Hansen, another Secretariat?

[asti]

http://i40.tinypic.com/8wm68p.jpg





Hansen lost in one of his not very good days, but more than Algorithms , i saw a horse that reminded me of Eskendereya, a horse with character, with a lot of dynamism: his name is El Padrino...i think that whoever wants to win the Triple Crown will have to win to El Padrino.

http://i43.tinypic.com/357oyvq.jpg
EL PADRINO

[tcw]

i saw a horse that reminded me of Eskendereya, a horse with character, with a lot of dynamism: his name is El Padrino...i think that whoever wants to win the Triple Crown will have to win to El Padrino.


Perhaps it's no coincidence considering their respective pedigrees.... Eskendereya is by Giant's Causeway out of a Seattle Slew mare, while El Padrino is by Puplit (grandson of Seattle Slew) out of a Giant's Causeway mare. Very similar, basically just reversed top and bottom.

[Epiphany]

Asti has already thrown over "Secretariat" for the next El Padrino?

[second_glance]

Hansen's connections have been blogging for the CJ -- and I find Dr Hansen's post-Holy Bull thoughts refreshing and intriguing. Also a bit of news -- off with the blinkers next out.

http://blogs.courier-journal.com/hansen/2012/01/31/analyzing-hansens-first-defeat-among-other-things-blinkers-will-come-off/

[carolefromsimhorseracing]

I'm glad that Dr. Kendall Hansen wasn't expecting a win. Also glad the blinkers come off in his next race, hopefully he relaxes more next time out and puts in another good effort. The FOY could be THE BEST Derby prep being already loaded with Hansen, Union Rags, probable El Padrino and Discreet Dancer. Very Exciting:becky:

[LifeAtZen]

I'm glad that Dr. Kendall Hansen wasn't expecting a win. Also glad the blinkers come off in his next race, hopefully he relaxes more next time out and puts in another good effort. The FOY could be THE BEST Derby prep being already loaded with Hansen, Union Rags, probable El Padrino and Discreet Dancer. Very Exciting:becky:


I didn't get that out of the article, at all. He was expecting a win, which is why the stumble and then the :45 half disappointed him. He only knew then that they might not win.

[Me]

still <3 Hansen. next up FOY...

[Defcon One]

I'm glad that Dr. Kendall Hansen wasn't expecting a win. Also glad the blinkers come off in his next race, hopefully he relaxes more next time out and puts in another good effort. The FOY could be THE BEST Derby prep being already loaded with Hansen, Union Rags, probable El Padrino and Discreet Dancer. Very Exciting:becky:

And it's a sad comment that the best 3-year-old of all of them is in HER stall right now.

[Secretariat Forever]

Hopefully taking the blinkers off will help him relax!

[asti]

I haven't put aside Hansen, i just want to understand why he ended that bad, we have to give him time, he still can silence the mouth to a lot of people.

[sweettalk]

I haven't put aside Hansen, i just want to understand why he ended that bad, we have to give him time, he still can silence the mouth to a lot of people.
i think he was just acting immature; he was really wound up and not relaxing on such a goofy surface took its toll. he was second, not last, regardless of how he still looked like a horse that will prove you right!

[second_glance]

Dr. Hansen is completely crackers, but in a good way. . . .


http://blogs.courier-journal.com/hansen/2012/02/04/hansen-a-horse-of-a-different-color/

[Secretariat Forever]

omg! lol I don't know what to think. Poor horse or so cute!

[firehorse]

Ha ha! I think it's great... although if they follow through with it, he BETTTER win or the other horses will make fun of him... HAM-sen is totally correct.. I think of the 10 pictures or so that I got of him at Gulfstream for the Holy Bull, only 1 of them was he not looking straight at the camera or from the corner of his eye, he definitely knows where a camera is....

[Epiphany]

This guy is nuts. I doubt the stewards will allow the horse's mane and tail to be painted like some circus pony...

[BlindLucky]

Reminds me of the April Fool's video someone did a few years back where they got a bunch of trainers to talk about painting their horses to match the silks, or something like that. A bunch of people played along, and I think they did the equivalent of Photoshopping the videos to make it look like their horses were blue, green, etc. Wish I knew where to find that.

[Flanders]

I saw he has a mare named A.P. Indy Lover. What is really weird is the mare isn't related to A.P. Indy at all.
A.P. Indy Lover (http://www.equineline.com/Free-5X-Pedigree.cfm?page_state=ORDER_AND_CONFIRM&reference_number=8064022&registry=T&horse_name=A.%20P.%20Indy%20Lover&dam_name=Thinkin'strait&foaling_year=2007&nicking_stats_indicator=Y)

[second_glance]

This guy is nuts. I doubt the stewards will allow the horse's mane and tail to be painted like some circus pony...

Oh, I'm sure they can trot out a bunch of rules to prevent someone having harmless fun with his racehorse.

[moonwalker]

On the 4th of July a couple of years ago, local favorite Black Beaches (an Arabian) raced and won with red, white, and blue stars painted on her rump. This was at Arapahoe Park.

Also, I saw a horse running at Churchill Downs with handprints painted on the rump like an Indian pony. Don't know how he finished.

Mary MMM

[moonwalker]

I saw he has a mare named A.P. Indy Lover. What is really weird is the mare isn't related to A.P. Indy at all.
A.P. Indy Lover (http://www.equineline.com/Free-5X-Pedigree.cfm?page_state=ORDER_AND_CONFIRM&reference_number=8064022&registry=T&horse_name=A.%20P.%20Indy%20Lover&dam_name=Thinkin'strait&foaling_year=2007&nicking_stats_indicator=Y)

A.P. Indy Lover's dam is Hansen's second dam. :-)
Hansen's sire is A.P. Indy's grandson, so maybe the good doc has a soft spot for Indy.
He went to medical school in Indianapolis.

Mary MMM

[Native Diver]

Maybe, if the objection is over the mane and tail being a solid color outside of what normally occurs in nature, he could still put color highlights in his mane and tail. I think that would look even cooler, actually.

There's probably some rule that disallows it in a stakes race or something. They might allow it for an exhibition race.

[asti]

http://blogs.courier-journal.com/hansen/2012/02/04/hansen-a-horse-of-a-different-color/

[algobbi]

@Scott_Hazelton: Have you heard about Hansen's owner and how he's going to dye his 2YO champ's mane yellow and blue to match his silks?! I'm speechless...

[Lord Helpus]

This guy is nuts. I doubt the stewards will allow the horse's mane and tail to be painted like some circus pony...


Ohhh, I hope you're right. Otherwise I am going to be vomiting when the horses come out in the PP.

I do not even like nylon bridles. A lovely, well kept and WELL FITTED leather bridle and a shiney coat are all a TB needs to look magnificent. Some other trainers (who shall remain nameless) should take a page from Michael Matz's book. From his years in show jumping he turns a horse out to perfection.

[shudder] at a blue tail and a blue and yellow mane. My eyes, my eyes!

[Kurenai]

I actually like the idea. C'mon it's funny. :laugh: I'm just trying to imagine it down the stretch. :laugh:

[Native Diver]

I actually like the idea. C'mon it's funny. :laugh: I'm just trying to imagine it down the stretch. :laugh:

I can't help but think it's funny too. As if Hansen didn't stand out enough as it is....

[second_glance]

Maybe, if the objection is over the mane and tail being a solid color outside of what normally occurs in nature, he could still put color highlights in his mane and tail. I think that would look even cooler, actually.

There's probably some rule that disallows it in a stakes race or something. They might allow it for an exhibition race.

Me too! I like that a lot.

[dustino140]

The funny thing is, if this were Repole or Iavarone, they'd be taken to the woodshed for this moronic idea. But since it's some quack of a flash-in-the-pan owner, it's a wonderful idea. Go figure.

[LifeAtZen]

The funny thing is, if this were Repole or Iavarone, they'd be taken to the woodshed for this moronic idea. But since it's some quack of a flash-in-the-pan owner, it's a wonderful idea. Go figure.


Can't agree more...

[islandgirl45]

And they're coming into the stretch and Zebra Stripes, er...Hansen, is a length in front.....
:evil:

[Lord Helpus]

Why stop at dying his mane and tail?

Why not buy hair extensions? (Only $5.50 each)!!

And for night racing, they have lit up extensions so you can see your horses all the way around the track.:jaw: Great for that pesky racing in the dark during the BC Classic.
http://www.colorfulmanesandtails.com/

Please, someone who knows Mr/Dr Hansen, either have him come read this thread, or sell the poor horse to someone with a modicum of class.

[Beandog]

Please, someone who knows Mr/Dr Hansen, either have him come read this thread, or sell the poor horse to someone with a modicum of class.

Really? Dr. Hansen is classless because he's having fun with it?

After reading his followup blog post, it does seem as though he is thinking it through carefully, not just slappy happy with the paint can.


