Breeders' Cup: 2007 Version Worst Ever?

[Zman179]

I'm sorry, but I cannot seem to gather any enthusiasm for this year's running. I mean, Europe is barely represented with only 12 runners out of 11 races having made their last start in Europe. Not only that, but this is the first year that I've ever seen where not a single trainer or jockey has made the trip from France to partake in the BC. Nobody came from Germany either. It's always been these little spices of flavor that gave the BC its unique appeal, now it tastes like they made some soup and forgot to add some salt. Bland as hell.

And is it me or has the BC Turf been seriously diluted this year? Only 8 horses for a $3 million purse, only two of which are Europe-based?

Maybe I'm being cynical, but I have almost zero interest in the '07 BC. I'm not even going to bother handicapping it. I'll just advance bet the Europeans in the turf races and hope for the best. Heck, I might even get change back from a $20. :lol:

World Championships? Yeah, right.

[The Judge]

Not willing to call it worst or bad but normally I would be hating myself for not going to the Breederscup, this year nothing. Even if I didn't go I would have every BC publication out and tons of printouts this year I'll do so pic 3's and pic 4's and call it a day.

I will bet some money into the races because of the chance of a big pay day on some good horses and traniners that you normally can't bet because of low odds.

[cj's dad]

I'm sorry, but I cannot seem to gather any enthusiasm for this year's running. I mean, Europe is barely represented with only 12 runners out of 11 races having made their last start in Europe. Not only that, but this is the first year that I've ever seen where not a single trainer or jockey has made the trip from France to partake in the BC. Nobody came from Germany either. It's always been these little spices of flavor that gave the BC its unique appeal, now it tastes like they made some soup and forgot to add some salt. Bland as hell.

And is it me or has the BC Turf been seriously diluted this year? Only 8 horses for a $3 million purse, only two of which are Europe-based?

Maybe I'm being cynical, but I have almost zero interest in the '07 BC. I'm not even going to bother handicapping it. I'll just advance bet the Europeans in the turf races and hope for the best. Heck, I might even get change back from a $20. :lol:

World Championships? Yeah, right.

Maybe the 3 new ones being run this afternoon will generate some interest:ThmbUp:
I would think that tomorrows Classic would perk you up.:)

[Richie]

You think this year is bad, wait until next year for the first ever poly BC, not that's badddddd :ThmbDown:

[Grits]

The odds in today's three new BC races, alone, are indeed enough to keep me watching and very interested--and taking a few shots at cashing a ticket or two.

[Tom]

Perhaps if they had advertised the cheesey fries more around Europe we would see them flocking here. :D

[Grits]

Perhaps if they had advertised the cheesey fries more around Europe we would see them flocking here. :D

I truly can't believe people eat this garbage--heart disease waiting to happen.

[kenwoodallpromos]

When are Belgium and Canada, those 2 horseflesh eating countries, going to contribute to the live end of racing?
Seriously, some people are just not satisfied the the good ole USA is doing Global Warming carbon offsets by sucking up more than our share of the world's oil, but evening things up by giving back to the world in the form of green-freindly thoroughbreds?

[Zman179]

When are Belgium and Canada, those 2 horseflesh eating countries, going to contribute to the live end of racing?
Seriously, some people are just not satisfied the the good ole USA is doing Global Warming carbon offsets by sucking up more than our share of the world's oil, but evening things up by giving back to the world in the form of green-freindly thoroughbreds?

Yeah, and even the stuff that comes out of their rear ends is green too! :lol:

[Zman179]

The odds in today's three new BC races, alone, are indeed enough to keep me watching and very interested--and taking a few shots at cashing a ticket or two.

Nothing that you can't get in an ordinary race at Keeneland. Or Beulah Park for that matter.

I truly can't believe people eat this garbage--heart disease waiting to happen.

You know, people tend to put butter on your name. :lol:

[Grits]

Nothing that you can't get in an ordinary race at Keeneland. Or Beulah Park for that matter.

