Crist Blog | November 29, 2008
Cigar Day
The Cigar Mile at Aqueduct is the lone Grade 1 race around the country today, but there's something for everyone on today's stakes menu. Like juveniles? There's a quartet (Remsen, Demoiselle, Ky. Jockey Club, Golden Rod) of Grade 2 dirt stakes for 2-year-olds at Aqueduct and Churchill. Like grass? Hollywood's got the G3 Turf Express for sprinters and G3 Generous for 2-year-olds, while Churchill's got the ungraded Grand Canyon and Caressing for 2-year-olds. Like big wheels? It's Breeders' Crown night at The Meadowlands. Still hungry? Stay up until 1:20 a.m. ET for the Japan Cup.
Closer to home, this is the toniest day of the Aqueduct fall meeting but the three big stakes came up a mixed bag.
The Demoiselle looks like a virtual walkover for Sky Diva, the Frizette winner who was a strong third to Stardom Bound in the BC Juvenile Fillies. The only other stakes-winner is the longest shot in the field of six, 15-1 Stormy's Smile, who won a statebred stakes at 75-1 last time out. I'll stand alone with Sky Diva on 80 percent of my multirace bets, backing up with a dash of Springside and Bluegrass Princess, the two closers who could benefit from a lively pace among the three frontrunners drawn to the inside.
I've never seen a Remsen quite like today's: Not a single entrant has ever even run in a stakes race! No one's returning from the Nashua (which was unnecessarily boosted from a G3 to a G2 for next year), and you've got four maiden winners and three N1x winners -- and those N1x victories were at Delaware, Keeneland and Philadelphia, since they apparently can't make a N1x for 2-year-olds fill in New York anymore. Five of the seven entrants are making their third career start including logical favorite Old Fashioned, a 15-length winner at Delaware last out with a field-high 96 Beyer.
The Cigar Mile, however, is as tough a race to handicap as you'll find all year and perhaps the only Grade 1 stakes where the only previous G1 winners (Tale of Ekati and Visionnaire) are both 12-1 on the line. You've got sprinters like Kodiak Kowboy stretching out, grizzled routers like Wanderin Boy turning back, big-figure winners like Bribon and Storm Play making their graded-stakes debuts, and Monterey Jazz coming in off a seven-month layoff. Nor are Harlem Rocker and Arson Squad impossible. Sheesh. Figure this one out, which I can't, and you'll get paid at a square price.
The Cigar is the last Grade 1 race in New York until the Wood Memorial/Carter card in April, and the inner track is scheduled to open Wednesday. It's that time of year: The 2nd at Aqueduct, a statebred MSW, just went to 7-1 Giant Ryan, giving trainer Bisnath Parboo what looks like his first victory as a trainer after a 0-for-60 run in 2008. Parboo had finished first in a race once, when Western Decision appeared to score by a head back on April 26 at Aqueduct, but was disqualified and placed second that day.
6:00 pm: Turned out to be far from a festive Holidayfest card at Aqueduct, as the popular 7-year-old Wanderin Boy had to be put down after breaking down during the Cigar Mile and the 2-year-old filly Springside is facing surgery after breaking a bone moments after winning the Demoiselle by 9 1/2 lengths.
In between, Old Fashioned won the Remsen by 7 1/4 lengths under a hold, stamping himself a leading classic prospect for 2009 for owner Rick Porter and trainer Larry Jones, second in the last two Kentucky Derbies with Hard Spun and Eight Belles.
Springside came roaring from off a solid pace after 1-5 (0.35-1) Sky Diva couldn't get past frontrunner Ain't Love Grand and got leg-weary in upper stretch. Springside, a Canadian-based Awesome Again filly, blew past them and stopped the timer in 1:51.71 but appeared to take a bad step just past the wire.
Old Fashioned went right to the front in the Remsen, was all alone through a pokey 1:14.18 (vs.1:12.65 in the Demoiselle 30 minutes earlier), got one whack from Dominguez in midstretch and won in a laugher. The gray son of Unbridled's Song from the Meadowlake mare Collect Call sold for $800k as a yearling in 2007.
The Cigar Mile ended in controversy as Harlem Rocker reached the wire a nose to the good of Tale of Ekati after a mile in 1:35.01, but was disqualified and placed second for dropping over on the runner-up in the stretch. It wasn't a clear-cut takedown and horses have stayed up after committing greater sins. No question that Harlem Rocker did come over, but it's debatable whether he was clear of Tale of Ekati when he did.