I was so glad to hear the first five comments positive for temporarily changing Hansen’s race time tail and possibly his mane color. Horse racing does need an occasional positive shake up.)))…As long as it is within the rules. I have briefly spoken with the Stewards at Aqueduct, Fair Grounds, Turfway Park, etc. All seem intrigued and don’t recall a similar request ever. I felt like they all were excited to look into this. I will submit the proposal in writing Monday and leave it in their hands. There may be different responses from different states. It is an aesthetic change and will not directly change what the track identifier is looking for. And white’gray/roan tails do change on their own as they age and different seasons. If I get the go ahead I will then check with each state toxicologist and make sure the color ingredients will not affect the horse’s performance or urine and blood tests. Also I do not want the color to bleed especially in the mane area and affect Ramon Domiguez during the race if Hansen’s sweats a lot or if there is rain as in his last race. There will be naysayers but that will add to the fun, I will respectfully listen to all comments, and hopefully horse racing will receive additional positive attention here at Derby time. Besides ‘Champions’ can set their own fashion trends…right?The rest of the post can be read here: http://blogs.courier-journal.com/hansen/2012/02/05/tail-color-weights-and-algorithms/

He's a different duck, but the kind I hope rubs off on others. While dying a tail might not be something most would do, it would be a beacon of outside the bubble/mainstream nonrace watcher type attention. And for a positive/amusing reason. How is that a bad thing???

[Somnambulist]

The funny thing is, if this were Repole or Iavarone, they'd be taken to the woodshed for this moronic idea. But since it's some quack of a flash-in-the-pan owner, it's a wonderful idea. Go figure.

People like this idea? I'd say half the people hear are against it, half aren't. If I saw this I'd laugh.

[Lord Helpus]

Really? Dr. Hansen is classless because he's having fun with it?

After reading his followup blog post, it does seem as though he is thinking it through carefully, not just slappy happy with the paint can.

The rest of the post can be read here: http://blogs.courier-journal.com/hansen/2012/02/05/tail-color-weights-and-algorithms/

He's a different duck, but the kind I hope rubs off on others. While dying a tail might not be something most would do, it would be a beacon of outside the bubble/mainstream nonrace watcher type attention. And for a positive/amusing reason. How is that a bad thing???

Because the horse is most beautiful when his coat gleams with good health such that all eyes are on him, not on some fakeloo green tail.

Dying a horse's mane and tale makes people look at the dye job, not at the conformation and beauty of the horse. TBs are the most beautiful breed in the world. They do not need a cheap and tacky dye job.

No true horseman would ever consider this. A real horseman only does things for the horse which will enhance him, not make him the butt of jokes. Why not stop pulling the mane and let it grow to 14"? Put zebra striped bandages on the horse? Put glitter on the face and hooves?

Maybe Hansen will eventually show up in the starting gate with all of the above. Anyone who flaunts tradition and is as tacky as Mr Hansen is..... there may be no stopping him.

Too bad. I like the horse. I feel sorry that his owner wants to turn him into a side show freak.

[gravano]

The funny thing is, if this were Repole or Iavarone, they'd be taken to the woodshed for this moronic idea. But since it's some quack of a flash-in-the-pan owner, it's a wonderful idea. Go figure.

I think people are reacting to the fun the owner seems to be having. It's definitely goofy, but not moronic, moronic to me is saying something like "My horse will beat Frankel".

[second_glance]

Because the horse is most beautiful when his coat gleams with good health such that all eyes are on him, not on some fakeloo green tail.

Dying a horse's mane and tale makes people look at the dye job, not at the conformation and beauty of the horse. TBs are the most beautiful breed in the world. They do not need a cheap and tacky dye job.

No true horseman would ever consider this. A real horseman only does things for the horse which will enhance him, not make him the butt of jokes. Why not stop pulling the mane and let it grow to 14"? Put zebra striped bandages on the horse? Put glitter on the face and hooves?

Maybe Hansen will eventually show up in the starting gate with all of the above. Anyone who flaunts tradition and is as tacky as Mr Hansen is..... there may be no stopping him.

Too bad. I like the horse. I feel sorry that his owner wants to turn him into a side show freak.

Well, I think he just wants to have fun with his horse. As I said, he's a bit crackers, but in a good way. And trust me, the horse doesn't care.

A good number of people on this board worship at the Shrine of Baffert -- who once turned the KD trophy upside and put it on his head. Quite reminiscent of some drunk frat boy with a toilet seat on his head. Now THAT's tacky. :becky:

[Beandog]

Because the horse is most beautiful when his coat gleams with good health such that all eyes are on him, not on some fakeloo green tail.

Dying a horse's mane and tale makes people look at the dye job, not at the conformation and beauty of the horse. TBs are the most beautiful breed in the world. They do not need a cheap and tacky dye job.

No true horseman would ever consider this. A real horseman only does things for the horse which will enhance him, not make him the butt of jokes. Why not stop pulling the mane and let it grow to 14"? Put zebra striped bandages on the horse? Put glitter on the face and hooves?

Maybe Hansen will eventually show up in the starting gate with all of the above. Anyone who flaunts tradition and is as tacky as Mr Hansen is..... there may be no stopping him.

Too bad. I like the horse. I feel sorry that his owner wants to turn him into a side show freak.

No true horseman would ever consider it?

Wow. So a harmless dye job, no...wait..The mere suggestion of possibly DOING a harmless dye job on the tail of his talented horse has reduced Dr. Hansen to a classless jerk of a non-horseman who wants to make his horse the butt of jokes.

*blink*

I guess I'll stick over here with the classless, tacky folk who can tell the difference between things that are serious and things that are just fun. It's not impossible to look out for your horse and have fun at the same time. If having to endure a little glitter polish on the hooves or heaven forbid a set of zebra print wraps (or tiger stripes in day-glo colors..egads!) if that is the worst this, or any horse, has to endure...yeah I'll line up on that side of the fence any day.

As for the traditions of racing somehow being threatened by a little dye job, why stop there? Dr. Hansen and his ilk are obviously a menace to good people, horses and possibly ponies everywhere and should be stopped! Why, before you know it people will be wearing white after labor day. Cats and dogs, living together....


It'll be anarchy! :drum:

[second_glance]

No true horseman would ever consider it?

Wow. So a harmless dye job, no...wait..The mere suggestion of possibly DOING a harmless dye job on the tail of his talented horse has reduced Dr. Hansen to a classless jerk of a non-horseman who wants to make his horse the butt of jokes.

*blink*

I guess I'll stick over here with the classless, tacky folk who can tell the difference between things that are serious and things that are just fun. It's not impossible to look out for your horse and have fun at the same time. If having to endure a little glitter polish on the hooves or heaven forbid a set of zebra print wraps (or tiger stripes in day-glo colors..egads!) if that is the worst this, or any horse, has to endure...yeah I'll line up on that side of the fence any day.

As for the traditions of racing somehow being threatened by a little dye job, why stop there? Dr. Hansen and his ilk are obviously a menace to good people, horses and possibly ponies everywhere and should be stopped! Why, before you know it people will be wearing white after labor day. Cats and dogs, living together....


It'll be anarchy! :drum:

ROTFL! And so very right.

[Native Diver]

They don't win races with their looks, I don't care how traditionally well-turned out they are, or what color their mane and tail might wind up.

Dr. Hansen is just thinking outside the box, and trying to have some fun with what might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for him, his family, and everyone connected with this horse. I personally can't knock a guy for trying to think of ways to keep it interesting and maybe draw in some new fans. Just because he's thinking unconventionally does not make him a menace to the sport or in some way morally deficient, for pity's sake.

[Slewfan2]

Dr. Hansen is completely crackers, but in a good way. . . .


http://blogs.courier-journal.com/hansen/2012/02/04/hansen-a-horse-of-a-different-color/

Awful, awful, awful..........it's embarrassing and degrading. I feel so sorry for Hansen.........ugh.

[sweettalk]

Awful, awful, awful..........it's embarrassing and degrading. I feel so sorry for Hansen.........ugh.
im sure hansen will cry himself to sleep.

[gravano]

I think there's a fine line between being exuberant and being a douchebag. I think Hansen is probably the former, and hopefully we'll hear more from him.

[Epiphany]

Fairly scathing rebuke of Dr. Pain Meds.

http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/7550793/hansen-deserves-better

[CoronadosQuest]

No true horseman would ever consider it?

Wow. So a harmless dye job, no...wait..The mere suggestion of possibly DOING a harmless dye job on the tail of his talented horse has reduced Dr. Hansen to a classless jerk of a non-horseman who wants to make his horse the butt of jokes.

*blink*

I guess I'll stick over here with the classless, tacky folk who can tell the difference between things that are serious and things that are just fun. It's not impossible to look out for your horse and have fun at the same time. If having to endure a little glitter polish on the hooves or heaven forbid a set of zebra print wraps (or tiger stripes in day-glo colors..egads!) if that is the worst this, or any horse, has to endure...yeah I'll line up on that side of the fence any day.

As for the traditions of racing somehow being threatened by a little dye job, why stop there? Dr. Hansen and his ilk are obviously a menace to good people, horses and possibly ponies everywhere and should be stopped! Why, before you know it people will be wearing white after labor day. Cats and dogs, living together....


It'll be anarchy! :drum:

This made my night LOL!

[dustino140]

This made my night LOL!

That's not something I'd brag about.

[Thinair]

That's not something I'd brag about.

What are the odds that poster even knows where that was stolen from?

[dustino140]

What are the odds that poster even knows where that was stolen from?

99/1

[Plenilune]

On the 4th of July a couple of years ago, local favorite Black Beaches (an Arabian) raced and won with red, white, and blue stars painted on her rump. This was at Arapahoe Park.


Also, I saw a horse running at Churchill Downs with handprints painted on the rump like an Indian pony. Don't know how he finished.

