what is up with roman??

[Danzig]

Larry Roman's search for a retired Hall of Fame jockey to ride Digger in Saturday's Belmont Stakes is coming up empty, so Roman will attempt to get Street Sense's jockey Calvin Borel for the ride.

"I feel bad for Calvin," Roman said. "He deserves to be in the race after giving Street Sense two great rides in the Derby and Preakness.

"They (owner Jim Tafel and trainer Carl Nafzger) owe it to Borel," Roman added. "If he wins the Preakness by a nose, they would have been here. Instead they're not doing what's right for the sport or Borel."

Roman, who owns a Manhattan-based plumbing company, will offer Borel a $10,000 riding fee just to be aboard Digger in the mile-and-a-half final jewel of the Triple Crown.

If he can't get Borel, Roman will try to reach out to Mario Pino, the former jockey of Hard Spun.

Pino lost the mount on Hard Spun for the Belmont after many criticized his ride in the Preakness, where he made an early aggressive move before tiring to third. Garrett Gomez will ride Hard Spun in Saturday's $1 million race.

"I'll offer him the $10,000 too," Roman said. "We'll get somebody to ride. If I can't get either one of them I'll let (trainer Richard) Dutrow (Jr.) decide."

When asked about Roman's comments, Nafzger replied, "Tell him will meet him in the Travers (Aug. 25 at Saratoga) if he wants."

[robfla]

this is becoming more and more surreal. How on earth did this guy become so successful? He must be one heck of a plumber.

[Stall Mucker]

Race your potential superstar a few times, win, and you're worth more off the track. That is the game. BD (before drugs) some raced more some did not. You can come up with examples.
If Sense wins the Preak then no discussion.
For those neg on Digger.....I say anyone that has a horse eligable for a race then let'em race. Players can throw out the ones they don't like......just like we do every day.
Besides NYRA needs the PR boost and this one is free.
Players want to have all available wagering possibilities as well....right?

[dylbert]

Mr. Roman only proves that a rich fool and his money can be foolishly parted. He is one of those owners who believe that they know what is best for racing and can shape the game because what they have moolah. Digger will be another "vanity also-ran" so Mr. Roman can boast that he had starter in 2007 Triple Crown series.

Earlier today, I heard John Pricci suggest over/under for beaten lengths is 50! I will take a Benjamin on the over...

[Danzig]

small field, chance for a payday, it's not like the horse will be in physical danger, altho getting his ass handed to him may not help mentally....
don't understand it, i wouldn't do it, but it could always be worse...

[ELA]

Originally Posted by Danzig

small field, chance for a payday, it's not like the horse will be in physical danger, altho getting his ass handed to him may not help mentally....
don't understand it, i wouldn't do it, but it could always be worse...

That's not really the problem -- the problem is Roman and his stated intentions. It's not about his horse. It's more about what he has inferred or potentially he might do to other horses.

This is an aside to the comments directed toward Tafel, Nafzger et al. I found this offensive and insulting.

Eric

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by ELA

That's not really the problem -- the problem is Roman and his stated intentions. It's not about his horse. It's more about what he has inferred or potentially he might do to other horses.

This is an aside to the comments directed toward Tafel, Nafzger et al. I found this offensive and insulting.

Eric

yeah, i know, the whole thing is whacky....if you just consider, as i did above, the affect on the horse (since some thought there was a safety issue), i don't see a reason to be worried.

BUT...his comments since deciding to enter--and his efforts to get borel or pino, well it just doesn't make sense to me, or many others for that matter! can't help but wonder exactly what his agenda is here.

ego a part? probably...
i just don't see why he's going to offer his horse up as some sort of sacrifice for whatever it is he's trying to prove. that is what i have a problem with.

altho i'm disappointed that street sense skipped the race, i can't say that i'm surprised. i doubt anyone is. it's what this sport has become for the most part, which is a shame. but i don't get what roman is trying to accomplish here.

[IrishofNDMan]

Romans is busting me up, I'm actually starting to like the guy. I think we need a match race. Digger vs. SS

[Cannon Shell]

Maybe Dutrow will ride

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Maybe Dutrow will ride

Digger, 200 lbs over.

Digger would promptly dislodge him.

Dont mess with me fatman.

[letswastemoney]

I think Borel would me embarrassed to be on Digger, after being on Street Sense the first two legs.