Sloppy Blog

Post Election Haiku

2006-11-08T10:49:00.000-08:00

I had a sucker
Red white blue from elections
tastes like victory!

Been Awhile

2006-11-06T08:55:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the slow updates...I posted my BC picks over at OregonRacing.com last week, and proved yet again the only thing I can ever come close to picking correctly are fillies and mares.

Red E runs in a maiden special weight today, and Sue will run in a claiming race. Too bad today's a Monday, since we have a lot of well-liked horses running today. We'll be watching from Xpressbet, if at all.

With no weekend racing in the spring, we're getting to PM as much as we can these days. If you ever wonder what we're doing on a Sunday through the end of the year, chances are it isn't Mass, shopping, and a nice dinner! :)

Thoroughbred Times

2006-10-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

Not sure how many of you subscribe to the Thoroughbred Times, but if you do, page 63 of the most recent edition has a nice story on Oregon hub funds.

Life Ain't Easy...

2006-10-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

...for A Colt Named Sue.

Our resident big-hearted old gelding took fourth yesterday in a claiming race. He always tries his best, and of course, it's always pleasing to have one that finishes pretty consistently in the money. Honestly, I was a little afraid he'd get claimed!

I was sitting next to an older gentleman at the Tillamook fair races this past August. Assuming I was new to the game, he tried to help me pick good horses out of the program. He said, "this is a nice horse" in reference to three or four horses in just the first race. Then, with a shrug he says, "awww, these are all good horses runnin' here. Really nice horses."

Of course, the rest of the world might laugh at this old man's claimers running for a purse of $2,500 at a bullring located a stone's throw from the cheese factory. But for those of us who have these hard knocking old claimers, well, they're "all good horses."

Stakes Placed!

2006-10-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

Red E, in only his second out, finished a competitve second in the OTOBA Sale Stake. At the end, he and Ex Mountain Cop left the rest of the field in the dust. Marijo (Terleski) gave him a great ride, and he was just a game little horse. Had the race been a tad longer...well, one wonders.

I don't think I could be more pleased. Michael and I went to the backside awhile after the race, and we saw Red E after he came out of the test barn. He was in excellent spirits, seeming as playful as ever. Carol (Duby) was pleased with his run also, and I am so glad he's turned out to be a nice horse for her.

There's an off-colour saying I have heard many a time- "nobody commits suicide who's got a good 2 year old in the barn". There is perhaps a sliver of truth to that, in that hope is omnipresent with a promising youngster.

Sue runs today, and us working-class types will be tethered to the office. We will, however, attempt a mad dash to the off track.

He's In

2006-10-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

When the DRF says it, you have to believe it.

Blinkers on this time, which I think will benefit him greatly.

Getting Red E Ready

2006-10-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

The little fella shown below is nominated to a stake on Sunday. You can see the nominations (nominees?) for this weekend's stakes here.

The Aftermath

2006-10-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

When doing my "much more fair and balanced than Fox News" reporting over at OregonRacing.com, one thing I especially enjoy highlighting is when Oregon racing news is reported on in big media. I keep a watchful eye on both industry and local publications, looking for a nice word about an Oregon-bred, Portland Meadows, or similar things.

I just can't bear, however, to publicize these acknowledgements this go-around. With the tragic breakdown of Snowy River Slew as the headline, it's just too sour.

I do not find it to be coincidental that the one time Portland Meadows is actually making some headlines, it is due to something salacious, saddening, heartwrenching. After all, it is the emotional stories that people read. there's even a thread on a popular racing message board that recounts when and where watched thoroughbreds died, for those looking for a lost favorite.

Horseracing doesn't need anymore public black eyes, and this one was a heck of a shiner to start out the year. The first day of the season, and a horse is put down. A horse that was probably pulled into this world, gangly and damp, by the same man who went on to train him that fateful day.

So, this will be the first year I haven't done my Tour of the Press after opening day. I'll be pleased as punch if all the websites and newspapers who reported about injured riders and a brokedown horse would report on a happy story after next week's races. Not holding my breath, though.

Opening Day Recap

2006-10-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

It was a nice opening day in many regards...Average Horseplayer was there, Toteboard Brad was there, Jason did a great job at calling the races, and the crowd was quite large, compared to most days.

Our horses didn't fare too well, but that's OK. While it may sound contrived when people say, "hope they all come home sound!" it is everyone's wish, whether they verbalize it or not. Our "Sue" was running with some other tough claimers, and coming out of the backstretch and into the turn, one broke down. THe horse behind clipped heels and lost his rider. There was the immediate desperate prayer that it not be our "Sue". Then after the realization our horse was still running, there was the sorrow that it happened to anyone.

Snowy River Slew was euthanized, and two jockeys went to the hospital. A sad shadow cast on our inaugural day, to be certain. May the hearts and bodies of those involved heal quickly.