As expected, the public was all over the place in the Cigar Mile, sending 6 of the 9 starters off at between 7-1 and 9.70-1 (Harlem Rocker, the longest shot in the field.) Monterey Jazz, who set the pace of 1:09.42, faded to sixth as the 3.10-1 favorite.
Earlier on the card, the Elusive Quality 2-year-old Quality Road made a splashy debuty, winning by 2 3/4 lengths in 1:16.11 for 6.5f, which is going to come up a fast number on a somewhat dull track. The two races preceding it, also for 2-year-old maidens (albeit statebreds and $75k maiden claimers) were timed in 1:11.86 and 1:11.74.
Wanderin Boy, a Stone Farm homebred by Seeking the Gold, won 9 of 25 starts and $1.2 million during five seasons of racing including the 2006 Ben Ali and Brooklyn. He also ran second to four different champions in Grade 1 races: to Invasor in the 2006 Pimlico Special, to Bernardini in the 2006 Jockey Club Gold Cup, to Lawyer Ron in the 2007 Whitney and to Curlin in the Jockey Club Gold Cup eight weeks ago.
Posted by Steven Crist Nov 29, 2008 1:08:46 PM | Permalink
Keywords:
Comments
sarnataro says:
Dehere:
The Mountaineer race caller is Pete Berry.
I enjoy his calls as well.
Thought Churchill Downs should have included him in their recent auditions.
Posted by Sarnataro Dec 3, 2008 2:11:52 PM
todd_saunders says:
hey steve:
belated congrats on your recent pk 6 successes. great stuff. i was wondering what the beyer was for quality road? i watched his race as well last weekend, and thought it was easily one of the better debuts i have sen this year. i think he is a real runner. thanks
Posted by todd saunders Dec 3, 2008 8:47:56 AM
dehere_is_closing_like_a_rocket says:
Machouno,
There are some posters on Del Mar's website who are saying that Mighty Beau didn't make it. Very sad if true. If you Google "Mighty Beau Penn National", the first link that comes up should take you to their discussion.
Posted by Dehere is closing like a rocket! Dec 3, 2008 1:38:47 AM
dehere_is_closing_like_a_rocket says:
Steve,
Nice tribute to Wanderin Boy. Always so sad to see any of these beautiful animals have to be put down. He was a cool dude, Wanderin Boy.
On a totally different topic, a buddy of mine mentioned something to me tonight that purely coincidentally happened to cross my mind last night as I was squinting at a monitor in a sports bar that was showing the races from Mountaineer. (Yes, I know, Mountaineer on a Monday night in December - does it get any more desperate than that?) Anyway, without the benefit of an audible race call, I was having difficulty determining which horses were fighting for the win in deep stretch. The numbers appeared blurry on the screen, and even after all horses had crossed the wire, I had no clue who had won.
The point - and the question my friend and I pondered tonight - is why haven't the racetracks across the country upgraded to simulcasts in HD? It certainly would have made my experience more enjoyable last night, and I can only imagine that many, many others feel the same way. Intuitively, it doesn't seem like something that would be a major expense / hassle to implement, but perhaps there is more to it than I realize.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject. If you have already had this discussion on this board, then please accept my apologies. But I immediately thought of you when this topic arose, because you are a perpetual proponent of improving the game for the average fan. (Perpetual Proponent - that sounds like the name of a future Derby winner to me!)
Any thoughts you care to share would be greatly appreciated. And on one quick semi-related subject: How good is the race-caller at Mountaineer? Do you enjoy his calls as much as I do? I don't know his name, but he is tremendous - second only to Durkin I believe. It's a shame that he works in relative obscurity in West Virginia.
Also, if anyone on the board has any thoughts on any of the above, I welcome hearing them. Ok - this novel is over!
Posted by Dehere is closing like a rocket! Dec 3, 2008 1:27:35 AM
rgm says:
I had WB w/ Lawyer Ron for a $5 exacta for the 2007 Whitney. Paid $959. Fell in love w/ Saratoga that weekend. Came home, used the winnings to throw a party for friends and family. Rest in peace Wanderin Boy.
Posted by rgm Dec 2, 2008 7:47:30 PM
paul says:
The Cigar Mile ended in controversy as Harlem Rocker reached the wire a nose to the good of Tale of Ekati after a mile in 1:35.01, but was disqualified and placed second for dropping over on the runner-up in the stretch. It wasn't a clear-cut takedown and horses have stayed up after committing greater sins. No question that Harlem Rocker did come over, but it's debatable whether he was clear of Tale of Ekati when he did
Well, it looks like us peons were pretty divided on this DQ, maybe more *justified* than not.
