Delaware Handicap

[redshift1]

Reminds me of Silk Stockings and Tarport Hap rivalry of the 70's. Blind Luck and Havre de Grace for 750k. Looking forward to this race.



http://www.drf.com/news/delaware-handicap-gets-blind-luck-havre-de-grace

[LRL Racing]

Should be interesting and a nice race. Love the fact it is 1 1/4 for two very, very good mares.

[Patrick333]

I just wish it was more than a five horse field.

[Reezy]

I think blind luck turns the tables mainly bc the mile and a quarter

[PhantomOnTour]

I think blind luck turns the tables mainly bc the mile and a quarter
The distance is Blind Luck's only chance.
She just isn't closing as fast as she did last year. Has yet to equal her best from last year in 5 tries in 2011.
At anything under 10f it's HDG; this should be interesting, esp with HDG giving weight this time.

[Tom]

Will LAT be a factor today?
She is showing a good fig pattern....could be an exotic spoiler.

[toussaud]

wow. i don't even care who won.

[cpitt84]

wow.

what a finish! I think BL got it.

[Tom]

What a race!

[castaway01]

Hell of a race...definitely the best rivalry in U.S. racing the past two years. Great finish.

[toussaud]

blind luck, still h as never lost a race at 10F. that's her best distance and i seriously consider running her in the classic because it's 10F. not saying she SHOULD, but i would at least seriously consider it. that's what she wants to do, and probably moreso than the males this year.

[PhantomOnTour]

blind luck, still h as never lost a race at 10F. that's her best distance and i seriously consider running her in the classic because it's 10F. not saying she SHOULD, but i would at least seriously consider it. that's what she wants to do, and probably moreso than the males this year.
It would be a shame if they didn't meet in the Br Cup, because Havre de Grace will probably not go 10f vs males. She's virtually a lock to go in the Ladies Classic.
Good point about Blind Luck though, as she has no one to fear at 10f, male or female.

[bks]

did I just here John Curran say something like:

"Two great fillies. And we honor the connections for actually coming across the country from California to run in this Delaware Handicap. . . not ducking anybody. . . . . ."

Someone should ask him what he means, since these fillies faced each other before and are very evenly matched (certainly at 1 1/4). Were there other $750K Gr. 2 races available for BL against mares in California? Does either have a habit of ducking another? Does BL duck anyone? I'm a bit confused.

Now, he couldn't possibly be referring to another California mare during another year, could he? I certainly hope not, as that would have been a pretty foolish thing to have said.

[lamboguy]

what an awesome race that was. its the best race i have seen this century. 2 great horses.congradulations to both trainers.

[skipaway100]

It would be a shame if they didn't meet in the Br Cup, because Havre de Grace will probably not go 10f vs males. She's virtually a lock to go in the Ladies Classic.
Good point about Blind Luck though, as she has no one to fear at 10f, male or female.

I see no reason why Havre de Grace wouldn't. She was 3w both turns, with a slight check in the first turn that definently cost her the race.

Both should go vs the males.

[Spalding No!]

Someone should ask him what he means, since these fillies faced each other before and are very evenly matched (certainly at 1 1/4). Were there other $750K Gr. 2 races available for BL against mares in California? Does either have a habit of ducking another? Does BL duck anyone? I'm a bit confused.

Blind Luck was also on the fence for the upcoming Clement Hirsch at Del Mar.

Now, he couldn't possibly be referring to another California mare during another year, could he? I certainly hope not, as that would have been a pretty foolish thing to have said.

Wow, I think you're overreacting here. I doubt he was referring to Zenyatta.

But, let's just suppose, that he was.

Wouldn't you're own reasoning...

Were there other $750K Gr. 2 races available for (fill in the blank) against mares in California?

...still be valid?

Guess not.

[sonnyp]

did I just here John Curran say something like:

"Two great fillies. And we honor the connections for actually coming across the country from California to run in this Delaware Handicap. . . not ducking anybody. . . . . ."

Someone should ask him what he means, since these fillies faced each other before and are very evenly matched (certainly at 1 1/4). Were there other $750K Gr. 2 races available for BL against mares in California? Does either have a habit of ducking another? Does BL duck anyone? I'm a bit confused.

Now, he couldn't possibly be referring to another California mare during another year, could he? I certainly hope not, as that would have been a pretty foolish thing to have said.

if the shoe fits....

[toussaud]

I mean as great as Z was, to say her connections didn't, how can i put this.. look for the easiest path to the big race at the end of the year for 2 straight years, is just being naive not taking anything away from her but a spade is a spade.

[KirisClown]

One of the better races Ive seen in a while..

eV3V7xnItlg

[cj]

I'm really glad to see she is back after her troubles early in the year. She is one amazing filly, and she just runs and runs and runs.

[Bubbles]

Really fun race to watch between two amazing horses. Thought HDG moved a few strides too soon, but maybe that's picking nits since Blind Luck flew into gear maybe a sixteenth later. Hope we get to see them lock up a few more times!

