SAMPLE error in paddock observations

[Elkchester Road]

Originally Posted by ranchwest

There's a lot of money to be saved spotting the negative attributes.

Great post, ranchwest. I have never been "put on" a Horse by looks in the Paddock...but I have been steered off many. From the Hooves up to the Shoulders...even a scant few at the Ears.

I have never gotten "well" on a Horse's appearance...I have saved quite a few bullets fading ones that I passed on. Yes...I have missed a few winners...but they are almost always low-priced winners. This angle is definitely a + for me.

[mountainman]

Originally Posted by BarchCapper

Though I enjoy hearing what many of our racing commentators have to say, I don't need to watch anyone speak when there are horses to show.

lol..I am still surprised they let a guy with my looks do tv. Seriously. And I agree about the imperative to show the horses. But I do want to break the 4th wall, and that requires at least a little face time. And for whatever reason, I do feel (maybe subconsciously) that expressions and gestures help me to better convey my post-race impressions, meaning recaps. Maybe that's because , while the pre-race involves hypotheticals, a freshly run race is raw and very real. Or perhaps it's because I so relish doing recaps.

Also, there are things even I fear to verbalize on tv, but that facial expressions can largely convey.

[Elkchester Road]

Originally Posted by mountainman

lol..I am still surprised they let a guy with my looks do tv. Seriously. And I agree about the imperative to show the horses. But I do want to break the 4th wall, and that requires at least a little face time. And for whatever reason, I do feel (maybe subconsciously) that expressions and gestures help me to better convey my post-race impressions, meaning recaps. Maybe that's because , while the pre-race involves hypotheticals, a freshly run race is raw and very real. Or perhaps it's because I so relish doing recaps.

Also, there are things even I fear to verbalize on tv, but that facial expressions can largely convey.

All your points are excellent, Mark. Thanks so much for doing what you do with your show...and the passion for it that you have. Hopefully, it is fulfilling for you...after the ups and downs are tallied.

[mountainman]

Originally Posted by Elkchester Road

All your points are excellent, Mark. Thanks so much for doing what you do with your show...and the passion for it that you have. Hopefully, it is fulfilling for you...after the ups and downs are tallied.

Too kind, sir. Yes, I love doing it and can't imagine myself in another line of work. And that's a good thing, since I'm not remotely qualified for anything outside of racing. Much as Keith Carradine once sang: "It still hurts when I recall the times I've tried." (and those were not many)

Please don't misinterpret me-I certainly am no resounding success. But considering my limitations and past conduct, this show at this place was always the best possible outcome for me. That's been far more than enough, and I am grateful.

[mountainman]

Originally Posted by Robert Fischer

Yea.

We are lucky to even hear your general anecdotes and concerns.

That's a diplomatic position to begin with, and today's media is seemingly held accountable word-for-word.


Different story with a team of gamblers, or a rogue physicality specialist whose only duty is finding value on the tote.

You've become a strong voice in your own right, Jason. It pleases me to have seen that develop. Respect.

[burnsy]

Originally Posted by mountainman

I try to correlate slim, "one-gutted" runners with long arduous campaigns. That sometimes can be useful in fading certain contenders. Also, sweat inappropriate for the temperature turns me off big time. And kidney sweat is death.

On the positive side, horses ready to freak have that special look of constrained power about to burst (bowed neck and slow, graceful action are key signs), but runners destined to score 10 minutes later RARELY go overboard or get ignorant.

Another look I favor highly is one of relaxed alertness, as if the animal knows what approaches and is in no way nervous or intimidated.

On a related note, I find a horse's in-race action most critical to predicting future performance.

That’s good 👍. Another thing I like to do is some what like Maggie. A sprinter should look like a sprinter in the ass. A distance horse will not carry the same bulk on the back end. I’m at Saratoga so most look good, like others said , look for the negative. Most days there, the feature race horses look better than all the ones before. The cream, knows they are the crop. Another thing I do is go to the paddock and ask the guys I trust like someone posted. (collaboration) They are better than me and have been standing at the same spot for some 25 to 30 years. They’ve given good live over achievers from time to time. I also like to watch them go to the post parade with the jock up. Watch if they are “reaching” in stride. It will appear that the front hoof is almost touching the back hoof. This horse has healthy muscles that can fully extend . It’s probably not sore.

[Elkchester Road]

Originally Posted by mountainman

Too kind, sir. Yes, I love doing it and can't imagine myself in another line of work. And that's a good thing, since I'm not remotely qualified for anything outside of racing. Much as Keith Carradine once sang: "It still hurts when I recall the times I've tried." (and those were not many)

Please don't misinterpret me-I certainly am no resounding success. But considering my limitations and past conduct, this show at this place was always the best possible outcome for me. That's been far more than enough, and I am grateful.