Mary MMM

I tend to be conservative and traditional so my first reaction was that Dr. Hansen’s idea was silly, over the top, making things comical rather than expressing a feeling that this horse is a serious contender…oops, wait, maybe he’s a circus star (well, sometimes the KY Derby stage can turn into a circus, just saying…).

Yet now, I’m leaning towards the thought of hat’s off to Dr. Hansen for being enthusiastic and showing off his horse in complete confidence.

Some noted how interesting and unique it was that Hansen had the red coloring in his mane and tail as a foal. Not Dr. Hanen’s silk clors, but still, a different and unique coloring none the less.

Did not the Native American revere their horses as important warriors just as much as their riders were? The horses were adorned with feathers, colors, and symbols to enhance their strength and courage. The horses had the battle spirit infused in them by those colors and symbols, no?

So, who knows, maybe Dr. Hansen’s silk colors in Hansen’s mane and tail might infuse a sense of battle spirit in the horse. Now, if he can only learn to relax until it’s the right time to strike. Or, relax on the front and control the whole scene. Whatever floats his boat, but just go out and command, battle, and win (whether he’s a classic distance or a sprinter). I like that scenario. Sounds good to me no matter what color he is; as racing is battle at whatever distance.


https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRYNhUY1lervz4-ahw5yMELgWDGmPWv2t6pMYJfnUtW0Ps8y_PAdw

[Starine]

Personally I would like to see Hansen's mane dyed in the colors of Starlight, Rainbow Brite's horse.

[firehorse]

Personally I would like to see Hansen's mane dyed in the colors of Starlight, Rainbow Brite's horse.

I like it :)

[second_glance]

Fairly scathing rebuke of Dr. Pain Meds.

http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/7550793/hansen-deserves-better

Yepper. This industry doesn't have the will to take care of horses after their racing days are done. This industry often doesn't act to keep horses off the track when they obviously shouldn't be running, nor any interest in keeping the pond scum from injecting joints until the horses have no cartilage left -- and therefore no capability for a second life. This industry is afraid to accurately count race-related fatalities (can't count those morning training deaths, oh no!).

But, by god, it can take full umbrage and try to prevent a horse, and therefore the sport?, from having its "dignity" assaulted by a temporary mane-and-tail dye job.

Gosh, I feel ever so much better about this "sport' now. Guess it really does have the interests of the horse at heart, after all.

[firehorse]

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5088/5375392135_8bc5a322cb_o.gif

[Native Diver]

second_glance, my exact thoughts as well and thank you for saying it better than I could. Who knew a temporary dye job was more of an affront to a horse's dignity than the right to a humane and decent life after the track? I knew it wouldn't be received well but the indignant tone is almost shocking considering other real problems facing racing today.

"Yepper. This industry doesn't have the will to take care of horses after their racing days are done. This industry often doesn't act to keep horses off the track when they obviously shouldn't be running, nor any interest in keeping the pond scum from injecting joints until the horses have no cartilage left -- and therefore no capability for a second life. This industry is afraid to accurately count race-related fatalities (can't count those morning training deaths, oh no!).

But, by god, it can take full umbrage and try to prevent a horse, and therefore the sport?, from having its "dignity" assaulted by a temporary mane-and-tail dye job.

Gosh, I feel ever so much better about this "sport' now. Guess it really does have the interests of the horse at heart, after all. "

[Native Diver]

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5088/5375392135_8bc5a322cb_o.gif

Nice! :evil:

[Empress-Club]

Oh yes, a whole lot of good all this conservatism and tradition have done for the sport in our day & age, haven’t they? Racing fans keep growing by the numbers!


It’s the 21 century, if racing cant spice itself up & make itself more appealing to a broader spectrum of fans, then we all know where things will end up.
Not saying neon manes & tails are going to save the sport, but even if they draw in just a few more fans to the game, then it’s ok by my book.


I think Dr Hansen has a great idea. It’s harmless & fun, & will certainly draw attention. Racing needs attention – of the fun positive, kind.
Wish there were more owners out there like this guy who were trying to come up with something innovative to rev up the image of this straggling sport.

[Blue Jeans]

Just finished reading ...

http://www.paulickreport.com/news/people/moran-hansen-the-owner-needs-to-come-to-his-senses/

Read the comments ... some are quite humorous. :)

Personally, I agree with Moran, but then, I happen to like things to look natural. People should look natural, too. Just sayin' ..... :becky:

[moonwalker]

Did not the Native American revere their horses as important warriors just as much as their riders were? The horses were adorned with feathers, colors, and symbols to enhance their strength and courage. The horses had the battle spirit infused in them by those colors and symbols, no?


https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRYNhUY1lervz4-ahw5yMELgWDGmPWv2t6pMYJfnUtW0Ps8y_PAdw


I think he would look awesome painted like a Native American horse, with feathers in his mane. I thought that horse with handprints at Churchill looked fierce.

Mary MMM

[Blue Jeans]

[SIZE=1][FONT=Arial]


I think he would look awesome painted like a Native American horse, with feathers in his mane. I thought that horse with handprints at Churchill looked fierce.

Mary MMM

You're right. Following article explains what each symbol meant .... and to its tribe.

http://www.aaanativearts.com/article260.html

ETA:
The Indian war horse was highly regarded by its American Indian owner, who often honored and protected his war horse by painting tribal symbols upon the animal's body.

While the symbols used and their meanings varied from tribe to tribe, there were some common symbols that were widely used on the Indian war horse.

Each power symbol has its own specific meaning and the purpose for which it was used was determined by the nature of the dangerous job which the war horse would be asked to do.

The Indian would decorate his horse with carefully chosen war symbols or power symbols which might be intended to give him protection, to indicate the troubles which lay ahead, or which spoke of the courageous heart of the war horse. Some symbols told of the horse's affection for the warrior. In this article, you will find explanations of some symbols which Indians used to decorate their war horses.<

[asti]

Hansen

Gulfstream Park

5 f

1.02.00

Fast

[BlindLucky]

They tried to get an okay to dye Hansen's mane and tail for the Gotham, but the stewards said no.

http://blogs.courier-journal.com/hansen/2012/02/16/new-york-stewards-deny-color-request/

[Catalina]

They tried to get an okay to dye Hansen's mane and tail for the Gotham, but the stewards said no.

http://blogs.courier-journal.com/hansen/2012/02/16/new-york-stewards-deny-color-request/

Halleluiah!

[Epiphany]

Hansen

Gulfstream Park

5 f

1.02.00

Fast


Notes: Paint off.

[asti]

Hansen

Gulfstream Park
02-19-2012
5 furlongs
Handily
0.59.00
Fast

[katmandu]

Speaking of Hansen paint (and apologies if this has already been discussed), what was the source of blood that is so evident in his mouth in his BC Juvenile winning shot?

[second_glance]

BTW, Illinois (specifically Hawthorne) has said "yes" to tail coloring (well, at least if it's for charitable purposes). So don't be too surprised if Hansen shows up in the Illinois Derby.

http://blogs.courier-journal.com/hansen/2012/02/21/tail-gate-illinois-derby-and-hawthorne-thinking-blue/

[Native Diver]

Speaking of Hansen paint (and apologies if this has already been discussed), what was the source of blood that is so evident in his mouth in his BC Juvenile winning shot?

I wondered about that too but don't recall reading anything about it. Did he bump his mouth in the gate?

http://www.brisnet.com/pictures/hansen11-5jt.jpg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHjWQd5Uxf8/TyIYB-g-6pI/AAAAAAAAAZA/wAJD3nBVXF0/s1600/HansenBC2011a.jpg

[second_glance]

Draws post 12 in a field of 13. Full entries should be posted soon.

Will go without blinkers.

[Epiphany]

Draws post 12 in a field of 13. Full entries should be posted soon.

Will go without blinkers.

That's not good. He may be forced to rate, will be interesting.

[second_glance]

That's not good. He may be forced to rate, will be interesting.

Yeah, well. Generally speaking, Tapits can't be forced to do much of anything. They are trying to teach him, but in races he is uber-competitive, and can be even in the mornings. His exercise rider said he's the only horse she's ever worked with that seems to think about racing all the time. ;-)

[second_glance]

DRFGrening: Maker on Hansen post: "Yeah, it is (a concern), but what can you do?" Hansen's flight due to land at 2:30.

[Epiphany]

Yeah, well. Generally speaking, Tapits can't be forced to do much of anything. They are trying to teach him, but in races he is uber-competitive, and can be even in the mornings. His exercise rider said he's the only horse she's ever worked with that seems to think about racing all the time. ;-)

I just read that stallion piece in Breeding edition of DRF that had Elliot Walden speaking of training Distorted Humor. That he never rated a day in his life, and that the track supers wanted to strangle Elliot for always waiting to the very, very end of training hours before the track closed for the morning to even gallop DH so no other horses would be out there. But he said, his progeny are competitive SOB's.

If anyone can get Hansen to get his head together in this race on that inner track, it is Ramon. Don't envy his chore. And not sure why McLaughlin is terribly worried about Dominguez sticking with Hansen for Wood over Alpha at this point, either.

[second_glance]

I just read that stallion piece in Breeding edition of DRF that had Elliot Walden speaking of training Distorted Humor. That he never rated a day in his life, and that the track supers wanted to strangle Elliot for always waiting to the very, very end of training hours before the track closed for the morning to even gallop DH so no other horses would be out there. But he said, his progeny are competitive SOB's.