What about you, Mr. Crist? Is the above writing all you have to say about it??? We who "idolize" your opinion need to know....
Posted by Paul Dec 2, 2008 1:54:17 PM
rawlawltd says:
Was thinking about entering the CD/Twinspires contest when it occured to me that with 500 players @ $250 each that equals $125,000. They "guaranteed", I believe, $10,000. to the winner. Anyone know where the other $100K or so goes???
As for the internet betting sites on a big day, NYRA can't be much worse. BC day was a complete disaster. After all that handicapping, then to watch as the site froze over & over. Brought back memories of the dreaded dial-up. We're such schmucks.
Posted by rawlawltd Dec 2, 2008 12:25:48 PM
cwhit80 says:
Question for those who know and I figure some of you on this board might...i find your opinions to be informative and entertaining. Is there a set guideline of rules that stewards use to determine DQs. For instance can they refer to rule 4-2 in the rulebook if they DQ a horse or is it entirely subjective. Other sports of course go by the book. In baseball if a runner leaves early the umps would call him out based on a specific rule. Is this the case in horseracing? Is there on a rulebooj the governs the sport when it comes to takedown and such. Finally, I bet Harlem Rocker and was obviously disappointed they took him down though not shocked. I have seen less come down and more stay up and the inconsistency is fructrating regardless of my own personal bets. The one thing I will say about this particular instance is it didnt seem to stop any of TOE momentum. HR went by with all the mo and Prado seemed to just be getting TOE going. Also TOE had the entire stretch to get by and looked like he was going by a few times only to have HR dig in. It was a very colse call that could have gone either way. I just wish there was a more concrete and specific way to look at these things. Am I also right in saying that Prado did not lodge an objection, I personally believe that Prado felt the exchange did not cost him the race based on him having tons of time to get by. A fun race to watch regardless, very sad about Wanderin Boy.
Posted by cwhit80 Dec 1, 2008 4:50:53 PM
jperl1 says:
Paul, Paul, Paul. C'mon guy! You aren't walking away from the game and you aren't some victim of a huge miscarriage of justice. Replays show conclusively that Tale Of Ekati lost some momentum. Harlem Rocker was weaving all over the racetrack. And yes it matters that he lost the race by a nose. The foul, though perhaps minor compared to other more flagrant fouls, almost certainly cost him the victory. And TOK has shown numerous times that he's tenacious late in races. If anyone deserves to be upset it's the folks who played Bribon, since that horse had to check and turn sideways to avoid poor Wanderin Boy and it very likely cost him a trip to the winner's circle.
Posted by Jperl1 Dec 1, 2008 4:16:01 PM
jeff says:
Right on. I couldn't agree more(see below). The pace was ridiculous for the 1st 6F's. I see this type of situation often and wonder why the other jocks in the race allow this to happen. Surely one other horse can run it faster that 1:14. Any thoughts?
Regarding Old Fashioned, I'd like to think that he's something but he really beat a bunch of maiden claimers today. I couldn't believe that they let him crawl the first six furlongs without any pressure. I can't wait till he faces Vineyard Haven or some other top horse so that his mettle can be tested.
Posted by John C. Nov 30, 2008
Posted by Jeff Dec 1, 2008 3:29:11 PM
wayne80 says:
I had a $50W ticket on Harlem Rocket, and while painful, I felt the DQ was legit based on current rules.
I do like the concept proposed below regarding letting the race results stand for wagering purposes, while adjudicating the DQ later for purse money only.
It would let the steward do their jobs without the clock ticking, while the bettors could never really complain because the rule would be posted prominently.
Sure, there would be beefs, but in the end it should all equal out.
Posted by Wayne80 Dec 1, 2008 2:18:12 PM
g_sarnataro says:
There wasn't a DQ at Hollywood because Bejerano's horse cut off the #9 horse who was backing up and wasn't hitting the board anyway. Should he have come down?? He committed an obvious foul, so yes, I think he should have. But the prevailing atttitude seems to be,if the foul didn't affect the order of finish, the horse doesn't get DQ'd.
As for the Cigar Mile, I agree with an earlier comment, that had Harlem Rocker won by a greater margin, his number stays up. The stewards probably felt, if Tale of Ekati didn't alter course, he wins the race.
Posted by G Sarnataro Dec 1, 2008 12:08:36 PM
bochalls says:
Sorry to post twice, but what jock Frankie Torres did in R1 at FG on Sunday was amazing. As he was mounting his horse in the paddock he gets kicked full on in the ribs/side. Lays motionless for 3 mins. Medics sit him up and he slumps over again. Stewards wanna scratch his horse, but the trainer (Sturges Ducoing) vehemently objects. Long story short: Torres gets up off the canvas and wins at 19-1. He can barely stand for the photo in the winners circle. WOW!