Hopefully, those pools today are a tad larger though.


You know, people tend to put butter on your name. :lol:

Yes, indeed, they do. I figured though, only folks here, in the South are familiar with GRITS.;) Maybe not. I'm not particularly fond of 'em.

For me, its the long held meaning, the acronym:

G.R.I.T.S. -- GIRLS RAISED IN THE SOUTH

[Snag]

Worst Ever? Maybe not. But like they say, Location, Location, Location.

I'm sure the folks buying tickets in NJ would say different but I'm sure the enthusiasm may have been higher at another location. Those in Europe know about Bel, SA, CD, etc. Maybe even Texas. But what is the draw of a Monmouth except the money?

JMHO.

[the_fat_man]

Yeah, so I finally got around to building that basketball court in my basement. Of course, the ceiling is just over 6' high in most spots, which means, as I'm 6' as well, I can't shoot UP at the basket; nor can I ELEVATE for a shot, without flattening out my head. In fact, everything is a straight shot, no high archers for the fatman.
And the floor is concrete and broken up in spots, which doesn't exactly hold well for the old FAT knees. Not to mention that I have to dodge the occasional rat and water but to get my shot off; keeps me on my toes, to say the least. Oh, and I neglected to mention that it's only 20' x 20', way shorter than the standard 50' x 94' court.

Now, my reputation for using the "ho" and "bitch" word, in reference to (some) women, had gotten me a bit of notoriety, and I wasn't surprised when contacted by James Dolan, the president of MSG, who upon hearing that I loved the game enough to build my own court, wanted to offer me FREE access to the MSG court ANY TIME I wanted. I could actually play on a professional court. I refused, of course, but we did agree that I'd use the MSG court once every 4-5 years.

What's my point: in one sense I could really care less where the BC is held, as long as horses like Sea Chanter and Corinthian make it worth my while. And, all tracks are subject to inclement weather, so we can't really blame MTH for the conditions. However, from a purist standpoint, I'm puzzled that the BC people would want to put the best horses in the world on a track that, in comparision to BEL, is like the Fatman's basement court compared to MSG's. I really want to see the long striding, BIG GEAR pushing CURLIN, running in a tight turn BULL RING, where inferior horses have an advantage. Or some of the late striding turfers looking as if they're in some short track speed skating competion. Cut those turns, boys. WTF? the BC is supposed to be about the best meeting the best under as fair conditions as possible. The BC committe cheapens this whenever they take the BC away from LEGITIMATE tracks like BEL and (in a much lesser sense) CD.

Then again, this is world that has given us SPecial Olympics and FAT porn, so go figure. If you're an elementalist, you're screwed.

P.S. ESPN really needs to use the (local) track's video. The idiot responsible for the angles of the races really needs to take a step back and watch these races to see how pitiful the camera work is. You can't be switching angles repeatedly during a race. These are the most important races of the year; why record them as if they're $1500 claimers?

[alysheba88]

Already one of my favs :)

[Zman179]

Worst Ever? Maybe not. But like they say, Location, Location, Location.

I'm sure the folks buying tickets in NJ would say different but I'm sure the enthusiasm may have been higher at another location. Those in Europe know about Bel, SA, CD, etc. Maybe even Texas. But what is the draw of a Monmouth except the money?

JMHO.

If you think that the Europeans know about Lone Star Park, Sam Houston and Retama, then I'd like to sell you a bridge in Brooklyn. Cheap.

Monmouth is a draw because it is close to JFK Airport and even closer to Newark Airport. Result: fewer hours in a plane to get to where you've got to go, and to a major transportation hub to boot. It ain't easy to get to Louisville from London.

[Snag]

If you think that the Europeans know about Lone Star Park, Sam Houston and Retama, then I'd like to sell you a bridge in Brooklyn. Cheap.

Monmouth is a draw because it is close to JFK Airport and even closer to Newark Airport. Result: fewer hours in a plane to get to where you've got to go, and to a major transportation hub to boot. It ain't easy to get to Louisville from London.

