Barbaro Updates: 117
updates are now here.
Update 934: No update yet this morning for Barbaro. Well its almost like someone turned on the lights this morning. First set it was bright, which was nice (although first set will now be pushed to 6 am rather than 6:30 am starting tomorrow).
A good morning for a monday morning. Nothing too exciting occured. I saw Fen, who was in Keeneland yesterday breezing Film Maker. She concured with Lisa assessment of the work (update 929). I asked Fen about the Polytrack, she said it was great. Film Maker loved it. Fen has also galloped on the synthetic track at Woodbine (when Better Talk Now was in Canada for his last win) and is a big fan.
Rocky galloped out of the gate, then breezed 3/8ths. He went well, it was his first breeze without company. He's learning. He went in about 38. Hawty Creek went out back again, I'll probably take her to the track in the next couple of days. Mike Jensen (Philadelphia Inquirer writer) was at Fair Hill this morning, so it looks like another horse racing article in the works.
Update 933: Again, today's Barbaro update will be likely to come late this morning.
The Keeneland meet is now over and records have been set: Keeneland Reports Record Attendance, Wagering. The following is an excerpt:
"This meet has been extraordinary for us in so many ways," said Nick Nicholson, president and CEO of Keeneland. "While we are proud of the many records that were set, we are even more proud of how well the Polytrack surface performed. It remained very safe throughout the meet, despite getting more than twice the usual amount of rainfall during the month."
For those interested in the adoption of synthetic tracks, our focus now switches to Hollywood Park, that meet opens this week with the "Cushion Track". I spoke to Andy Durnin last night (exercise rider at Hollywood Park) and he said the backside at Hollywood Park is as full as it has been since he has been in California, a signal that horseman are supporting this new track. Andy has been very impressed with it during training hours.
Update 932: Just spoke to Peter, who visited Barbaro earlier today. Barbaro was actually sleeping when Peter visited, so he left him alone. All was well.
update, sunday october 29, 8:00 pm
Update 931: I spoke to Steve Willard, Giacomo's exercise rider, earlier this afternoon. Giacomo breezed 3/4s this morning in about 1 minute 14 and change / 1 minute and 15 (Steve was not sure). A good work designed just to keep Giacomo ticking over and get some wind into him. He worked with another horse which he passed at the end of the work. He cooled out well, he blew for about 5 minutes. After cooling out he was picking grass, his normal routine.
They are looking for a good race from Giacomo. Steve knows its an awfully tough race (Breeders' Cup Classic) but they expect he will run well based on how he is training. He will have tomorrow off and is shipping to Churchill very early tuesday morning. Steve will ride with him on the plane as will Frank, his traveling groom.
The Daily Racing Form reports on many other works for a busy Breeders' Cup preparation morning: DRF Clocker Report: Sunday, October 29. This will likely be the last busy morning for horses working in preparation for the Breeders' Cup.
Update 930: A nice article on Perfect Drift: Need a horse to cheer? Perfect Drift is a Classic. The following is an excerpt:
"Over the years, he's become more professional," Johnson said. "He almost knows exactly what we're doing. When he gets with (exercise jockey) Joe (Deegan), he knows when it's time to go and when it's time to whoa. . . . He's just a good horse who gives everything he has every time. He doesn't come from any royalty. But he just keeps going. . . . He's started 41 races. I'd like to think he could get another 20."
I know Perfect Drift is popular with many on this site, and am grateful for Joe Deegan providing us updates on this great horse. His longevity is necessary for the sport.
Update 929: I just spoke to Lisa Davison, who worked Better Talk Now in company with Film Maker, this morning. They went 3/4s in 1:12 and change. Lisa said the track was riding quite fast (sounds like it to me!) They traveled well across the polytrack, it was a good work.
It was amusing, as I was talking to Lisa she was watching her work on TVG. TVG said that the work was a positive for Film Maker and a negative for Better Talk Now (Film Maker was going slightly the better of the two at the end of the work) but Lisa told me that the work was typical for both horses, and Film Maker is just a better work horse. So all remains well for the Motion Breeders' Cup horses. They will walk tomorrow and ship to Churchill Downs for the final days before the big race day.
Update 928: Another comfortable night last night for Barbaro (saturday night). I just spoke to Peter who had heard from Michael. Peter had not yet visited Barbaro, so I will try to get another update later.
Jeannine Edwards e-mailed me to let us know the ESPN piece that will include a feature on Barbaro will air on Wednesday, November 1 at 3 PM. It should be about 5 minutes long. She also included a preview of the piece in this e-mail:
TRACK 9: As Barbaro continues to defy the odds, another more abstract question arises: What is it about this horse that has so captivated thousands around the world?
JEAN MANSAVAGE TAPE 2 He doesn't have the bad character traits that so many of our professional athletes have today 02 22 52 he's not getting caught with drugs, not getting caught with weapons in the back of his car, and he's not kicking somebody in the head on the football field. // He's a magnificent horse that represents something very fundamental to this country. 02 23 27
MICHAEL MATZ TAPE 2 // 02 27 03 // the day after we said that he was foundered, there was thirty five baskets of apples and carrots and flowers, the first day 02 27 45 (choked up) I mean, the support I think that's the main situation that I would say how this horse brought so many people together (choked up).
EDGAR PRADO TAPE 2 02 18 43 // the first time I got on him, he showed me that he was a great horse with a lot of talent and a lot of class. // 02 06 37 I think he really have a special place in my heart.
DEAN RICHARDSON TAPE 1 20 45 // There's a lot of people really deeply emotionally attached to this horse for good reason. It's not just because he won a lot of money it's more to it than that. 21:27 JEANNINE Q: What is it about him? // 21:29 R: He's a charismatic horse. // He seems a little bit bigger than life because he did some bigger than life things.
JEANNINE Q: What's the one derby moment that you think about more than the rest?
MATZ TAPE 2 I think 02 04 34 when I heard the announcer say "here comes barbaro!" (choked up)
Nat Sound Up: Kentucky Derby
JEANNINE Q: 2 02 20 35 how often does a horse like barbaro come around?
MATZ TAPE 2 I sure hope there's another one soon. It was a lot of fun having him that's for sure. Maybe never. I've gotten so many nice letters that say just think of the good times you had with him and not the bad times (REALLY CHOKED UP)
ACN!!! At last!! YIPPEE!!! :-)
Posted by: Jo (UK) at October 29, 2006 4:42 PM