Posted by bochalls Dec 1, 2008 11:20:40 AM
annem says:
I can't believe all these people complaining about the DQ (which I think was justified) when the real loss in that race was the death of Wanderin Boy - What a wonderful horse he was and what a sad way to end a remarkable career.
Yet, he is mostly being ignored. Without the horses, there are no horse races to bet one
Posted by AnneM Dec 1, 2008 9:41:11 AM
boc202 says:
Had the Cigar Mile exacta box. Both Ekati and Rocker were the top two horses in EPS (earnings per start). My only problem with the DQ is that if the jockeys were reversed, they wouldn't have changed anything. They never seem to take down Prado no matter how bad he's come over. But guys like Coa are easy prey for NYRA stewards.
I hope with the cheaper horses poping up now, these breakdowns are not a trend. It looks bad for the new matinence man.
Posted by boc202 Nov 30, 2008 10:04:26 PM
gocashbaby says:
The DQ was a no brainer. Harlem Rocker completely took away the running lane of TOE, who clearly was not finished running at that point and most likely would have rallied up the rail and won the race. That the check was slight is inconsequential. An infraction most definitely occured, and the horse's lane was completely taken away. I do not see how anyone who ahs been to the track more than a couple of times cannot see this.
Posted by gocashbaby Nov 30, 2008 8:27:21 PM
don_reed says:
WB's demise hurt. Badly. I loved his run in the 2008 Jockey Gold Cup in October. His refusal to quit after all of his injuries over the years was heroic. He's now in a better place, and hopefully, he was given a satisfactory explanation as to why his undeserved negative karma had been handed to him at the onset of his remarkable life.
On the positive side, 2008 marked the successful effort by dozens of racing fans to come to the aid of Elaine Ferri, a former Monmouth trainer whose tragic accident while training in Arkansas left her destitute and deeply depressed. We all chipped in, but the action of a compassionate Meadowlands doctor who arraigned for her successful pro bono surgery deserves the greatest acclaim.
As for the Churchill Downs/Twin Spires fiasco, it is emphatically pathetic when the distance between your two most recent mega-embarrassments (The Kentucky Derby internet betting meltdown; & then the Vegas contest implosion) is only FIVE MONTHS!
Reminds me of the cartoon about the sign outside the factory, “Number of Days Since Our Last Accident” - and the tote board only goes out to sixty minutes.
Great posts on this page - thanks to all who made the reading informative and enjoyable.
Posted by Don Reed Nov 30, 2008 6:59:40 PM
bochalls says:
Don't remember the one who posted it, but is that what you mean by being Coa'd? Heard that...played Bribon but missed it all as I had neither Ekati nor Rocker on top. Agree with the DQ, though...JFK once said,"Good luck is to be made...bad luck is to be endured"...Mambo In Seattle was a wonderful underlay at FG as a 3yr old topweight vs older in the Tenacious. He ran 3rd(Davidowitz vindicated!)... pounded the Stidham winner at 7-2 as he and Casse are robbin n mobbin so far this meet.
Posted by bochalls Nov 30, 2008 2:52:51 PM
bruce_friday says:
I believe the "correct" horse won the Cigar Mile yesterday. It's too bad the stewards had to be involved in the outcome, but you can thank Eibor Coa for that.
For the record, I agree with the frequent complaint that steward's decisions are, at best, inconsistent and poorly explained. In close cases they're probably no better than 50/50. I would prefer a situation where there are no disqualifications FOR BETTING PURPOSES. If a foul is committed the stewards could redistribute purse money, fine and/or suspend jockeys, impound horses - whatever the heck they want to do, but they could not change the order of finish as far as wagering is concerned. I'd be willing to take my chances with that.
(P.S. I was not embarrassed to cash my TOE ticket yesterday.)
Posted by Bruce Friday Nov 30, 2008 12:47:18 PM
mickey_visco says:
To all The Gripers out there!
I also had Harlem Rocker (Win and DD)..but even though I lost a possible bundle on a rare bet liken this (usually I just bet to show)..the call was ABSOLUTELY right...(Finally!)..usually NYRA stewards screw things up left and right...at least with this race..they didn't botch it. Harlem Rocker infracted TOE..plain and simple. Live with the right call.
Posted by Mickey Visco Nov 30, 2008 12:33:23 PM
machouno says:
Former turf sprint specialist Mighty Beau was entered at Penn National last night in a $4,000 claimer at 4 1/2 furlongs.. He looked like he broke down pretty badly.. Chart says that he pulled up... Anyone got any more info?