I don't think transportation is a problem with any shippers from Europe. I feel it's about the track.

[jjm323]

The so-called experts look like fools.

My wife, who picks horses by names, is up 20X on her investment, I haven't cashed a ticket.

[BombsAway Bob]

P.S. ESPN really needs to use the (local) track's video. The idiot responsible for the angles of the races really needs to take a step back and watch these races to see how pitiful the camera work is. You can't be switching angles repeatedly during a race. These are the most important races of the year; why record them as if they're $1500 claimers?
Camera Angles, Race Graphics, odds tickers...everything inhales badly! X-Games producers trying to jazz up one of THE MOST PERFECT SPORTS for TV! It's hard to screw up camerawork for horseracing...keep a wide enough angle to show the front half of the field, & K.I.S.S.!
AND WHY haven't the cheapskates @ BC, INC ponied up the clams for TRAKUS?
While I don't need the animated horses, the entire field posted on the bottom of the screen accurately with odds is FANTASTIC, especially when conditions cause difficult viewing! The wider-angle Trakus can really expose when a jock puts himself in a box behind tiring speed with nowhere to go a lot better than a camera pan shot!
Good Luck & BOMBS AWAY!-Bob www.myspace.com/bobgrant3 (http://www.myspace.com/bobgrant3)

[PaceAdvantage]

The so-called experts look like fools.It's like baseball. You can look like a fool 70% of the time and still be a good player. But you knew this already....

[Zman179]

I don't think transportation is a problem with any shippers from Europe. I feel it's about the track.

Regardless of the location, a European horse is going to be at a disadvantage running over a 7/8ths track. Bottom line. Regardless if it's SA, CD, LS, Mth, etc. I would imagine that if the euros had it their way, they'd only spot in the US that they'd choose is Belmont since the track configuration and style more fits theirs.

I think that two things factor big time into the lack of European horses in this year's running:
1) The exchange rate is dreadful with the US Dollar being extremely weak right now
$1 USD = 0.69 €
$1 USD = £ 0.48
2) The Breeders' Cup not only will not let owners into the stands for free, they won't pay a cent towards transportation costs. Meanwhile, many other major international events will cover shipping costs.

[Kelso]

I really want to see the long striding, BIG GEAR pushing CURLIN, running in a tight turn BULL RING, where inferior horses have an advantage. Or some of the late striding turfers looking as if they're in some short track speed skating competion. Cut those turns, boys. WTF? the BC is supposed to be about the best meeting the best under as fair conditions as possible. The BC committe cheapens this whenever they take the BC away from LEGITIMATE tracks like BEL and (in a much lesser sense) CD.


So, you favor a "course-for-the-horse" approach to siting the BC. :eek: Sounds more like a Venezuelan election than a "fair" way to determine championships.

JMHO.

[Snag]

Regardless of the location, a European horse is going to be at a disadvantage running over a 7/8ths track. Bottom line. Regardless if it's SA, CD, LS, Mth, etc. I would imagine that if the euros had it their way, they'd only spot in the US that they'd choose is Belmont since the track configuration and style more fits theirs.

I think that two things factor big time into the lack of European horses in this year's running:
1) The exchange rate is dreadful with the US Dollar being extremely weak right now
$1 USD = 0.69 €
$1 USD = £ 0.48
2) The Breeders' Cup not only will not let owners into the stands for free, they won't pay a cent towards transportation costs. Meanwhile, many other major international events will cover shipping costs.

I think you may have nailed it. Good and valid points.

[Tom]

So the BC cheaped itself out of a lot of quality.

[shanta]

I'm puzzled that the BC people would want to put the best horses in the world on a track that, in comparision to BEL, is like the Fatman's basement court compared to MSG's. I really want to see the long striding, BIG GEAR pushing CURLIN, running in a tight turn BULL RING, where inferior horses have an advantage. Or some of the late striding turfers looking as if they're in some short track speed skating competion. Cut those turns, boys. WTF? the BC is supposed to be about the best meeting the best under as fair conditions as possible. The BC committe cheapens this whenever they take the BC away from LEGITIMATE tracks like BEL and (in a much lesser sense) CD.