If anyone can get Hansen to get his head together in this race on that inner track, it is Ramon. Don't envy his chore. And not sure why McLaughlin is terribly worried about Dominguez sticking with Hansen for Wood over Alpha at this point, either.

Well, he's often struck me as a chronic worrier, who tends to do it out loud more than most trainers. :-)

BTW, Tiger Walk is in the 13 hole, lining up next to Hansen. Folks at Sagamore just took a long, deep breath. And may hold it until the race is over.

[Epiphany]

Well, he's often struck me as a chronic worrier, who tends to do it out loud more than most trainers. :-)

BTW, Tiger Walk is in the 13 hole, lining up next to Hansen. Folks at Sagamore just took a long, deep breath. And may hold it until the race is over.

I think Hansen will just want to go, and not bother Tiger Walk myself...But he is going to use himself up again fighting to get to the lead. I'd be tempted to scratch him and go elsewhere.

On McLaughlin, your comment reminds me that he is also an expert at using the press to communicate (or not), and he does like to use certain jocks for certain horses (as does the Darley command.)

[second_glance]

I think Hansen will just want to go, and not bother Tiger Walk myself...But he is going to use himself up again fighting to get to the lead. I'd be tempted to scratch him and go elsewhere.

I get what you are saying, but he doesn't need the money, and he does need racing experience. (Either he learns to pay attention in the afternoon or he doesn't.)

[Secretariat Forever]

I'm not so much worried about how he'll rate or not.


I'm more interested to see how he acts without the blinkers.

[Epiphany]

I'm not so much worried about how he'll rate or not.


I'm more interested to see how he acts without the blinkers.

That change is typically meant to get a horse to relax more and think about rating for the jock.

S_G, I agree. He has to learn someday, or prove that he has no plans to do so.

[Secretariat Forever]

That change is typically meant to get a horse to relax more and think about rating for the jock.

S_G, I agree. He has to learn someday, or prove that he has no plans to do so.


I'm hoping it works here and doesn't have the opposite effect!

[carolefromsimhorseracing]

I'm not so much worried about how he'll rate or not.


I'm more interested to see how he acts without the blinkers.

Yea that question wanders in my mind too, perhaps he will be a bit more relaxed, or maybe he'll freak when he sees other horses around him and he will shoot to the lead. I hope he does the former. Also I like the big field in the Gotham cos it will help with him getting used to big fields (cos you know the KD will likely have all 20 gates filled up this year).

[second_glance]

I'm not so much worried about how he'll rate or not.


I'm more interested to see how he acts without the blinkers.

According to Privman, Maker has also changed bits. Or changed back. Gone from a snaffle back to a ring. It's on the Derby Watch video.

[Epiphany]

a
According to Privman, Maker has also changed bits. Or changed back. Gone from a snaffle back to a ring. It's on the Derby Watch video.

Maker claims he didn't become headstrong this winter with the time off, the runaway effort in the Holy Bull just so surprised him...so who can believe anything the guy says?

If the horse didn't become headstrong, it is because he just is a headstrong colt.

Dominguez told him the snaffle was too severe and to go back to the ring bit.

Maker is the same guy who made a public scene about Gomez trying to scratch one of his low level horses at the gate at Keeneland and refused to ride him after that. I am just going to say it. An opinion: Maker isn't helping this horse. Some trainers are just never going to be good enough to deal with a really good horse, they are going to over think it or choke.

[second_glance]

Maker claims he didn't become headstrong this winter with the time off, the runaway effort in the Holy Bull just so surprised him...so who can believe anything the guy says?

If the horse didn't become headstrong, it is because he just is headstrong colt.

Dominguez told him the snaffle was too severe and to go back to the ring bit.

Maker is the same guy who made a public scene about Gomez trying to scratch one of his low level horses at the gate at Keeneland and refused to ride him after that. I am just going to say it. An opinion: Maker isn't helping this horse. Some trainers are just never going to be good enough to deal with a really good horse, they are going to over think it or choke.

And I'll just say I wouldn't be complaining if Hansen went to another trainer. I'm real tempted to say that if a horse can bolt to the lead and win by double digits, you can get away with saying he's not headstrong. But I do think it is possible that he's gotten more headstrong.

And, damn it, this is a real racehorse! He just needs some very patient guidance. ;-)

[Epiphany]

Out of curiosity, do you consider saying things like that as good form, which help you maintain trust and friends in the industry?

How would you like it if Maker said something like that about you?

And does this mean you've joined TBC Armchair Trainers, Inc?

You really are on a merry-go-round, SOS.

And just to slow it down for you, I clarified that it was an opinion. I didn't declare the horse was "extremely unsound" or even "extremely headstrong" as fact. That's the difference.

[Epiphany]

And you think that opinion isn't hurtful or damaging to a man's reputation? Or that it'd make you friends and trusted by him?

Just a friendly reminder for those times you like to come down on others. I can't even count how many times you've ridiculed others around here in the past few days with the TBC Trainers, Inc. type comments, and here you're doing it yourself. This trainer that you're slamming won the BC Juvenile with this horse, so it's looking like the TBC Trainers, Inc. shoe fits you like a tailored slipper.

I used the TBC Trainer Inc. line once as far as I know, when offering the opinion that I will still take Pletcher over the extraordinary win percentage of 20/20 hindsight. At least Kip made it clear that she or he was offering an opinion on Pletcher's handling of Algorithms' injury, even if I thought it was a misinformed one.

I don't want to be friends with Mike. But Maker doesn't give a rat's a$$ what I, or you, or anyone here thinks of him, or how he trains, but I bet he would appreciate that I prefaced my words as opinion. And that I didn't reveal anything inside that I know about his colt that isn't published information. A far cry from the way you stated that another top 3 yr old colt was "extremely unsound" and cited your "multiple sources" - something that could damage the value of a horse.

Critics abound everywhere of trainers and owners, and social media and the internet has given rise to that voice. It is all about how you phrase it. That is why I have hesitated to state my opinion of Maker until now, and emphasized that it is only my opinion. Which I gather you hold in higher esteem than I realized until now. No other way to explain why you keep seething about this. You could just say, "Hey, I see your point." Because I get the distinct impression that indeed, you did, whether you can admit it or not.

[asti]

We have to count on Hansen for the Kentucky Derby

[Epiphany]

We have to count on Hansen for the Kentucky Derby

I'm counting on him to be in 15th place.

[dustino140]

We have to count on Hansen for the Kentucky Derby

He beat My Adonis. Again. You can settle down a bit. This was a G3 field and they ran as such.

[dustino140]

I'm counting on him to be in 15th place.

I actually thought today's post helped a lot today. Crazy, I know. If he breaks like that from inside, he's in a world of sh*t. So yea, maybe the blinkers helped him settle, but the post helped him get a very clean and clear trip. If he breaks nonchalantly in the Derby, it's over before they enter the first turn.

[Epiphany]

I actually thought today's post helped a lot today. Crazy, I know. If he breaks like that from inside, he's in a world of sh*t. So yea, maybe the blinkers helped him settle, but the post helped him get a very clean and clear trip. If he breaks nonchalantly in the Derby, it's over before they enter the first turn.

Even though he did great today and overcame the wide position into the first turn against lesser, and settled (best of all), he is not going to get that trip in the Derby against 19 others from any post. And he is going to have fast company and get jostled about which should set his hair on fire.

[susan]

I'm counting on him to be in 15th place.

500 bucks says he does better than that in the Derby .

[MonmouthGuy]

Who came in third?

[Peppermint Lady]

Finnegan's Wake
:israel:

[Epiphany]

500 bucks says he does better than that in the Derby .

You want me to bet you whether he finishes 14th or 15th?

[susan]

You want me to bet you whether he finishes 14th or 15th?

You are smarter than that ...

I said better than 15th--not a choice of 14th or 15th .

[second_glance]

The official Team Hansen tee shirt, modeled by Dr. Hansen today. Portion of proceeds goes to New Vocations.

https://p.twimg.com/AnGJqfXCQAAJIVY.jpg

[Epiphany]

You are smarter than that ...

I said better than 15th--not a choice of 14th or 15th .

14th is better than 15th. Follow? I am so smart, I have no idea why you would expect anyone to take you up on such a dumb bet.

Anyway, no desire to pretend I am going to bet anyone at TBC. And I like the horse and wish him well, just don't see him as a Derby distance horse. If both Hansen and Alpha get to Derby 100%, will be interested to see who Ramon chooses.

[susan]

14th is better than 15th. Follow? I am so smart, I have no idea why you would expect anyone to take you up on such a dumb bet.

Anyway, no desire to pretend I am going to bet anyone at TBC. And I like the horse and wish him well, just don't see him as a Derby distance horse. If both Hansen and Alpha get to Derby 100%, will be interested to see who Ramon chooses.

Smart AND funny ...

Dumb bets have been generated here before .

Nice deflection though .

And no one is proposing Hansen as a classic cup horse, though he showed a very pleasing and effective change of tactics .

[asti]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za4bY2WDOS0&feature=player_embedded

[asti]

Hansen beyer 96

[second_glance]

Word is that he'll van back to Turfway tomorrow, then move to the Spectrum when that opens. (Source: Grening, after conversation with folks at the barn.)