Posted by machouno Nov 30, 2008 12:06:41 PM
paul_again says:
For my second post concerning this DQ, I am wondering... exactly WHY is it a DQ when Harlem Rocker wins by "ONLY" a nose, but "NOT" a DQ if he went on to win by 4 lengths or more??? A foul is a foul, no matter what the other factors are. Correct, or not??? Besides, if *changing lanes,* when clear, is a foul, there will be DQ's of horses in every other race at every track every day. In case you people didn't notice, horses never run straight. Maybe some of you geniuses can explain these points...
Posted by Paul again Nov 30, 2008 11:53:58 AM
mister_horsey says:
When you're tired of being Coa'd and/or DQ'd, this link will cheer up your day.
http://withleather.uproxx.com/?p=12080
Thank goodness for jockeys!!
Posted by Mister Horsey Nov 30, 2008 11:33:41 AM
evan_gewirtz_ says:
C&Steve,
First off, I must plead guilty to being a hypocrite yesterday. I truly did believe that that the CM was inscrutable, however, the only opinion I had in the race was that I did not like Monterey Jazz. Accordingly, when Monterey Jazz opened up at 2-1, I took a tenth look at the race. I played Harlem Rocker and a few others, I did not use Tale of Ekati, in doubles to four horses in the the ninth. I would have lost even if the stewards did not DQ Harlem Rocker.I think The DQ could have went either way.
I record all DQ,s where I am put up, taken down or when there is a claim of foul and there is no DQ. When you go back and review them at years end, the inconsistency can be maddening.
Lastly, upon reading my posted comment I realized that the tone of the comment was way to haughty. It was not my intention to demean those who played the CM, I was really just commenting on the "great betting race" comments by the talking heads.
Posted by Evan Gewirtz Nov 30, 2008 10:57:58 AM
stephen_taylor says:
Happened to have TVG on for the Cigar because I entered the Twinspires contest (speaking of fiascos but that's another subject) and Nick Hines in the booth pretty much thought it was a no-brainer that he was coming down. I was also up in our trainer's box the day of the Arlington Futurity when Wayne Catalano's horse (along with the winner) were taken down-the 3rd place horse was put all the way up! and Jesse Campbell stopped by and one of the things he mentioned was the importance of keeping a straight path. It did appear as though Harlem Rocker came over, and if he did it because of a right handed whip as mentioned here, he's pretty much coming down. With both human and equine lives on the line, even though many horseplayers won't agree, a message needs to be sent LOUD AND CLEAR to jocks that if you use your whip to cut over and don't have PLENTY OF ROOM to do it, you're coming down. Let's face it, no matter how much anyone won or loss on that or any race, the saftey of horse and jockey has to come first (and to prove that I'm not necessarily pro steward-the Bejarano horse in race 7 not coming down was the kind of decision that should put stewards on the unemployment line-that "non-dq" was TERRIBLE (again,no $$$$ for me involved one way or another)
Posted by Stephen Taylor Nov 30, 2008 10:20:29 AM
sero says:
I actually stepped out and had an $80 cold punch double ($2220)with Harlem Rocker whom to my surprise, leaped off the page when I handicapped the race. Once he drifted in and took the lead, it appeared he started waiting on horses until he was collared again where at(and after) the wire he came back. While I was extremely disappointed by the dq, I believe the stewards assessment was the crossing over.. right handed whip coupled with the slight steady and altered course by Tale Of Ekati ..which was enough to justify the dq since it was only a nose difference at the wire. Had Harlem Rocker shot right on by and continued on, I believe his number would have been left up. It certainly looked like Tale of Ekati benefited by default having to alter to the outside since he appeared to be a done deal for win on the rail. A questionable call either way you look at it.
Often contenders in these competitive races can be narrowed down and offer substantial rewards if one takes the time to dissect the race. Unfortunately, this type of torture is part of the game we love.
Posted by sero Nov 30, 2008 4:03:27 AM
john_c says:
You said it, gofor broke!
I went to the Meadowlands tonight to witness history and, though Dewey lost, I was not disappointed. The place was more crowded than it has been in a long time (except for Hambo day). Somebeach was a locomotive; I thought that his driver was going for a world record given that it was (sadly) the horse's last race. Somebeach was all charged up in the winner's circle.
I'll always remember 2008 as the year that I saw Curlin (twice) and one of the best trotters (Dewey) and one of the best pacers (Somebeach) in harness racing history (and I go back to the days of Nero, Niatross, Nihilator, and Anxious Robby).
