Curlin's connections

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by SentToStud

I'm fairly certain the Oaklawn Handicap was G1 until 4-5 years ago. I also seem to recall the Ark Derby used to be G1, but I'm less certain of that.

no, you're right. they both were, but got knocked down a peg.

[Linny]

I don't think that the Ark derby was ever a G1. Obviously since the success of Smarty Jones and Afleet Alex Oaklawn is really lobbying hard for G1 status. Now with Curlin's Preakness win they have more ammunition.

As for the article, it seems a bit "sour grapes" to me. If you do a bit of digging on just about any owner you'll find some "dirt." I know alot of industry insiders don't care for Jackson and Sanan's lawsuits and proposals regarding horse sales but honestly, the business is as crooked as a stick in water. They have a point. What I don't like is the whiney tone about "buying a classic winner for $3.5m." What's wrong with that? Tons of horses change hands in the months leading up to the TC, usually sold by the moderately wealthy to the extremely wealthy. Twas ever thus.

Why the comparison to Smarty Jones when taking of the original purchase price? The media bought into the idea of Smarty as some "blue collar hero" even though his sire was owned by a Shiekh and held a world record. Elusive Quality was a high class sire prospect when Smarty was concieved. He was hardly Ol' Bob Bowers. Had Curlin not been sold to Padua and Jackson, he'd be the next "working class horse" after all he "only" cost $57k.

I do see the smarmy attorneys who are disbarred in KY as a bit of a blot on his ownership, but if I'm not mistaken, they were the original owners, who'd paid the $57k for Curlin.

[Danzig]

it was in an article in yesterdays paper that the ark derby had been a gr 1 in the past....i'll have to look it up i guess. if it hasn't been trashed already!

[miraja2]

The Arkansas Derby was a G1 from 1981-1985.

[blackthroatedwind]

Personally I am very happy for Satish Sanan, a man who loves the game, has put enormous amounts of money and effort into racing, has been robbed for untold millions, had the nerve to stand up for himself and what was right, and continues undaunted to support the game. Personally I hope his success continues.

Plus, he likes to gamble.

[10 pnt move up]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Personally I am very happy for Satish Sanan, a man who loves the game, has put enormous amounts of money and effort into racing, has been robbed for untold millions, had the nerve to stand up for himself and what was right, and continues undaunted to support the game. Personally I hope his success continues.

Plus, he likes to gamble.

I think he is a jerk....

[Cannon Shell]

He is simply conveying the feelings of many, that this group of people are hardly lovable and certainly controversial especially in light of the great stories of recent years. I think he speaks for a majority of the people in the market in which his paper is sold. Not that it matters a bit but they are not a really likable bunch.

[Rootdog1]

I can tell you the two lawyers who are the original owners are not good people, and will most likely be watching future races from behind bars.

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Personally I am very happy for Satish Sanan, a man who loves the game, has put enormous amounts of money and effort into racing, has been robbed for untold millions, had the nerve to stand up for himself and what was right, and continues undaunted to support the game. Personally I hope his success continues.

I certainly think that what Sanan and Jackson are trying to do in terms of cleaning up the sales end of the business is laudable. However, people in "glass houses" who claim that they are trying to "clean up the game" should try to avoid even the appearance of condoning shady behavior. In this regard, their selection of Asmussen as their trainer leaves a lot to be desired.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

I certainly think that what Sanan and Jackson are trying to do in terms of cleaning up the sales end of the business is laudable. However, people in "glass houses" who claim that they are trying to "clean up the game" should try to avoid even the appearance of condoning shady behavior. In this regard, their selection of Asmussen as their trainer leaves a lot to be desired.

I believe that ego not integrity was the fuel that fueled the flame to "clean up the sales business". Two extremely successful guys got burned and needed to do something to fix those bruised egos. Not that anything they are doing will have much effect anyway. You cant legislate morality.

[wac]

Amazing that this article would appear after what i posted on this site. LIke i said these are not people that I want to root for and as I said in my original post curlin is all that is wrong with horse racing.

[hoovesupsideyourhead]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Personally I am very happy for Satish Sanan, a man who loves the game, has put enormous amounts of money and effort into racing, has been robbed for untold millions, had the nerve to stand up for himself and what was right, and continues undaunted to support the game. Personally I hope his success continues.

Plus, he likes to gamble.

dwl owes him a bottle of dom and a 19 year hooker as a congrats gift,,

[Bigsmc]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Personally I am very happy for Satish Sanan, a man who loves the game, has put enormous amounts of money and effort into racing, has been robbed for untold millions, had the nerve to stand up for himself and what was right, and continues undaunted to support the game. Personally I hope his success continues.

Plus, he likes to gamble.

Does he ever....

A very nice man and one of the "good guys" in the sport.

[Withers]

Originally Posted by Bigsmc

Does he ever....

A very nice man and one of the "good guys" in the sport.

Curlin's owners are prepared to run him in the Belmont if he's fit/sound and ready to go. For that reason alone, I love them all...

[SuffolkGirl]

hmm, I don't know what to make of the article. I am not sure what he was trying to get across. Rogues can own really good racehorses? All you need is money?

Too bad the horse wasn't still with Helen Pitts and the original owners, there would be nothing but glowing articles on the horse. He can't choose who owns him - remember, horses can't say no......