[Lasix67]

Wow!!!! what a race.

[Beachbabe]

A rivalry to match some of the greatest rivalries of all time. Other than The Azeri Stakes, these two have never been further than a length apart in all their battles. Hats off to both connections for keeping the rivalry alive & to both horses who have tons & tons of heart.

[ArlJim78]

terrific, I can't think of a better rivalry.
These two deliver a ding dong battle every time.

[cj]

It was sad to hear Larry Jones crying like a little baby about the 2 pound weight difference.

[CBedo]

What a great stretch run. Great to be so interested in seeing a race I had no betting interest in, and having it actually live up to my expectations. :ThmbUp: :ThmbUp:

[PaceAdvantage]

Now, he couldn't possibly be referring to another California mare during another year, could he? I certainly hope not, as that would have been a pretty foolish thing to have said.Actually, if that's what he did mean, that's pretty awesome...

[cj]

Actually, if that's what he did mean, that's pretty awesome...

How can you not love a horse that races at the top levels of the sport and does it 21 times in just over two years?

[PaceAdvantage]

BTW, that Delaware Handicap...if you ever feel yourself falling out of love with this game, just cue up this race in the future...it will put the goosebumps back into you that you thought might be gone forever...

[keithw84]

How can you not love a horse that races at the top levels of the sport and does it 21 times in just over two years?

AND can still be in top form. Hollendorfer has it figured out.

Too often, we breed them to run and then we have them not run for long periods.:bang:

[Jasonm921]

It was my first time in Delaware yesterday....quick observations.

Delaware is a surprisingly very nice track. Paddock is beautiful. As a simulcast player...you have to love the "wall of tv's" that thing was awesome.

There were maybe only 3500 people there to watch the race. That was sad to see...especially with these two great fillies and it was a beautiful day.

The casino had table games....which I took advantage of. That was a pleasant surprise (I thought it was going to be just slots).

Had a hot dog, bottled soda and a potatoe salad for 5 Bucks. Coming from Belmont where fountain soda is 4 bucks....This was a beautiful thing to see.

The race was freaking awesome...I went there with the hope of watching a great race. It turned out to be one and I applaud the fact that they do face each other and will probably do so again at least once and possibly twice more. As for the two pounds...they were really pissed after the race about that. I do think when it is that close at a 1 1/4 it may play into it. Next time Blind Luck will be up two lbs (maybe). I wish they would have celebrated the fact that it was a great race...obviously it was an issue to them before the race and it just came to a boil after the nose loss. It's just another thing for HRTV to put in their 30 minute segment "The Rivalry" that they are bound to do in a few years about these fillies. Anyway here are some photos from the day. I will be putting more up as the day goes on.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/easygoer/

[Jasonm921]

Also....in the beginning of the year, when Blind Luck lost a few of her races, the calls for her immediate retirement were heard from coast to coast by the "you must win to continue racing" crowd. The masses said she raced to many times and was a beaten horse. The few of us who enjoy watching healthy horses compete and still be competitive said let her race....We were rewarded yesterday.
Note to all those who want to rush horses into the breeding shed after a few losses....the best race a horse may have may still be in there some where. If they are healthy let them run.

[Canarsie]

That has to be race of the year by far. But the sad thing is the general public doesn't know much about two great horses. I don't know if this is even logical but it seems that it could of been marketed better.

One would think a few in the stands who were there for other enjoyment would now look at horse racing as a new found sport.

Congrats to both horses and their connections for giving me the pleasure of watching one hell of race.

I agree with CJ that it's sad to complain about the weight but that seems to be the norm these days. Kelso's connections never said a peep.

[PhantomOnTour]

The distance is Blind Luck's only chance.
She just isn't closing as fast as she did last year. Has yet to equal her best from last year in 5 tries in 2011.At anything under 10f it's HDG; this should be interesting, esp with HDG giving weight this time.
So much for that...by my figs she just ran back to her best from 2010.
Hell of a mare.
I still think HDG can get the best of her at 8-9f, but Blind Luck is a true classic distance runner and really a treat to watch.
Running her in the Classic against the boys is a no brainer for me. It's her best distance, and that crop has no world beaters.
Hope they both stay sound.

[Tom]

How can you not love a horse that races at the top levels of the sport and does it 21 times in just over two years?

Zenyatta only raced 20 times.





:D

[MadWorld]

Actually, if that's what he did mean, that's pretty awesome...

It's quite possible he misspoke slightly and was referring to Havre De Grace who's never raced west of Arkansas.

[PaceAdvantage]

Also....in the beginning of the year, when Blind Luck lost a few of her races, the calls for her immediate retirement were heard from coast to coast by the "you must win to continue racing" crowd. The masses said she raced to many times and was a beaten horse. The few of us who enjoy watching healthy horses compete and still be competitive said let her race....We were rewarded yesterday.This needs to be required reading for anyone participating on internet racing forums...well said Jason!

[Jasonm921]

Thank you Pace.

[Shelby]

It was my first time in Delaware yesterday....quick observations.