As for the Cigar, I expected a good race from Harlem Rocker and perhaps he'll blossom into a top 4YO (if he's "allowed" to race); I never thought much of Tale of Ekati, especially when he was given high praise for passing an exhausted War Pass in the Wood. However, TOE showed me today that he's got something going on so I hope that he is also given a chance to develop further.
Regarding Old Fashioned, I'd like to think that he's something but he really beat a bunch of maiden claimers today. I couldn't believe that they let him crawl the first six furlongs without any pressure. I can't wait till he faces Vineyard Haven or some other top horse so that his mettle can be tested.
Posted by John C. Nov 30, 2008 2:50:02 AM
walt says:
As far as the argument of what to do with Aqueduct's main track:
The breakdowns today may call for moving what has been the inner dirt track's surface over to the main track. Doing that might be a good idea anyway, as it would allow for seven-eighths and one-turn mile races to be run through the winter at the Big A (which probably can be done now since there is really no longer the stigma that a lot of older horsemen used to seem to have with the inner track surface) while converting the existing inner track back to a one-mile turf course (and possibly doing one other thing I would love to see at Aqueduct, and that is in turn turning the existing turf course into a seven-eighths of a mile harness oval that would be wide enough to go 12 starters across and produce much bigger fields). I don't think some trainer who would be thinking of the Wood Memorial would bypass that race solely because while still on the main track, it would be contested in that scenario on what formerly was the inner track surface.
Posted by Walt Nov 30, 2008 1:15:00 AM
j_cal says:
I HAD HARLEM ROCKER IN A $10 DOUBLE WITH OLD FASHIONED. $56 x 5. IT LOOKED LIKE HE WAS CLEAR OF TALE OF EKATI, BUT THE RIGHT HAND WHIP BY COA DIDNT HELP MATTERS ANY. HE CRUISED TO THE FRONT AND DIDNT NEED THE WHIP. ANYWAYS, I ALSO HAD MRS. HOLDEN AT THE SPA ON THE LAST DAY IN THE PK 3, STEWARDS SCREWED ME THEN TOO. THANKS ALOT. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO WIN AT NYRA. OBVIOUSLY MORE MONEY THAN I CAN COME UP WITH.
Posted by j cal Nov 30, 2008 1:12:17 AM
walt says:
Speaking of questionable calls:
I remember back about a decade age when the Yellow Ribbon (in the days before the BC Filly & Mare Turf was added) was the most important race in the sport for females on grass and Memories of Silver got slammed a bit late by Ryafan when Bailey tried to come up the rail with Memories of Silver. Ryafan should have been DQ'ed by the Santa Anita stewards for that win, and likely would have been if that race had been at Belmont by the New York stewards. In fact, Ryafan should never have been champion female grass horse the year she won it because BOTH of her wins over Memories of Silver were tainted (in the Matriarch, when they met again as I remember Memories of Silver was injured during that race).
Anyway, the Nashua being upgraded to Grade 2 for 2009 brings up a point I was addressing about Graded stakes in the previous blog ("Stuffing"), where I noted that we need to look at maybe going to a five-tier Graded stakes format. Based on its purse and other factors, the Nashua would likely have been a Grade 4 stake for both 2008 and 2009.
Posted by Walt Nov 30, 2008 1:03:05 AM
tony says:
With the recent spate of trouble for the horses on the main track, I'm glad (can't believe I'm saying this and will no doubt recant it in early-February) they're moving to the inner track shortly.
The lively debate on whether or when Aqueduct should have some kind of synthetic surface should be had sooner rather than later, with the main track starting to produce more than its share of injuries both fatal and relatively modest this month (Wanderin Boy, Springside, Stormin Normandy, just to name three of the more notable ones). With the franchise and casino issues taken care of (with the latter, at least for the moment), maybe it's time the synthetic debate hit the NY circuit. And no, not merely because of the recent main track troubles, which might have been a fluke or the law of averages catching up with NY racing this year or a sign that there is something definitely wrong, whichever your poison. But because every track is going to have to at least have the discussion, particularly after a day of racing like that.
I'm not taking a stand, and really have no opinion (unless wishing they'd run on a new and completely refurbished main surface for more than six weeks out of the year counts for anything). But exciting as the racing has been today even with the injuries showing up, it's time for NYRA to at least raise the level of discourse on the topic. Regardless, RIP, Wanderin Boy.
Posted by Tony Nov 29, 2008 10:46:23 PM
saratoga_mike says:
The real tragedy of the day was Wanderin Boy, not the DQ.