Opening Day Entries!

2006-10-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

They're here! Hooray!

Hope y'all see us in the winner's circle twice on Sunday!

And, making his two year old debut....

Can't tell ya who he is (too superstitious), but will after Sunday.

Counting Down Days

2006-10-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

The Portland Meadows 2006-2007 race meet starts in a matter of days now. I have to admit feeling a lot less enthusiasm this year than I should.

I will be there for opening day, "with bells on" as they say. I look forward to the card, and have a particular sense of excitement about a couple of races. But the feeling gets bogged down by the ever-present knowledge that the vast majority of race days, I will not be able to make it to the track. I miss the Friday night races the last meet abandoned, and already miss Saturday racing too. When spring comes and racing is reduced to Mondays and Tuesdays only, I doubt that I will know what to do with myself (getting TVG and staying home from work is not really an option).

In partnership, we own a hard-knocking old claimer who ran out of conditions long ago. I know there will be no races for him on Sundays, so I assume I will have to drive a mad dash from the office to the off-track if I want to see him. In the winners circle will be his trainer, his groom, and maybe some random people who thought it would be fun to get in a photo. His owners, however, will be at their respective jobs.

But, in the spirit of positivity, I will simply hope that Magna changes their minds about the whole "weekdays only" thing. While I appreciate that those who keep mum about their dissatisfaction do so because they want to be "supportive", I believe one must voice discontent to affect change. And change is good.

Development Around Santa Anita

2006-09-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

Magna Entertainment Corp. and Caruso Affiliated announced Sept. 28 they have completed operating agreements for the proposed development of approximately 51 acres of undeveloped lands surrounding Santa Anita Park.

Previously the subject of an April 2004 letter of intent, the project is a mixed-use development with approximately 800,000 square feet of retail, entertainment and restaurants as well as approximately 4,000 parking spaces.The project is to be presented to the Arcadia City Council early next year."We are delighted to be able to move forward with this joint venture first contemplated in early 2004. Rick Caruso has been a top developer for quite some time and the prospect of combining his development talents with our horseracing facility and track operations expertise is very exciting," said Frank Stronach, chairman and interim chief executive officer of MEC.

Santa Anita Park, which first opened for Thoroughbred horse racing in 1934, is situated on approximately 305 acres of land about 14 miles northeast of Los Angeles. It is famed for its art-deco style grandstand and view of the San Gabriel Mountains.

For those who have visited Arcadia, surely you understand why my stomach is in knots over this. Let's pray for tasteful, attractive establishments if this goes through. I have a feeling, however, that the Arcadia City Council will not necessarily be thrilled about this.

The Headache has Worn Off...

2006-09-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

...and this little horse coming home wasn't a figment of anyone's imagination!

It looks like as of this morning, he is off his quasi-hunger strike. It was a reversal from the weaning strike of July, which began with a refusal to eat anything but molasses-coated grain and alfalfa pellets. It went on so long, we moved him onto a complete feed with free choice hay (said hay went largly untouched). Starting Sunday night, we had the "post-sale hunger strike", which involved refusing to eat anything but hay. As of this morning, the colt is eating both hay and grain in copius quantities, and for once all is normal. I knew he was on the mend when he came barrelling at Michael when it was time to come in last night, and now I can safely say he's done being exhausted and ready for more fun.

Being Shown...

2006-09-26T09:01:00.000-07:00

At the sale, here's Blitz!

No Joke on the partnership thang, by the way

2006-09-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

Blitzkrieg Bop, or Blitz as we call him:

http://www.thoroughbredinfo.com/56.PDF

May be offered up for race fans as a first time partnership deal. I'm thinking a 10% share costs $40 a month or so, + 10% vet work, until we get him to a trainer, at which time it would go to a straight 10% of training costs. Which, at Oregon rates, can be perfectly feasible for your average working-class guy or gal. You can e-mail us if interested at all:

jolene@oregonracing.com

michael@oregonracing.com

Average Horseplayer Asks...

2006-09-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

...for a recap of the 2006 OTOBA Fall Mixed Sale.

My inclination is to do my best to avoid hyperbole and theatrics, but unfortunately that comes immediately after thinking "I wonder if they've removed the crime scene tape from that bloodbath?"

You could have had a very nice horse for a very nice price. That's my synopsis. Ours did his best to sell himself, as he was amicable and obedient. Picked up feet, led nicely, even took scritches and 'love" from the ladies. Alas, it was not to be...not for a good enough price, anyway. So last night he came home.

Anyone interested in a partnership opportunity should contact us, now that we have a youngster on our hands!

Sale Time

2006-09-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

Well, we're readying for the big sale, and I thought I should pass along this message from a certain weanling, barn name Blitz:

Clippers are the Devil.

