My thoughts heading into tomorrow
 

The pundits are right. Tomorrow, we will watch the one of the true MODERN greats in the game. Unfortunately, that horse is being overshadowed by the hype of one who MIGHT be a modern great. This is a shame and I hope people see and appreciate the accomplishments of this great horse. If everyone spends a moment to think, the name needs no mention.

Now before I get into what will certainly be perceived as a tirade, I want to apologize to all the Dini Weenies out there. About two hours ago, Jon White of HRTV said that "he" is probably the best since, not Seattle Slew, but Secretariat. Why not? Because when I think of this equine god, I immediately forget about Affirmed, Spectacular Bid, Ruffian, and more recently, Cigar. This is assinine. How many horses have we seen win big and handridden in modest times? According to the Dini Weenie brigade, we haven't seen any - this guy is the only one. Sure, he has looked really pretty and impressive in his wins. At the same time, his best opponents in the Preakness, Dandy, and Travers were all injured during the running of the race. But no, that can't be relevant because he looked really good doing it. Those three opponents in the Gold Cup were world beaters. People have accused me of denegrating the horse. This couldn't be further from the truth. I believe he is an extremely talented animal, who COULD go down in "memory." Despite a winning performance tomorrow, I will not believe he is an all-time great. He still would not have done anything to separate himself in the history books the way Cigar, The Bid, and Secretariat have. I'm not even sure it would even meet the level of accomplishment of Tiznow or Alysheba. However, we have seen many horses like him (and yes I used the phrase "like him") pass by the wayside. It's ridiculous to think that two years ago, people supporting Ghostzapper tried to essentially destroy Smarty Jones' name, and now, I see the people crowding the Dini wagon trying to diminish Ghostzapper's name. The fact is this horse has not done anything remotely out of the ordinary to deserve this much hype, respect, whatever you want to call it. Nobody can argue this fact. Yes, he has looked hilariously dominant, but so did Officer. This unabashed hype machine (now backing Bernardini) kills our sport's popularity because we look foolish when it flops - which it usually does. All talk, no walk. So, before we start suggesting "he's the best horse since __________", let's keep in mind that, despite what we may fervently believe, he may not even be the best horse in this race!

Lastly, racing needs a great day with longshots (mine), favorites (mine), and great stories (Matz, Prado, Round Pond for example). Most of all, on this day where Barbaro's name will most certainly be uttered, I pray that each and every horse and jockey and, in some cases, the fans come home safe and sound. This year needs to be capped on a high note.

So, as I say every year, "don't lose too much, and don't drink too much when you do." Good luck all, and have FUN on this cherished Holiday.

-Ryan

Well, he has a very good chance to win.Just not my thing to take very low odds on horses being asked to do new things.A different track,and better competition are "new things" to me,but I can understand those that think he is a single.I'll use the top 3,and not make the Classic a separator race.

I really enjoyed your post. To further illustrate a point you made......
I was at Beulah today sitting at the table with a couple of my pals and we were pooling our money and picks for our very modest attempt at the Pick 6 for tomorrow. Once it was done and we pushed the cash thru the window, the conversation turned towards our key plays on our own tickets. I then, after a patient course of listening to this and that from my drunken pals, told them all point blank that when I get to Churchill tomorrow I am singling Lava Man on my Pick 3 and Pick 4. If looks could kill, I would be dead.

Why? West coast shipper who does no good out east? Why are you hating Bernardini? Etc etc..

I am doing this cause I am taking a stand on what I believe. I don't hate Bernardini, rather I admire this horse - what a great stride etc..

I prefer Lava Man, the running style and the underdog who is getting very little respect in what I personally feel is a more open race then others. The beauty of this day, Breeders' Cup day, is that when they load in the gate it really is an open competition based on my limited experience. Kinda like the Kentucky Derby in a way. Not too mention Lava Man, if he gets the lead at the final turn, will turn it up and turn it loose and pull away like he has done before in my opinion.

Good luck!

Well Curt, he's certainly looked great while working (better than Bernardini IMO) and I'm taking a chance with him too.

If I had one race to bet on...

If the M/L odds are accurate: Spun Sugar at 10-1. I will go with that. I think the distaff is open. And this horse is as good as any in this race.

pgardn -

agree 100%

also -

I am intrigued by David Junior. The obvious question is turf to dirt. If the odds are right, and I got the cash, I'll be using David Junior in exactas and tri
boxes

I was originally intrigued by David Junior, but he's apparently had a rough week. I'd like to think George Washington could translate to dirt, but the pedigree doesn't show that.

from all i've seen, the MAN has had a good week....haven't heard anything to indicate otherwise since he arrived at keeneland. of course lava man hasn't done a thing wrong all year...may his great good luck continue.

lava man
invasor


and then everyone else