Steve, Thanks for the video of him in the Brooklyn.
Posted by Saratoga_Mike Nov 29, 2008 9:12:50 PM
c says:
Evan,
Different strokes for different folks, I guess. For some reason, I didn't find the Cigar Mile THAT inscrutable. I was actually baffled that Harlem Rocker (my top selection) went off as the longest shot in the field-- longer than Kodiak Kowboy (overrated), Storm Play (4th career start), Arson Squad (stone closer, overrated), Visionaire (stone closer), Wanderin Boy (7yo has to run with Monterey Jazz early), and Bribon (optional claimer). Anyway, I'm personally glad I steered clear of another all-2YO card at Churchill. Meanwhile, I'm sure somebody else had the day of their life killing that one. Not me. My only point is that it's all in the eye of the beholder.
Posted by C Nov 29, 2008 8:37:11 PM
ray says:
If the Phipps family owned Harlem Rocker,instead of Frank Stronach.Harlem Rocker would have been left up.
Posted by ray Nov 29, 2008 8:16:05 PM
rsdcpa says:
Steve, thank you for your tribute to Wanderin Boy. He always gave his all every race. It's a sad day.
Posted by rsdcpa Nov 29, 2008 7:31:04 PM
yuwipi says:
Played one horse today. Harlem Rocker. Pushed him as much as a small player can. Hurt a lot to be taken down. Think the DQ was a 50/50 shot. Anybody who has watched this game for even a little while has seen plenty of similar inquiries that stayed up. So, today I drew the short straw. That's the way it goes. It's not the DQ, but the seeming inconsistency of stewards interpretations in an admittedly difficult to standardize environment that gets you crazy.
Very saddened to hear that Wanderin' Boy was put down. He danced a lot of dances, and deserved a better fate.
Posted by yuwipi Nov 29, 2008 7:23:43 PM
mike_d says:
Totally agree, Paul. Questionable DQs like Harlem Rocker's in the Cigar Mile, are the worst part of racing. If I'm put up or DQ'd, I say the same thing: Let the result stand, unless the evidence is so overwhelming that it must not stand.
It appears that one steward thought Tale of Ekati was interfered with at the head of the stretch -- because the inquiry was launched the moment the photo finish result was in.
Note that the rider of Tale of Ekati did not launch an objection. Apparently, he did not feel interfered with.
It took the stewards a long time to reach a decision. I envision the scene as one wrong-headed but obstinate steward refusing to budge -- and the others caving in as darkness loomed.
Harlem Rocker whistled by Tale of Ekati and cut to the rail, a move winning horses do quite often. In the replay, I did not see Harlem Rocker cut anyone off. He was plainly clear when he changed paths. Tale of Ekati never broke stride. I think Tale of Ekati was fortunate he moved off the rail, where he was spinning his wheels as Harlem Rocker blew by, because he seemed to gain steam thereafter. Moving off the rail seemed to give him new life.
I feel cheated by this DQ, and the last time that happened the wronged owners appealed the stewards' decision in court and won, acquiring the winner's share of the purse through litigation. But the horseplayers harmed by that bum stewards decision received no justice. That may well happen again here, a bad stewards ruling overturned by the courts.
In the end, Harlem Rocker and his connections were cheated by a Bigfoot steward who does not understand the game and should not be in a position to make such decisions.
Here's why that is the worst part of racing: Horseplayers can protect themselves against a cheating trainer. I watch the board, analyze the horizontal will pays, and watch horses saddle and warm up. If something fishy is up, I think you have a shot at catching a whiff of it.
But there is no horseplayer protection against a misguided racing steward, or a poor stewards' decision.
Posted by Mike D. Nov 29, 2008 7:15:43 PM
tomagolfing says:
if you think the NY stewards decisions are questionable look at todays 7th race stretch run at hollywood where they took no action since bejarano was on the winner.
Posted by tomagolfing Nov 29, 2008 7:00:20 PM
mark_c says:
I just saw another incredible non-DQ
hollywood park..race 7 (saturday) Bejerano body slams his horse into another horse..and..NO CHANGE!
no wonder a large portion of bettors have lost faith in this game
Posted by mark c Nov 29, 2008 6:51:18 PM
tom_d says:
The stewards strike again! They haven't been heard from since July 4 when they screwed Admiral Bird out of a win. Come to think of it, Coa and his ham acting helped Admiral Bird be DQ'ed. Payback! Bad call.
Posted by tom d. Nov 29, 2008 6:41:36 PM
mike_f says:
Short and simple- I also bet Harlem Rocker, and he totally deserved to be dq'd. Any claim of incompetence by the stewards is just sour grapes.
