Barbaro Updates: 265
Update 1814: Michael Matz has decided not to enter Chelokee in the Kentucky Derby: No Derby Repeat for Matz; Chelokee to Return to Maryland, excerpt:
"I think we've basically kind of giving up running in the Derby," said Matz. "As much as I'd like to go, I don't think he's going to be the way I came into the Derby [with Barbaro] last year."
Matz said he would feel more comfortable about Chelokee with a little more time, so he and Centennial Farm have decided to head home and look at a possible bid for the May 19 Preakness (gr. I), the second jewel of racing's Triple Crown.
"If it was two more weeks or three more weeks, I would say I could probably give it a shot," said Matz. "He went awfully good today and I think I have everything solved, but I think I'm just kind of like a week away. A lot of those horses -- Barclay's horse (Barclay Tagg's Nobiz Like Shobiz), Carl's horse (Carl Nafzger's Street Sense), and Curlin, they're just doing so well right now. That's the way you want to go into a race."
Update 1813: Here is the video of the Today Show this morning with Mr. Mrs. Jackson and Dr. Richardson. It starts with clips of NBCs documentary and then turns to the interview. Mr. Jackson mentions this site: LIVE FROM STUDIO 1A: BARBARO REMEMBERED
Update 1812: I believe a great article on Edgar Prado: THE ECSTACY AND AGONY OF EDGAR PRADO. To be honest this is the first time I have posted an article without reading it first, which is a sign of the frenetic pace I am operating at this point (teaching at 1:25 pm; HRTV live telephone interview at 1pm).
Update 1811: A rainy morning this morning at Fair Hill, some trainers still trained on the tracks but we sensibly stayed in the shedrow. I had five to ride, three of which were for Tim, Grandma, Nonpariel and Nautical Agent. All in all a nice and uneventful shedrowing morning. I spent some of it on the phone working on more details for this weekends events at Delaware Park and Fair Hill. I have a few things to pick up for the fundraiser tomorrow night, which I'll then be able to list this evening on the celebration page. Not to create "buzz", but pretty cool Barbaro stuff for sure! Michael Dickinson and Graham Motion are also contributing some gifts I have not yet seen (nor listed). I am hopeful the fundraiser will do what it should do, raise funds for great causes (TCA and Laminitis research).
Good luck to the Hennegan brothers today, their film The First Saturday in May premieres at the Tribeca Film Festival: TriBeCa Film Festival: Film Sheds Light On Horse Racing.
Update 1810: In leau of little Derby activity yesterday (many of the Derby contenders will have their final work over the next 4 days) Steve Haskin looks into the pedigrees of the leading contenders: Steve Haskin's Derby Report: Won't You Stay, Just a Little Bit Farther. The Derby will be the first time these horses have tried to compete in a race as long as a mile and a quarter.
A nice grade 3 winner for Graham Motion yesterday at Keeneland: Ex-Claimer Jade's Revenge Posts Ben Ali Upset. Keeneland is looking to set a new handle record for its meet (its good to see the switch to a synthetic track becoming a good business decision): Keeneland's Handle Reaches Record Level.
Don't forget the Jacksons and Dr. Richardson are on the Today show this morning (7:45 am). I am scheduled to do a phone interview for HRTV, I believe it is live and scheduled for 1 pm (just before the class I teach!)
I think I'm first. Half day at work today. Safe travel for all. See you in Delaware.
Posted by: Cal at April 27, 2007 11:15 AM