Bravo! My vote for post of the month

[jognlope]

Congrats Indian Blessing. Sorry your jockey kept hitting you even though you were lengths ahead...:mad:

[46zilzal]

Congrats Indian Blessing. Sorry your jockey kept hitting you even though you were lengths ahead...
She was backing up BIG time. Now if she was 12th by 22 and the rider did that, I would be right with you.

[jognlope]

yeah I heard Moss say that but why not let her go her own pace , she was way ahead ... I know, I know

[46zilzal]

yeah I heard Moss say that but why not let her go her own pace , she was way ahead ... I know, I know
I have asked many a rider about this. Their answers have been consistent: if you don't get after them habitually, when real competition comes at them late, they will fold up.

[jognlope]

You are right. War pass is beautiful, rain rain stay???

[46zilzal]

Babies run fast and early. The clean silk syndrome works on days like this one as they usually cannot pass the rooster tail of mud in front of them.

Now I am hoping that at 10 furlongs, old Hard Spun does not get the same luxury.

[shanta]

The so-called experts look like fools.

My wife, who picks horses by names, is up 20X on her investment, I haven't cashed a ticket.

My mom who only watches the big stakes races (Derby,Breeders etc) on tv is picking em like a champ while I suck.

her picks
f&m sprint - Miraculous Miss - 2nd 43/1
Juvenile turf - Nownownow - Win 27.20
mile - Discreet Cat- 3rd 3/2
Juv fillies - Indian Blessing - Win 5.40
Juv - War Pass - Win 6.40
f&m turf - Passage of Tine - 3rd 5/2
sprint - Commentator - out 10/1

To all the "lady pickers" out there - Salute! :ThmbUp:

[Tom]

I'm happy to see the BC at various tracks - it a day for the fans.
Frankly, I think Belmont is the LAST place to have it. One turn at 9 furlongs, to me, is minor leaugue crap. Besides, doesn't Belmont have a rule or something about only 5 horses in any Gr1 stake? :rolleyes:

[098poi]

I am enjoying this BC. It has been damp and grey here in Mass so I don't feel guilty about sitting home watching all the races. I have made three whole wagers today. $5 win bets, two lost but I hit with Kip Deville so I am up about thirty bucks for the day. I wanted to bet English Channel but was too intimidated by Dylan Thomas. :bang: I think I'll put another $5 on Hard Spun. Good luck!

[jognlope]

Did anyone else get the pick 3? Probaly doesnt pay much but I will take it! I feel bad Tiago did so badly, was kinda counting on him. Yeah Curlin fooled them all.

[Tom]

Overall, I thought it was a very good day for racing, until the very end.
Monmouth did a great job getting the track where it was, and most of the races were formful.

[lilmegahertz]

I would like to give kudos to Monmouth for this year. They did a wonderful job [with the exception of Trevor instead of Tom D.]. I just wish ESPN would use the split screens. Octave ran a good race but it was almost missed as the focus [as always on ESPN zoom-o-rama action] was on the leaders. Otherwise, great job Monmouth.....

[lilmegahertz]

BTW...how come I ALWAYS misjudge and forget Curlin???? He has danced the big ones, made THEM have to dig down deep to be where they are, and always shown his heart each and every time. Most big races he is right there battling it out but somehow he always gets forgotten. But not today...he is the horse that adds that bit of excitement and drama to the finish.....Is he going to retired? I hope npot. If he sticks around I will not over look him next year...

[GaryG]

Overall, I thought it was a very good day for racing, until the very end.
Monmouth did a great job getting the track where it was, and most of the races were formful.Normally I am quite happy to get a 4-1 winner but not like that. What a rotten way to end such a fine day.