Posted by Mike F. Nov 29, 2008 6:37:44 PM
dtc says:
Paul, Harlem Rocker was all over the track, impeding TOA more than once--if that wasn't a dq noting is.
Posted by Dtc Nov 29, 2008 5:37:38 PM
david_hansen says:
No comments after 4 hours--it looks like (almost) December at Aquduct!
Posted by David Hansen Nov 29, 2008 5:08:12 PM
paul says:
Mr. Crist,
Good morning... although I am writing this Saturday evening - minutes after the result of the Cigar Mile. I wanted/needed even to get this written immediately, and have felt you to be a "good ambassador" for racing, it's issues, etc. Hopefully you can address what is being brought up here.
The point of this email is that I had a *juicy* (amount bet and winning payoff - $55.50) daily double combination at The Big A of Old Fashioned - Harlem Rocker. My exhiliration of "winning" the photo finish with Harlem Rocker soon afterward turned very ugly with the announcement of the subsequent steward's inquiry/disqualification of Harlem Rocker for what I felt was a VERYVERYVERY (if any even) infraction when Harlem Rocker supposedly "crossed over" in front of Tale of Ekati, who never broke stride. I have been following racing since 1977, very often going to Aqueduct, Belmont, etc., - (I lived in northern New Jersey until 6 years ago) - and this "foul" is hardly worthy of DQ in my opinion - there have been FAR WORSE infractions throughout the years without any action taken. Without me *rambling on and on* do you have thoughts on this?
Right now I have to admit that my racing "career" is very possibly over. As you are well aware, picking winners is very difficult to begin with, and the thought that when a winning bet is made, that apparently incapable stewards have the obnoxious power to overturn results makes me think that this is an unwinnable game and I want no part of it anymore. Again, can you respond in an objective manner?
Thank you for you time and thoughts.
Sincerely,
Posted by Paul Nov 29, 2008 5:04:12 PM
ajv says:
Can't help but pass this on with sympathy after reading today's column:I Don't remember which DRF columnist wrote the article (don't think it was you, Steve)-and I think it was written last fall after the Monmouth Breeder's Cup races- but records were cited to bear out just how poorly horses did in their next start after competing in the Cup races. Sky Diva is just another one to bounce big time in the last several racing days on many surfaces at many tracks. The other angle I've been following with success lately- a "bet against" proposition- is to throwout high quality allowance and stakes horses who are dropping into conditioned allowances and lower end overnighters after appearing to tail off. I cashed some nice tickets at Churchill betting in-shape, "now" horses moving up against some very classy horses who had apparently decided to hibernate early for the winter.
Posted by AJV Nov 29, 2008 4:47:33 PM
evan_gewirtz says:
Steve,
While I am ultra-confident that you are well aware of the issue I will comment on below, it is worth airing.
Whenever there is an utterly inscrutable race from a handicapping perspective, you can virtually guarantee that one of the talking heads will describe it as a " great betting race." The talking heads will say that if it is a grade 1 stake or a bottom level claimer.
While today's Cigar is oozing with quality from post 1-9 and will be a great race to watch, it is a horrible race to bet. Not "a great betting race" as the talking heads espoused. Those who are betting the CM are relegated to splitting hairs.
Those who play this game like the masses are destined to be gobbled up by the take-out.
The CM will be a great race, to watch. I know I will enjoy it.
Posted by Evan Gewirtz Nov 29, 2008 2:38:04 PM
gofor_broke says:
Not only is this a good day of racing at Aqueduct, but this is the best harness racing card I've ever seen at the Meadowlands tonight.
I think one of the great features at DRF.com is that they put up races of the week. So you can look at past performances of races like the Cigar Mile for free.
And TheBigM.com did that for tonight, so you can look at this great card for free. The whole card.
The Hambletonian winner is making his final start in a very good Breeders Crown field.
Somebeachsomewhere, the top 3 year old pacer, is also retiring after tonight's Breeders Crown 3 year old pace.
And the top 2 year old trotters are starting next to each other in the 2 year old trot. The winner is likely to be the early Hambletonian 2009 favorite
Posted by gofor broke Nov 29, 2008 1:30:36 PM
Comments to this entry are closed.
About
Steven Crist has been the Publisher and a columnist for Daily Racing Form since 1998. Previously, he covered racing for The New York Times from 1981-1990; was founding editor-in-chief of The Racing Times in 1991-92; and a vice-president of the New York Racing Association from 1994-97. He is the
author of several books including "Betting on Myself" and "Exotic Betting."