[Ballerina]

I don't know why. I try, but I just can't wrap myself around liking Hansen. To me, he's weird, Pale Rider looking.
:behindsofa:

But, he ran a nice race yesterday. I didn't like the way Ramon dropped him in front of King and Crusader coming down the stretch, but no objection or inquiry was made, so C'est la vie!

[Elphie]

The official Team Hansen tee shirt, modeled by Dr. Hansen today. Portion of proceeds goes to New Vocations.

https://p.twimg.com/AnGJqfXCQAAJIVY.jpg

That is awesome :D Whats the chances they will ship to UK?

[second_glance]

Dr. Hansen's writing style tends toward stream-of-consciousness, but in there you can find some interesting info about the 4 changes they made with Hansen after the Holy Bull.

http://blogs.courier-journal.com/hansen/2012/03/04/maker-hansen-dominguez-hall-of-fame-turn-around/

[LifeAtZen]

Dr. Hansen's writing style tends toward stream-of-consciousness, but in there you can find some interesting info about the 4 changes they made with Hansen after the Holy Bull.

http://blogs.courier-journal.com/hansen/2012/03/04/maker-hansen-dominguez-hall-of-fame-turn-around/


Really didn't like the comment about trying out the "four wide Union Rags path..haha"

[Secretariat Forever]

Really didn't like the comment about trying out the "four wide Union Rags path..haha"

Wouldn't you make some comments when all you hear after you beat the horse (after also having to overcome a lot) was "Union Rags was the best because he was wide"? (not saying he wasn't) It wasn't a rude comment. Just a friendly competition comment. At least that's the way I read it.

[Epiphany]

Dr. Hansen's writing style tends toward stream-of-consciousness, but in there you can find some interesting info about the 4 changes they made with Hansen after the Holy Bull.

http://blogs.courier-journal.com/hansen/2012/03/04/maker-hansen-dominguez-hall-of-fame-turn-around/

Interesting. I think the lip cord is a D Wayne trick. Training him on morning of is a great idea, too. Obviously worked well for him. And Ramon has been instrumental so I hope he stays with the colt. (I think Alpha more likely for FL Derby now so he can keep Ramon and then they all let him decide closer to Derby after last preps and depending on which colt is 100% healthy.)

I hope the white colt naturally matures, and doesn't require so much tinkering leading up to May 5 in front of 150,000 Derby drunks and with 19 other horses in his midst.

[LifeAtZen]

Wouldn't you make some comments when all you hear after you beat the horse (after also having to overcome a lot) was "Union Rags was the best because he was wide"? (not saying he wasn't) It wasn't a rude comment. Just a friendly competition comment. At least that's the way I read it.


No, I wouldn't be making any comments because it's a completely different race, different track and different factors. But that's just me. I read that comment as, our horse took the 4 wide path (though they seem to ignore that he only took it 1/2 way into the first turn) and won, which is something UR couldn't do. He needs to wait until they meet on the track before he starts comparing these two as 3 year olds. We don't know who's better yet.

[Secretariat Forever]

No, I wouldn't be making any comments because it's a completely different race, different track and different factors. But that's just me. I read that comment as, our horse took the 4 wide path (though they seem to ignore that he only took it 1/2 way into the first turn) and won, which is something UR couldn't do. He needs to wait until they meet on the track before he starts comparing these two as 3 year olds. We don't know who's better yet.


Why? No one else is.

[Epiphany]

No, I wouldn't be making any comments because it's a completely different race, different track and different factors. But that's just me. I read that comment as, our horse took the 4 wide path (though they seem to ignore that he only took it 1/2 way into the first turn) and won, which is something UR couldn't do. He needs to wait until they meet on the track before he starts comparing these two as 3 year olds. We don't know who's better yet.

You probably need to lighten up. It was a joke, maybe even respect, if I took time to read into it from my own point of view, that is. Didn't even see it as a comparison, except that his horse overcame it.

[Secretariat Forever]

Interesting. I think the lip cord is a D Wayne trick. Training him on morning of is a great idea, too. Obviously worked well for him. And Ramon has been instrumental so I hope he stays with the colt. (I think Alpha more likely for FL Derby now so he can keep Ramon and then they all let him decide closer to Derby after last preps and depending on which colt is 100% healthy.)

I hope the white colt naturally matures, and doesn't require so much tinkering leading up to May 5 in front of 150,000 Derby drunks and with 19 other horses in his midst.


If they both stay healthy, I definitely think Alpha will go to the FL Derby to avoid possibly having a change of rider if they were both going into the Wood. That's what I got from what McLaughlin said. Again assuming both stay healthy, and keep doing what they have been and improving, I would bet that Ramon chooses Hansen. Just comparing his comments on them both, he obviously thinks Alpha is a nice horse, but he seem very excited about Hansen. I don't know if I've ever seen Ramon this excited about a horse, at least not in a while.

[Secretariat Forever]

You probably need to lighten up. It was a joke, maybe even respect, if I took time to read into it from my own point of view, that is. Didn't even see it as a comparison, except that his horse overcame it.


That's what I got from it. Just a friendly little competition talk, everyone is talking UR vs Hansen I don't see why he can't join the party. It's not like he's being an a** about it and trying to diminish Union Rags in anyway, From the way I read it, I would say the opposite of that.

[LifeAtZen]

That's what I got from it. Just a friendly little competition talk, everyone is talking UR vs Hansen I don't see why he can't join the party. It's not like he's being an a** about it and trying to diminish Union Rags in anyway, From the way I read it, I would say the opposite of that.


But that's what I got from it - different perspectives I guess. I'm not going on a rampage here I was just irked by it.

[second_glance]

No, I wouldn't be making any comments because it's a completely different race, different track and different factors. But that's just me. I read that comment as, our horse took the 4 wide path (though they seem to ignore that he only took it 1/2 way into the first turn) and won, which is something UR couldn't do. He needs to wait until they meet on the track before he starts comparing these two as 3 year olds. We don't know who's better yet.

Okay, now. Let us think back to the BC Juvy and the commentary of the onscreen faces -- which was all to the effect that the best horse didn't win that race, and Union Rags had to run wide for so long, then veered out, yadda yadda yadda. Seriously, Hansen had just run and won the race of his life, the premier event for 2yos in this country, answering questions people had about him then, and the only TV voice that seemed to appreciate his achievement was Denman making the call. He got very little coverage post-race.

So, if Dr. Hansen wants to joke about being 4 or 5 wide and winning, I can easily indulge him in that.

[LifeAtZen]

I guess I don't understand the need to continue to drag what happened with the BC Juv out into this year. I want to watch and enjoy them as 3yo's.

[CoronadosQuest]

No, I wouldn't be making any comments because it's a completely different race, different track and different factors. But that's just me. I read that comment as, our horse took the 4 wide path (though they seem to ignore that he only took it 1/2 way into the first turn) and won, which is something UR couldn't do. He needs to wait until they meet on the track before he starts comparing these two as 3 year olds. We don't know who's better yet.

I think he was talking about the Fountain of Youth in which Union Rags went wide and everybody was pretty happy/excited about it. At least that is what I got from it since he said that Hansen matched UR's performance.

"I feel like we have a great rivalry with Union Rags. We saw his impressive 3 length win on his return and Hansen responded to match that. Very cool. Even got to try the four wide Union Rags path..haha."

[Ballerina]

Hansen being pointed to the Wood Memorial

http://www.drf.com/news/aqueduct-hansen-will-train-kentucky-return-new-york-wood

[Secretariat Forever]

http://www.drf.com/news/aqueduct-hansen-planning-return-trip-new-york-wood-memorial


Maker said Hansen came out of the race “great. . . . no worse for the wear.” The horse will do the bulk of his training in Kentucky before returning for the Wood. Part-owner Dr. Kendall Hansen, for whom the horse is named, said he would love to run in the $500,000 Spiral Stakes at Turfway on March 24, but Maker said the timing of the Wood – it’s five weeks from the Gotham and four to the Derby – makes the most sense.


“That was one of the main reasons for going to the Gotham,” Maker said. “That was our plan. I think we’ll be on the same page for the Wood.”

[asti]

http://i43.tinypic.com/sql3zl.jpg

[second_glance]

Nice blog on Forbes.com by Teresa Genaro: Hansen Brings Hope to Retired Racehorses:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/teresagenaro/2012/03/06/hansen-brings-hope-to-retired-racehorses/

[second_glance]

Livingston does Hansen (;-)) -- "a photographer's dream"

http://www.drf.com/blogs/hansen-photographers-dream

[Laurierace]

http://i43.tinypic.com/sql3zl.jpg

Memorian? 7-4-2012 is his next race? So he is officially off the derby trail according to this caption?

[Epiphany]

Laurie, Asti's first language is not English and the date is Euro style, day first.

[Laurierace]

Gotcha. I figured that would be a pretty crappy way to announce he was off the trail!

[Secretariat Forever]

Livingston does Hansen (;-)) -- "a photographer's dream"

http://www.drf.com/blogs/hansen-photographers-dream


Love it! Him and Union Rags couldn't be more different looking, but both so gorgeous.

[firehorse]

Bloodhorse 'And They're Off' does a recap of Gotham and a nice interview with Dr. Hansen for those interested.....
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/videos/watch/17D7F859-5E46-4AC3-B7EB-8EB44C4D98ED

[Starine]

Nice to see some photos of Hansen without a bloody mouth.