Delaware is a surprisingly very nice track. Paddock is beautiful. As a simulcast player...you have to love the "wall of tv's" that thing was awesome.

There were maybe only 3500 people there to watch the race. That was sad to see...especially with these two great fillies and it was a beautiful day.

The casino had table games....which I took advantage of. That was a pleasant surprise (I thought it was going to be just slots).

Had a hot dog, bottled soda and a potatoe salad for 5 Bucks. Coming from Belmont where fountain soda is 4 bucks....This was a beautiful thing to see.

The race was freaking awesome...I went there with the hope of watching a great race. It turned out to be one and I applaud the fact that they do face each other and will probably do so again at least once and possibly twice more. As for the two pounds...they were really pissed after the race about that. I do think when it is that close at a 1 1/4 it may play into it. Next time Blind Luck will be up two lbs (maybe). I wish they would have celebrated the fact that it was a great race...obviously it was an issue to them before the race and it just came to a boil after the nose loss. It's just another thing for HRTV to put in their 30 minute segment "The Rivalry" that they are bound to do in a few years about these fillies. Anyway here are some photos from the day. I will be putting more up as the day goes on.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/easygoer/

Thanks! Sounds like a great time.

[classhandicapper]

How can you not love a horse that races at the top levels of the sport and does it 21 times in just over two years?

IMO that IS was one of the special things about her. With the campaign she's had most horses would have been worn out, accumulated a load of injuries, and been way off form by now. But IMO she may still be improving.

It's hard to tell how much of the congratulations goes to the horse for being so tough or the trainer for holding her together after all that racing and shipping, but I tend to think it's the horse. IMO many (if not most) would have been DONE by now if handled the same way. I'm not complaining. If you don't try you don't know if you have one of these especially tough horses. The only race they avoided was the showdown with Zenyatta. They shipped out to avoid her (he even said they were waiting to see what the Zenyatta camp was doing before making a decision).

I just wouldn't use this as evidence that all horses should be handled like this. Let's hope this one doesn't take both of them over the top.

[exactatom]

I just wish Hollendorfer would not have demanded a 2 pound difference and then the weights are announced with a 2 pound difference. Someone please tell Jerry this is not the California fair circuit or Northern California where he & Baze padded their stats for years. How are you forced to spot someone 2 pounds when they have won 6 Graded races and your horse has won 1? I did not bet on the race or see the race due to a work obligation, so I have no vested interest other than reading about it a couple days after.
It sounds like a classic race and a good job done by a medium sized venue. I just hope this is remembered as great duel between two good horses and not remembered due to a racing secretary giving in the demands of a Hall of Fame trainer.

[classhandicapper]

Also....in the beginning of the year, when Blind Luck lost a few of her races, the calls for her immediate retirement were heard from coast to coast by the "you must win to continue racing" crowd. The masses said she raced to many times and was a beaten horse. The few of us who enjoy watching healthy horses compete and still be competitive said let her race....We were rewarded yesterday.
Note to all those who want to rush horses into the breeding shed after a few losses....the best race a horse may have may still be in there some where. If they are healthy let them run.

I wasn't one of the people that called for that.

In fact, I said her Beyer figures for the her first 2 races this year were probably wrong (too slow) and that she faced an extreme speed bias in one start and a very slow pace in the other. So even if she wasn't 100% "yet", she was probably better than she looked on paper at the time and there was still a chance for her to get back to her peak.

Of course, for every horse like Blind Luck there are a few that were run into the ground, accumulated numerous minor injuries, went flat, never got back to their peak and faded away into retirement.

[classhandicapper]

I just wish Hollendorfer would not have demanded a 2 pound difference and then the weights are announced with a 2 pound difference. Someone please tell Jerry this is not the California fair circuit or Northern California where he & Baze padded their stats for years. How are you forced to spot someone 2 pounds when they have won 6 Graded races and your horse has won 1? I did not bet on the race or see the race due to a work obligation, so I have no vested interest other than reading about it a couple days after.
It sounds like a classic race and a good job done by a medium sized venue. I just hope this is remembered as great duel between two good horses and not remembered due to a racing secretary giving in the demands of a Hall of Fame trainer.

I agree with you, but clearly the public ALSO felt there was a shift in the relative abilities of the two mares this year otherwise HDG wouldn't have been 3-5 in the race despite the two pounds.

It's always tricky to assign weights because part of it is based on overall record and part of it based on more recent performances.

IMO, the consensus about Blind Luck not being as good this year was a little off. I made the race very close.

[cj]

The only race they avoided was the showdown with Zenyatta. They shipped out to avoid her (he even said they were waiting to see what the Zenyatta camp was doing before making a decision).



They ran for more money against straight 3yo fillies on the same surface as the Breeder's Cup. It was a smart decision, even if made by accident.

[classhandicapper]

They ran for more money against straight 3yo fillies on the same surface as the Breeder's Cup. It was a smart decision, even if made by accident.

Oh, I have no doubt it was a smart decision. ;)