I will stand still for my bath, if it isn't too cold. You can lift my feet and pick my hooves if you aren't slow about it. You can comb my mane and tail and maybe even braid it a little if it's messy, and I won't fight you too much. You can give me icky wormer paste and I will not spit it all back at you. Your veta..veter...vetum... doctor-in-coveralls guy can poke me with needles to put stuff in and take it out, and though I try to get away I never do kick him. And at long last I did learn that the various sprays are a necessary evil, and I kinda do tolerate it.

But clippers? Bzzz bzzz buzzing? They are the devil. They are evil, bad, and I know they plan to kill me. That is why when you try to put them near me, I throw my head back and make my eyes all big. Because you need to know this is serious! Clippers are the devil. I won't be destroyed by your hand-held death device. I know my way around this stall better than you, I can manipulate that halter and leadrope in ways you could never imagine. My motivation is pure, you see, because those clippers...ahhh, you just don't get it. Forget it.

New Executive Director for Re-Run

2006-09-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

A new Executive Director has been named for the excellent non-profit ReRun, and organization that rehabilitates former racehorses for new careers. Click here to read the bloodhorse article.

...Because she thinks it sounds dainty for a filly to call herself a maiden

2006-09-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

Second place for Toteboard Brad's filly again, not too shabby! Good of her to bring home a check every time. Read the recap at his blog here.

It's Whoopin' Time

2006-09-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

Our dear Average Horseplayer got a bit of a spanking last night from BloodHorse Editor Ray Paulick in this post. As I posted on OregonRacing.com, I like to look at these things in the best way possible. So, we now know these things from Paulick's reply:

He is reading racing-related blogs
He knows AH is in Oregon, and Oregon actually does have some racing fans (Where else can you go to a seedy, smoky OTB and emerge having chatted with a gracious Marie Jones about how Sunriver is doing?)
He's quite sharp-witted...in the same way my editor can be. Must be a trait of the job + personality that goes with it.

I hope AH takes the comments well, though critisism stings more when it regards something you do for fun. It sounds like the Average Horseplayer blog will be taking a really serious upswing over the next several weeks leading to the BC, and I certainly look forward to checking it frequently.

Goodbye to "Foggy"

2006-09-18T12:04:00.000-07:00

Lost in the Fog was euthanized last night. What a valiant fighter he was, and such a fine racehorse.

There are so many variables in determining what makes a "great" racehorse. But I will never forget taking a fast trip to GGF to watch our mare's first foal run, and visiting with a trainer friend while there. He told us all about Lost in the Fog, what a great horse he was, how amazing he was to watch run, how smart he was...the praise was glowing, descriptive, and unending. To think, this trainer was not boasting about one of his own horses this way, but someone else's. He had become smitten like any other fan for this horse a couple shedrows away.

"He works tomorrow", our friend said. "You just have to come back and watch him work."

"No, no," we replied, "We need to get heading back home, this is only a very short trip."

"Oh, but you should," he insisted. "I know a cheapie motel up the way maybe fifteen minutes from here, stayed there when I was first getting settled in. It'll be worth it, what do you say? Come meet me tomorrow morning and we'll watch him work."

Alas, we declined. Work beckoned back home.

For all this wonder horse has done since then, I wish we'd stayed the extra 18 hours.

But Lost in the Fog will live on in the hearts of his owner, his trainer, and his many, many fans. A fine horse indeed, and one I am so very sorry to see go so young.

Low Price for a Potential Stakes Winner

2006-09-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

In the Trooper Seven Stakes, held on Washington Cup Day @ EmD yesterday, the victor was Midwesterner. Those who are "on the fence" about attending the Oregon Mixed Sale this weekend take note: This mare was purchased at last year's Oregon Mixed Sale for a mere $1,300, in foal to Ihtimam, with a free breeding back to either Ihtimam or Petersburg...Petersburg being the sire of Midwesterner.

Big News from Average Horseplayer

2006-09-18T08:35:00.000-07:00

It's Monday morning, so spill it already! ;)

Why?

2006-09-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

Why a blog? Why now?

Because I have already done it in varying degrees of success atleast ten times over the last six years, and gosh darn it, if the WTBA is going to have one, I better. What's passe to some kids (in light of MySpace, et. al.) is new again in racing circles, and with the TBA trucking along nicely, why not.

OregonRacing.com was initially set up as a blog utilizing Moveable Type (now better known as the Typepad people). Over time, it began to encompass more than a blog should, so the format changed to a standard PHP portal with the typical bells and whistles that includes.

Shelf life on non-political blogging usually doesn't last more than a couple months with me, but hopefully Michael will chime in here and there to keep it updated.

Standby...

2006-09-14T17:04:00.000-07:00

Just for now, please. ;)