[Secretariat Forever]

Bloodhorse 'And They're Off' does a recap of Gotham and a nice interview with Dr. Hansen for those interested.....
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/videos/watch/17D7F859-5E46-4AC3-B7EB-8EB44C4D98ED


While I think the colored tail/mane thing is silly...he seems like a pretty cool guy. His intentions are good, but it's still a very silly/stupid idea.

[second_glance]

And we have . . . extensions! :becky: (H. schooled in the paddock at TP tonight. Photos courtesy of the track.)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/426969_10150567522106910_51125691909_9548510_10891 01077_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/427478_10150567521691910_51125691909_9548508_11830 65051_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/422548_10150567521961910_51125691909_9548509_10697 52302_n.jpg

[Secretariat Forever]

oh gosh.

[Kurenai]

Aaaaaaahahahaha, I think it's a funny idea! :laugh:

[asti]

Hansen

Workout
3/18/2012
Churchill Downs Training
4 furlong
Breezing
0.50.40
Fast

[CoronadosQuest]

He looks cute with the gold and blue extensions. Well, he looks cute all the time, but they suit him nicely haha.

[dustino140]

Ringling Brothers called. They want their horse back.

[Curlin]

Ringling Brothers called. They want their horse back.


Hey now, he's got UCLA colors! I like him even more now.

Gotta love Dr Hansen, he's different and different is something that needs to be injected into the old fart kingdom that is horse racing.

[Flanders]

His regular jockey Ramon Dominguez suffered a seperated collarbone in a spill at Aqueduct today.

[Epiphany]

His regular jockey Ramon Dominguez suffered a seperated collarbone in a spill at Aqueduct today.

If he can't make the Wood, I wonder if Lebron gets to ride him, and then Ramon back for Derby?

[Curlin]

If he can't make the Wood, I wonder if Lebron gets to ride him, and then Ramon back for Derby?

I'm trying to imagine LeBron James riding Hansen and simply can't, heh.

[Epiphany]

I'm trying to imagine LeBron James riding Hansen and simply can't, heh.

Victor.

[firehorse]

Not sure why, but Hansen to the Blue Grass makes me happy:

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/68278/change-of-plans-hansen-to-blue-grass

[Bernardini]

well, glad to know that Dr Hansen read my post in Champ Hansen's facebook that the Bluegrass should be the prep instead of the Wood for the Champ.

[StarGirl11]

Not sure why, but Hansen to the Blue Grass makes me happy:

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/68278/change-of-plans-hansen-to-blue-grass

You may not know but I know exactly why I am estatic about the change. The Wood winners keep running into issues it seems. And until we get another one that runs in the Derby I am starting to become convinced the race is jinxed. Kind of wish his last prep was on dirt but I am glad it's not the Wood.

[second_glance]

Hansen, relaxing.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/529194_10150608065826910_51125691909_9697496_15466 25497_n.jpg

[Epiphany]

See, he doesn't want body paint, he just wants desperately to blend in with the other horsies.

[Secretariat Forever]

from his FB.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/554179_329945727066636_212702118790998_892705_1051 228788_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/540685_329945647066644_212702118790998_892703_1706 525798_n.jpg

[dustino140]

You may not know but I know exactly why I am estatic about the change. The Wood winners keep running into issues it seems. And until we get another one that runs in the Derby I am starting to become convinced the race is jinxed. Kind of wish his last prep was on dirt but I am glad it's not the Wood.

Seriously?

[Somnambulist]

Seriously?

Yeah this jinxed Wood thing is oddening. Esky had issues all winter/spring long and was a ticking time bomb, and Toby's Corner injured himself in a work, right? IWR has been horribly unsound his entire career. It's not the race.

[Spahny]

The synthetic to dirt benefit might be a better reason.

[dustino140]

The synthetic to dirt benefit might be a better reason.

Has a benefit actually ever been proven? Or is it just like anecdotal horse racing lure?

[mariasmon]

Has a benefit actually ever been proven? Or is it just like anecdotal horse racing lure?

Worked for Street Sense and Animal Kingdom.

[Spahny]

Has a benefit actually ever been proven? Or is it just like anecdotal horse racing lure?

I don't think Cal Tech has a study but Golden Gate shippers to Santa Anita do very well. Is any angle in this game really proven?

The poly is deeper and harder to run over. The concept is that they might be fitter and skip over a conventional dirt track like Churchill when coming there. Not unlike the popular Oaklawn to Churchill shipper play. Problem is that Churchill is a weird track that can change from day to day. Somes horse hate it no matter what you do with them.

I really have no idea why Hansen is going this route. It was just a thought. Since he already has a grade one win over the track maybe they are just looking for an easy spot for his final prep.

[mariasmon]

I don't think Cal Tech has a study but Golden Gate shippers to Santa Anita do very well. Is any angle in this game really proven?

The poly is deeper and harder to run over. The concept is that they might be fitter and skip over a conventional dirt track like Churchill when coming there. Not unlike the popular Oaklawn to Churchill shipper play. Problem is that Churchill is a weird track that can change from day to day. Somes horse hate it no matter what you do with them.

I really have no idea why Hansen is going this route. It was just a thought. Since he already has a grade one win over the track maybe they are just looking for an easy spot for his final prep.

Hansen has actually never run at Keeneland. He does have 2 impressive wins over Turfway's Poly. And the Poly-to-dirt angle worked for him in winning the BC.

[sweettalk]

i think now it'll be his post position, if he can overcome it and any traffic issues that it may attribute to, and if he can get the distance.

that sounded better in my head.

[Secretariat Forever]

He needed the extra week. He lost weight after the Gotham and they thought it best to give him an extra week to recover and be fully ready. And they don't have to ship anywhere. Also, Ramon gets an extra week to heal, though they said that wasn't a huge part in the choice.

[Spahny]

Hansen has actually never run at Keeneland. He does have 2 impressive wins over Turfway's Poly. And the Poly-to-dirt angle worked for him in winning the BC.

I meant over the Churchill track. I probably could have spent more time on that post. The point is he doesn't have to prove he can perform on a dirt track at Churchill. They know he can. Not unlike Street Sense. Not that I am comparing them.

[dustino140]

Worked for Street Sense and Animal Kingdom.

Didn't work for Dominican, Great Hunter, Teuflesberg, Zanjero, Adriano, Big Truck, Bob Black Jack, Colonel John, Cowboy Cal, Monba, Pyro, Visionaire, Advice, Chocolate Candy, General Quarters, Hold Me Back, Join in the Dance, Mr Hot Stuff, Dean's Kitten, Lookin at Lucky, Made Music for Me, Sidney's Candy, Stately Victor, Brilliant Speed, Derby Kitten, Master of Hounds, Santiva, or Twinspired in the Derby, so I guess it evens out? ;-)


I don't think Cal Tech has a study but Golden Gate shippers to Santa Anita do very well. Is any angle in this game really proven?

The poly is deeper and harder to run over. The concept is that they might be fitter and skip over a conventional dirt track like Churchill when coming there. Not unlike the popular Oaklawn to Churchill shipper play. Problem is that Churchill is a weird track that can change from day to day. Somes horse hate it no matter what you do with them.

I really have no idea why Hansen is going this route. It was just a thought. Since he already has a grade one win over the track maybe they are just looking for an easy spot for his final prep.

Don't get me wrong, I understand the concept as to why people think it matters. But to be honest, I don't really know if I think it does.

I think the poly-to-dirt angle became popularized by Nafzger and Jones in 2007, but to be honest, I also think that was probably a statistical and anecdotal anomaly. That was the first time synthetic surfaces were really relevant, and both Street Sense and Hard Spun prepped on them and fared well in the Derby. In reality, though, does it matter? If Street Sense preps in the Florida Derby and Hard Spun takes the Arkansas route, do any of us think that Derby result is any different? Probably not. I don't think there are many people out there that think prepping on the synthetic is why those horses ran 1-2 on Derby Day - they ran 1-2 because they were elite horses.

I just think that it's quite telling that Keeneland isn't a hot-bed of Derby talent of late. You really don't hear about the quality dirt horses targeting Keeneland anymore. Brilliant Speed? Paddy O'Prado? King Congie? Derby Kitten? Cowboy Cal? Monba? They're turf horses trying the main track. I just think that if the game's top conditioners thought it was an advantage, you'd see them taking that route. Since they aren't, I think it's fair to surmise that it doesn't really factor much in their decision making.

From a handicapping perspective, I actually think a lot of players have cooled on the synthetic-to-dirt angle a lot. Again, right as synthetics became popularized, that was all the rage, but again, it was all the rage due to a small sample size and little more than anecdotal evidence. Which happens. If I see two horses in a card go synthetic-to-dirt and win, I'm more likely to expect it from a third horse. But I think now, it doesn't really matter. I haven't seen much evidence (or analysis, in that fact) by handicappers that really boasts the benefits of a synthetic-to-dirt angle.

And just as a heads' up, I wasn't trying to be a dick or anything. I'm just trying to really determine if there is merit to synthetic-to-dirt, or if it's just kind of an urban legend.

[Huaka]

Don't know if anybody saw these videos but here's Hansen when he was paddock schooling at Turfway (interesting that they interviewed Victor Lebron):


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ju9OhRuxeY


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXPMjyWeEe8

[Somnambulist]

And just as a heads' up, I wasn't trying to be a dick or anything. I'm just trying to really determine if there is merit to synthetic-to-dirt, or if it's just kind of an urban legend.