[Murph]

BTW...how come I ALWAYS misjudge and forget Curlin???? He has danced the big ones, made THEM have to dig down deep to be where they are, and always shown his heart each and every time. Most big races he is right there battling it out but somehow he always gets forgotten. But not today...he is the horse that adds that bit of excitement and drama to the finish.....Is he going to retired? I hope npot. If he sticks around I will not over look him next year...

I left Curlin OUT of the win spot and took the heat for it! After the Classic there were folks at my little get together grumbling about our crashed ticket when Ol' Dirt said "That's the same horse that screwed us in the Derby!!"

Then they all turned and looked to me ... I said "That was a helluva horse race." Some of these nice folks are now 0 for 2 this year using my selections thanks to Curlin.

I have to hand it to the horse and his handlers, to come back and run so strong after that last top effort was truly special. Too bad it took me all year to realize this and give him his proper dues. :confused:

It would be fantastic to see him race again next season. Imagine an improved sleek older Curlin at 4YO. He would be tough to handle at the classic distances.

Hope everyone had a great day of racing and wagering. Everyone here had a fantastic time. All in all a great day at my house.

Murph

[DJofSD]

It would be fantastic to see him race again next season. Imagine an improved sleek older Curlin at 4YO.

SAX has the Strub series for 4 year olds. The first race is the Malibu at 7 furlongs. The rest are routes.

Does the east coast circuit have anything like that?

[alhattab]

I echo others' thoughts about the overall quality of the venue. Despite very tough conditions I thought Mth did a fantastic job. The place looked great and, most importantly I thought the tracks held up very well despite 4 days of rain. Short waits to bet and get a beer. I live nearby so I can't speak to traffic conditions but overall I thought it was great and I wouldn't be surprised if the BC came back here.

[ghostyapper]

Monmouth did a nice job with it but I am really starting to miss nbc and durkin. There were 2 races where you couldn't even see the head of the winner cross the line.

Denman also had another tough day. In the juvenile, as war pass is opening up by 5 or more on the turn, essentially winning the race, he's stuck in the back focusing on the trailers. Then when pyro makes his move, he's making a big deal as if he's gonna catch him trailing by 7 in the stretch

In the classic, he's touting street sense to run a big one as we see curlin pulling away from him.

I give him credit in the sprint though, he saw midnight lute coming very early.

[Bobzilla]

I agree. Despite a total lack of cooperation from Mother Nature, I felt Monmouth did an admirable job. It was my 17th straight BC being in attendance and I'd rank their preparation for this event up there towards the top. The 7/8 course might not suit the Euros, but overall I felt the results were impressively formful. Passage of Time and Excellent Art did not run bad and had every chance. I hope the Breeders' Cup will give fair consideration to holding their annual event at Monmouth at some point in the future.

[jma]

I concur with the favorable opinions of Monmouth. I thought they did an excellent job all things considered. The food and betting lines were relatively short, considering the number of people who didn't know where to go or how to bet. Also, at times you had a lot of people inside trying to avoid the rain, and most kept relatively calm. The fans were slightly better looking than the usual racetrack crowd (especially in the paddock, both horses and ladies), which at least was a distraction waiting for the showers to end. :) The track maintenance crew did a great job keeping things fair. The races were formful enough to give everyone a chance to hit a few. The crowd did fill in nicely, even if some stayed away. The traffic...well, let's say that it's never fast moving in that area, so it was bad but not as bad as I expected. I actually got out of there relatively quickly from one of the remote lots. I'm glad the BC came to Monmouth and gave another venue a shot at hosting.

[toetoe]

dear TALKAFM (The Artist Lovingly Known As Fat Man),

I LOVE that post. :ThmbUp: As I am elementally retarded, I have hired a translator to help me GET it, but I already know I love it. :)

[Greyfox]

I am a Trevor Denman fan. I felt he did quite well.

The track was sloppy. The saddle cloths are all the same color.
Not easy to distinguish runners via numbers, so the calls had to be made
off of the silks and cap colors.
If ever races needed Trackus "chicklets" these ones did.
Trying to find where your horse was on TV was truly difficult in a lot of instances.