance that the vast majority of voters have already made up their mind before this race.

Just another run off that can be had unless he gets his own way

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by freddymo

Just another run off that can be had unless he gets his own way

The Factor doesn't run off, he just has no stamina.

I guess his 9-5-0-0 race record doesn't suggest he's an all-or-nothing type.

Pardon me Mo'am, but the Strub Series brings out the worst in you...

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

The Factor doesn't run off, he just has no stamina.

I guess his 9-5-0-0 race record doesn't suggest he's an all-or-nothing type.

Pardon me Mo'am, but the Strub Series brings out the worst in you...

I am a huge fan of the Strub

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by freddymo

I am a huge fan of the Strub

...and that's not helping, either...

[RockHardTen1985]

Originally Posted by freddymo

Just another run off that can be had unless he gets his own way

He got his own way yesterday?

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by RockHardTen1985

He got his own way yesterday?

Outside draw, soft opening quarter, other speed checks out after only a half-mile while forcing the eventual 2nd and 4th place finishers to steady sharply...

A lot things went in his favor.

No wonder Bob Baffert is complaining about the Beyer.

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

Outside draw, soft opening quarter, other speed checks out after only a half-mile while forcing the eventual 2nd and 4th place finishers to steady sharply...

A lot things went in his favor.

No wonder Bob Baffert is complaining about the Beyer.

Agree 100% once the speed checked out the entire race broke right for The Factor. He is prabably the best horse of that group sprinting anyhow but it was a dressed up performance. It wll never happen but I would like to see baffert send him down the hill, or try him in at mile on the turf

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by freddymo

It wll never happen but I would like to see baffert send him down the hill, or try him in at mile on the turf

If his campaign isn't derailed by a Dubai trip, I would think there's a very good chance The Factor winds up on the turf, at least for one start. After he gets dusted a couple of times in real races, some Baffert crony will whisper in his ear that War Front is a strong turf sire. He'll toss him in something like the Del Mar Mile or the Morvich hoping to once again revive the colt's career.

He might even try the BC Turf Sprint to avoid both the Dirt Mile and the Sprint proper.

[RockHardTen1985]

Got back from Foxwoods last night, 2 days there.... Just watching some replays. How good is Mr. Commons? Cant really say he beat nothing either.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by RockHardTen1985

How good is Mr. Commons? Cant really say he beat nothing either.

Good enough to have swept the major 3yo turf stakes in CA. Also good enough to run competitively with Jeranimo and Caracortado. With any sort of maturity, he might catch up to those two this year.

Of course, starting the year off on the main track probably won't help his progression.

[Dahoss]

On the flip side, what was the excuse for Smash?

[GPK]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRw8Lj2MGp4

The highlight for me is at about 5:25 in the video. Richard Mandella seems less than enthused to be told by Baffert that "You want to win it fair."

His response to Brad Free's questions were pretty funny also. When he's done with the horses, politics might be an easy transition based on those responses.

:55 second mark

Chantal: "Twirling Candy touched my hind end while I was in motion..."

I'd volunteer for that duty.