No angle was ever going to work for Stately Victor.

How do shippers from Hol or Del Mar do when returning to dirt? I Want Revenge is really the only one I know of that boomed big but I don't follow Cali racing all that much.

[Secretariat Forever]

LOL "it was better than sex" He sure is a little out there sometimes, but he seems like a pretty cool guy overall. Just trying to do what he can to help the sport. You can tell he really loves his horse.

[Old Bones]

Hansen trackside in Louisville today.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny12jp-e7eg&feature=youtube_gdata

[Secretariat Forever]

thanks for posting that! He looks great!! Funny, when he was jogging around he was concentrating on everything but jogging. lol But when it got down to the work he was all business! Doesn't look like the work took anything out of him.

[Old Bones]

He did get right down to work.

Anyone recognize the track? Caption says Louisville but that's not Churchill.

[second_glance]

He did get right down to work.

Anyone recognize the track? Caption says Louisville but that's not Churchill.


Trackside.

[Old Bones]

Is that the name of the training track?

[second_glance]

Is that the name of the training track?

Yep. It's Churchill's training center.

[gravano]

Derby Dreams Ride In on a White Horse



http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/11/sports/derby-dreams-ride-in-on-a-white-horse.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

[EquineAnne]

If Hansen wins the Derby it will be quite a boost for racing. Everything about him screams media attention...from the horse himself to his owner. It will be a great ride. Go Hansen!

[Secretariat Forever]

Derby Dreams Ride In on a White Horse



http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/11/sports/derby-dreams-ride-in-on-a-white-horse.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

Interesting read! Thanks for posting.

[Starine]

Derby Dreams Ride In on a White Horse

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/11/sports/derby-dreams-ride-in-on-a-white-horse.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

Thanks for this link. Interesting read.

[second_glance]

Some fine photos taken this morning by Matt Wooley:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2999286023074&set=a.2823877117961.2126062.1289989442&type=1&theater

[Blue Jeans]

Two treats! The link and the FB pic. Thanks, folks.

Rooting for 'The Great White Hope' for the Blue Grass ... go Hansen! Yes, he's real easy on the eyes. :)

[second_glance]

Hansen on the track this morning -- in HD.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPCSg1KvDaM

[EquineAnne]

Hansen on the track this morning -- in HD.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPCSg1KvDaM


Can any of you experts out there tell how he is going over the track surface?

[Psychotic Parakeet]

Can any of you experts out there tell how he is going over the track surface?

He looked okay to me, but distracted.

[Secretariat Forever]

He looked okay to me, but distracted.

He looked good to me, but really hard to get a good judgement off of that since he appeared to be concentrating on everything but the jog, and the rider had him in such a tight hold and he was fighting it. I noticed from the videos when he jogs/gallops around he's always turning his head to look at everything going on around him but when he works he's all business. Really can't judge how a horse looks over it until you see them get a good gallop or work over it. From what I saw, he looked good! He certainly looks happy!

[EquineAnne]

He looked good to me, but really hard to get a good judgement off of that since he appeared to be concentrating on everything but the jog, and the rider had him in such a tight hold and he was fighting it. I noticed from the videos when he jogs/gallops around he's always turning his head to look at everything going on around him but when he works he's all business. Really can't judge how a horse looks over it until you see them get a good gallop or work over it. From what I saw, he looked good! He certainly looks happy!

Yeah, he's a nosy bugger and did not appear serious at all! The surface there seems deeper than others.

[second_glance]

He looked okay to me, but distracted.

Part of that is that he wants to hook up with every horse he sees. You can tell early in this video when there's a horse well to the outside of him, he really wants to get over next to it. Or so it seems to me. He's a competitive little dude.

[firehorse]

Does anyone know how many hands he is and his weight?

[Secretariat Forever]

Part of that is that he wants to hook up with every horse he sees. You can tell early in this video when there's a horse well to the outside of him, he really wants to get over next to it. Or so it seems to me. He's a competitive little dude.


That's how he's been described by his connections all along. He has that special will to win.

[Secretariat Forever]

Does anyone know how many hands he is and his weight?


I've been wondering this too. He appears light boned but with the right amount of muscle.

[Secretariat Forever]

Oh my gosh!!!!! :becky:


http://horsephotos.com/watermark.jsp?photoID=136454

http://horsephotos.com/watermark.jsp?photoID=136451

http://horsephotos.com/watermark.jsp?photoID=136452

http://horsephotos.com/watermark.jsp?photoID=136450

http://horsephotos.com/watermark.jsp?photoID=136453

http://horsephotos.com/watermark.jsp?photoID=136455

http://horsephotos.com/watermark.jsp?photoID=136456

[EquineAnne]

Oh my gosh!!!!! :becky:


http://horsephotos.com/watermark.jsp?photoID=136454

http://horsephotos.com/watermark.jsp?photoID=136451

http://horsephotos.com/watermark.jsp?photoID=136452

http://horsephotos.com/watermark.jsp?photoID=136450

http://horsephotos.com/watermark.jsp?photoID=136453

http://horsephotos.com/watermark.jsp?photoID=136455

http://horsephotos.com/watermark.jsp?photoID=136456

Oh my is right! Thanks for sharing. What a cutie. I gather he's not a cutie in the personality area but that's OK, he needs that.

[Secretariat Forever]

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120412/SPORTS08/304120100/Hansen-loves-to-kick-up-dust-Trainer-could-tell-early-that-all-he-wanted-to-do-is-run-?odyssey=tab%7Cmostpopular%7Ctext%7CSPORTS


“He had that mentality that all he wanted to do is run,” Maker said recently at his Trackside stable in Louisville. “He’s such a unique horse. I think if you ran him in the first race on Saturday at Keeneland and came back in the 10th race, he’d still run well. When he goes out there, he just wants to go. A lot, lot of fight. He doesn’t think it’s a job. It’s what he’s bred for and what he wants to do.”

[Laurierace]

Hansen on the track this morning -- in HD.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPCSg1KvDaM

Definitely not a work like it says in the video title, barely even a gallop. He really wanted to run off that is why the rider had to keep him so contorted.

[Secretariat Forever]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xb92D49ZNHo&list=UU5OHLkjF6EHBqEwgwG7ip2Q&index=17&feature=plpp_video

In this video when they ask Kendall how much Hansen has changed from 2-3 he says he's not much bigger probably about 16.0hh now. So that helps answer the size question.


he says "I had 2 days to name the horse, so I apologize for the name, I'm sure people think it's very self aggrandizing, but it's for my family" with a laugh LOL

[second_glance]

Definitely not a work like it says in the video title, barely even a gallop. He really wanted to run off that is why the rider had to keep him so contorted.

Yep. Slow mile and a half. It was his first time on the track. Generally his morning rider only gets to sit in the saddle when they do actually work. :-)

[Laurierace]

I couldn't tell if he had it on in the video but all the pics I have seen pop up on FB show him wearing a lip chain. Wonder if that helps him or not?

[Secretariat Forever]

I couldn't tell if he had it on in the video but all the pics I have seen pop up on FB show him wearing a lip chain. Wonder if that helps him or not?


it's one of the changes they made for him, it's suppose to give the rider more control.

[EquineAnne]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xb92D49ZNHo&list=UU5OHLkjF6EHBqEwgwG7ip2Q&index=17&feature=plpp_video

In this video when they ask Kendall how much Hansen has changed from 2-3 he says he's not much bigger probably about 16.0hh now. So that helps answer the size question.


he says "I had 2 days to name the horse, so I apologize for the name, I'm sure people think it's very self aggrandizing, but it's for my family" with a laugh LOL

He's so darn nice. A really down to earth person. He looks like he had too much Mt. Dew today...like he was gonna jump out of his skin and he was holding back. I guess if Hansen was my horse, I'd be doing the same. I'm gonna be a wreck before this race.

[Laurierace]

it's one of the changes they made for him, it's suppose to give the rider more control.
But did he have it in the video? If so, it didn't help much.

[second_glance]

But did he have it in the video? If so, it didn't help much.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150787984186413&set=a.10150773350306413.461462.501746412&type=1&theater

I've heard that in Florida he was much worse than he was today.

[second_glance]

Happy Birthday, Hansen!

[Huaka]

People think Careless Jewel is Tapit's only 10 furlong winner but they forget about Testa Matta in Japan. He is a very successful dirt runner in Japan and won the 2009 Japan Cup Dirt which is run at 2000 meters.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykhf1efSt8k

[second_glance]

Photo in the Courier-Journal:

https://p.twimg.com/Arr9VM8CIAEVEdY.jpg

[Private Thoughts]

The video of him rolling is pretty cute, apparently he enjoys playing in the dirt.

http://www.courier-journal.com/videonetwork/1610780843001?odyssey=mod|tvideo|newswell

[Secretariat Forever]

Photo in the Courier-Journal:

https://p.twimg.com/Arr9VM8CIAEVEdY.jpg

That is an AWESOME photo! He looks like some mythical creature there! WOW!

