Barbaro Updates: 507
updates are now here.
Update 3078: Perhaps I do not understand how the Future Pools betting works in the US, but I am confused as to why someone would bet early in a pool while Derby preps are being run within the timeframe the pool is still open for betting and not wait until just before the pool closes (so you have all known information) before making your wager. I am assuming the price of the horses when the pool closes is the price you get for your wager regardless of when you bet during the pool's timeframe. I was having this conversation yesterday when watching Pyro's race. Why would anyone bet the pool without knowing how one of the Derby favourites was going to run? Obviously after the race it was very clear Pyro was a real contender. The same can also be said for today. Into Mischief is running at Santa Anita. If he wins impressively ... Anyway, here is an update on Pyro and War Pass in the pool: Pyro's Odds Fall in Derby Future.
Off to Sam Houston Race Park to meet up with some FOBs.
Update 3077: A beautiful morning this morning at Sam Houston Race Park. We had fog early, but once the sun came up and burnt the fog away it got warm in a hurry. Steve Asmussen was here this morning and we had plenty of jockeys and workers. My work was very light with only three to ride (the rest of the time spent making sure things got done so we could get through ten sets). Anyway, it was a pleasant morning's work, and nice and easy which was great as I was out late last night at a USGA function (thanks WendyMI) where I got to meet President Bush Sr! While I am now off topic, please indulge me as I celebrate the greatest sporting win of the year!
Update 3076: On Pyro's impressive performance yesterday as he began his Derby trail campaign: Pyro blazes after clearing traffic and Pyro Smokes Field in Risen Star.
War Pass, last year's 2yo champion and a horse who has defeated Pyro three times, worked yesterday at Palm Meadows: War Pass avoids trouble in workout.
Update 3075: A fun afternoon watching simulcast racing. The most impressive performance of the afternoon was certainly Pyro. He exploded when given racing room and won the Risen Star with ease. He was last turning for home. We actually also had the horse that finished second (Z Fortune) so a nice Asmussen exacta. Michael Matz's horse, Visionaire ran a creditable third. Grasshopper was also quite impressive in his win earlier in the day. Certainly a 4yo to keep an eye on and he is still lightly raced. The most disappointing performance of the afternoon was Better Talk Now. He just did not look like he was in his race at all. He appeared to labor coming down the lane. Eddie Kenneally (former boss in Kentucky) finished a very close second in a Grade 2 in Florida with a lightly raced filly. Indian Blessing maintained her unbeaten form winning her first race since last year's Breeders' Cup win, she faced the horse she beat in that race, and again held on under some pressure. Anyway, a fun way to spend the afternoon. I was with Eddy, another exercise rider for Steve Asmussen. Eddy had previously worked for Barclay Tagg at Fair Hill, and was also at Presque Ilse, so we knew each other a little when we arrived in Houston.
Update 3074: Off to Sam Houston Race Park to watch the simulcast from Fair Grounds.
Update 3073: Nine sets this morning, and a warm morning it was too. We had six sets before the break of which five of mine galloped two miles each. Basically by 8 am I had galloped 11 1/4 miles and needed a break and a coffee! After the break things were a little lighter, with only 4 more miles to gallop! All my horses went nicely and all in all it was a pleasant morning's work.
Update 3072: Santa Anita resumes racing today: SA Resumes Racing Saturday. Here are further details behind the decision to have Santa Anita host the Breeders' Cup in 2009: Market Said to Be Big Factor for BC.
Please consider coming to DC March 4 and 5 for Americans Against Horse Slaughter.
Good morning everyone
Good morning Barbaro.
Posted by: Paul at February 9, 2008 11:12 AM