[CoronadosQuest]

The video of him rolling is pretty cute, apparently he enjoys playing in the dirt.

http://www.courier-journal.com/videonetwork/1610780843001?odyssey=mod|tvideo|newswell

What a cutie! He is having a blast in that sand :)

[LostInTheFog]

People think Careless Jewel is Tapit's only 10 furlong winner but they forget about Testa Matta in Japan. He is a very successful dirt runner in Japan and won the 2009 Japan Cup Dirt which is run at 2000 meters.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykhf1efSt8k

It's the Japan Dirt Derby :)

And he won the February Stakes this year.

[Huaka]

It's the Japan Dirt Derby :)

And he won the February Stakes this year.

Yeah, I know. I was too lazy to read the entire title. =/.

[Secretariat Forever]

Dr. Hansen on Hansen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R39gPQMEME8


Mike Maker on Hansen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GDsrRsDJQE

[Huaka]

Hansen seems to be very aware of when the cameras are on him, much like Zenyatta. He looks in their direction briefly or fixates on it when he sees them.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0EasuNSLI8


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HP8G8nz0XY


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJUF-cJ_vow

[LostInTheFog]

Lol Hansen the Ham.
He is so beautiful, I could look at him all day long lol.

[Secretariat Forever]

Love him!

[CoronadosQuest]

Gosh I love this horse! I hope people keep telling him how handsome he would be with red roses draped around his neck!

[EquineAnne]

I love him too but fear he won't get the distance.

[Epiphany]

“I had two doctors to my left and they were shaking like a leaf,” said Maker, referring to Dr. Kendall Hansen and Dr. Harvey Diamond, the co-owners of Hansen. “I said ‘boy, I’m glad they don’t operate on me.’ ”

(How much does Maker dislike Hansen - the man, not the horse - by now?)

[Epiphany]

That crazy doc plans to throw white rubber horses at the crowd. He gives them to patients to squeeze while he injects their spine. Ok, I want to hear from the first person to tell me they would let this guy inject their sneakers with Febreeze?

Maybe they will name Hansen's first foal Whack Job after the Good Doctor?

[second_glance]

Actually, I think they're foam.

http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/571939563.jpg?key=32641952&Expires=1336019688&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=m5k7JlqnVmHTuCghWJHnLPdTu49gK05IrhnGS477 i8UjOItV5ruvkFmwYp1GN78YO~9LQp-Cuk1XgcNNdlvZG8chvQfS1ztcm-7PRRwuG23zALVD-IbMDpPfjU4I2S7v8DkmVbH~VGUVDxV7VRG2~xr~r6VjzTki9-g3qsePoRc_

[Epiphany]

Actually, I think they're foam.

http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/571939563.jpg?key=32641952&Expires=1336019688&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=m5k7JlqnVmHTuCghWJHnLPdTu49gK05IrhnGS477 i8UjOItV5ruvkFmwYp1GN78YO~9LQp-Cuk1XgcNNdlvZG8chvQfS1ztcm-7PRRwuG23zALVD-IbMDpPfjU4I2S7v8DkmVbH~VGUVDxV7VRG2~xr~r6VjzTki9-g3qsePoRc_

Is foam not made from a rubber compound? Or am I missing your point again? (I can't see your link.)

[Huaka]

Here's the full video of Hansen's work that includes a goose crossing the track! He's such an energetic colt.

http://www.wave3.com/category/195955/video-landing-page?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7136106#.T6H2a2KBTb8.twitter

[LostInTheFog]

Thank you for the link. He is beautiful to watch :)

[Epiphany]

Dr. Pain Pills is stuffing the Paulick Report poll for his horse as Derby fav the past two weeks. Must give his patients a free white (or more appropriately brown) foam horse to take home and squeeze in exchange for the vote.

Hope Dr. Pain Pills dresses up as a clown on Saturday so even the little children recognize him.

[Huaka]

Here's a nice article about him:

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/69476/hansen-survived-his-mother-to-achieve-acclaim

[EquineAnne]

Here's the full video of Hansen's work that includes a goose crossing the track! He's such an energetic colt.

http://www.wave3.com/category/195955/video-landing-page?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7136106#.T6H2a2KBTb8.twitter

He cracks me up. He's like a big ole puppy.

[Huaka]

Haha. Here's what Hansen thinks of his rival:

http://www.brisnet.com/pictures/hansen5-3me.jpg

[serenassong]

He cracks me up. He's like a big ole puppy.
Yep, and that Pinto was so content snoozing in the sun.

[Secretariat Forever]

Haha. Here's what Hansen thinks of his rival:

http://www.brisnet.com/pictures/hansen5-3me.jpg

OMG! HAHA First the photo of UR glaring at Hansen and now this! too much! lol

[LostInTheFog]

Haha. Here's what Hansen thinks of his rival:

http://www.brisnet.com/pictures/hansen5-3me.jpg

Omg hahaha. I like this.

[PerfectSoul]

I like Hansen and I have always enjoyed watching him run (who wouldn't?), but I was never as high on him as some others around here. But I must tell you that my heart broke for him on Saturday. He looked so stressed in the post parade and during the race he gave it his all. He is such a game little horse. I hope that he comes back okay, both mentally and physically.

[Secretariat Forever]

I like Hansen and I have always enjoyed watching him run (who wouldn't?), but I was never as high on him as some others around here. But I must tell you that my heart broke for him on Saturday. He looked so stressed in the post parade and during the race he gave it his all. He is such a game little horse. I hope that he comes back okay, both mentally and physically.


Same here! Hansen, Bode, and CC are probably the 3 most "game" horses this year. These three, no matter what will try their hardest.

[Secretariat Forever]

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/70094/hansen-works-woody-stephens-stakes-next

[saroman]

Same here! Hansen, Bode, and CC are probably the 3 most "game" horses this year. These three, no matter what will try their hardest.
"Game" horses that manage to lose all the tough spots. How does any horse this year outgame the Derby/Preakness winner? Overcame huge leads in the final furlong of both TC races to date and prevailed in a three-way stretch drive in the Santa Anita Derby while pressing the pace throughout. He's resolute, determined and all heart. Even $5K claimers can "try their hardest" but trying AND winning is the essence of "game".

[drjohnh]

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/70094/hansen-works-woody-stephens-stakes-next

yay, i'll get to see him! hope he doesn't get stressed out by the crowd

[Secretariat Forever]

"Game" horses that manage to lose all the tough spots. How does any horse this year outgame the Derby/Preakness winner? Overcame huge leads in the final furlong of both TC races to date and prevailed in a three-way stretch drive in the Santa Anita Derby while pressing the pace throughout. He's resolute, determined and all heart. Even $5K claimers can "try their hardest" but trying AND winning is the essence of "game".

What are you talking about? Guess you failed to realize I posted that 2 days after the Derby..which means before the Preakness. So how you out game the Derby/Preakness winner I really wouldn't have had the slightest clue at the time, since the Preakness wasn't even run yet. A horse doesn't have to always win to be game. Game means those who always try their hardest. And yes I'll Have Another is certainly included in that group, especially after the Preakness.

Clearly you haven't noticed I am a big fan of I'll Have Another, so trying to pick an argument with me as if I'm not is only going to make you look more like an *** than you just did.

[saroman]

What are you talking about? Guess you failed to realize I posted that 2 days after the Derby..which means before the Preakness. So how you out game the Derby/Preakness winner I really wouldn't have had the slightest clue at the time, since the Preakness wasn't even run yet. A horse doesn't have to always win to be game. Game means those who always try their hardest. And yes I'll Have Another is certainly included in that group, especially after the Preakness.

Clearly you haven't noticed I am a big fan of I'll Have Another, so trying to pick an argument with me as if I'm not is only going to make you look more like an *** than you just did.
Not trying to pick an argument. Just rejecting the notion that horses which usually lose in tough spots regardless of how hard they "try" are, as you unequivocally stated, "probably the 3 most 'game' horses this year". BTW, the Merriam-Webster definition of "game" includes the qualifying term "unyielding". Trying is not enough. Most Thoroughbreds try, and except for a few, most of them yield under pressure. That's what separates I'll Have Another from the rest at this stage of their respective careers. He doesn't yield.

[Secretariat Forever]

Not trying to pick an argument. Just rejecting the notion that horses which usually lose in tough spots regardless of how hard they "try" are, as you unequivocally stated, "probably the 3 most 'game' horses this year". BTW, the Merriam-Webster definition of "game" includes the qualifying term "unyielding". Trying is not enough. Most Thoroughbreds try, and except for a few, most of them yield under pressure. That's what separates I'll Have Another from the rest at this stage of their respective careers. He doesn't yield.


You are reading way too far into this. When you do that, you're trying to pick an argument. Or you have nothing better to do. Or both.

[CoronadosQuest]

When I see somebody define "game" in racehorses, I think of horses who do not fold like a cheap suit as soon as somebody challenges them. Hansen, could have easily thrown in the towel when he was rank as all heck in the early stages of the Derby, but no. He stuck with it until he was so tired that the others had to pass him. I definitely describe him as game. He gives 110% out there even if it doesn't always mean he comes out on top.

Just because a horse loses doesn't mean they haven't shown heart. All of those horses give everything they got. They don't look another horse in the eye, and say "oh hey, sorry... my bad!" and stop running.

[katmandu]

Unyielding does not equal undefeated. Ten men are slaughtered by 100 men, they may be unyeilding, but they are dead. It happens in horse racing too, circumstances do not always yield a win although the horse may have been dead game, so to speak. . . . of course, the better the horse, the more circumstances he/she can overcome, and I assume that is your point.