Barbaro Updates: 121
updates are now here.
Update 967: Just spoke to Peter Brette. He was busy in the barn today, so was unable to visit Barbaro. Sue Danner visited in his place. While Peter had not heard, he had just spoken to Michael so assumes all is well. They just had a nice stakes winner at Churchill, which Peter was pretty psyched about. Sangarita, a really nice filly. Oddly enough my Breeders' Cup host had $50 on her to win!
I asked Peter about Round Pond's chances on saturday. He reported that they are really happy with the way she is doing. The draw (close to the inside) is not ideal, but Peter says she should make a very strong showing. Peter's Breeders' Cup Classic pick: Bernardini, although he has heard they do really like George Washington (Aiden O'Brien's crew).
Update 966: I just spoke to Lisa Davison. Both Better Talk Now and Film Maker galloped about a mile and five-eighths / a mile and three quarters today. She said that while the turf was soft (they were off the turf this afternoon at the races) she thinks it may dry to good by race day. Both horses went well and she says that neither could be doing any better right now. Both will likely have the same training routine tomorrow.
Lisa said she saw Bernardini, Ouija Board and Lava Man on the track today. They all looked great. I asked Lisa for her Classic pick: Bernardini (who knew ?) She likes Invasor as a possible upset.
I had e-mailed Michael Dickinson on another matter (track surfaces) and asked for his Classic pick: Bernardini!
Update 965: A new update from new Bolton: Barbaro's cast may be removed soon which confirms reports we heard from the press this morning:
Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro's right hind leg cast may be removed soon, according to his medical team at the George D. Widener Hospital at New Bolton Center. "Barbaro had radiographs taken through his fiberglass cast on November 1," said Dr. Dean W. Richardson, Chief of Surgery. "The healing appears substantial enough that we plan to remove his cast and replace it with a splinted bandage some time next week." Barbaro has been in a cast since surgery at the hospital following his accident at the Preakness on May 20.
"We'll decide whether to remove the cast while Barbaro is under general anesthesia, after we evaluate additional radiographs," said Dr. Richardson. "If we change the cast, it will be done under general anesthesia, followed by another pool recovery."
The next update will be posted on Tuesday, November 7, unless there is a significant change in Barbaro's condition.
Update 964: I just caught up with Gary Stevens who many would regard as one of the best jockeys in North America over the last twenty years. He also rode for a short while in Europe. Here are Gary's thoughts on synthetic tracks, Barbaro and the Breeders' Cup.
On synthetic racetracks:
This may be the saviour to racing here in America given what we have seen in the brief introduction we have had so far from meets at Turfway Park, Keeneland and now beginning at Hollywood Park. It seems to show that speed is not as important as stamina, and our over focus on speed has not been good for racing. More of a focus on stamina has to be a good thing.
On Barbaro:
The story is still heartbreaking. My hat goes off to his owners, the vets, Michael Matz and his staff, everyone around this horse. It is very unfortunate to happen to any horse, but to happen to Barbaro, on the national stage, it was awful. This year we have had two exceptional horses (Barbaro and Bernardini), I would love to have seen them face each other in the Breeders' Cup Classic. It would simply have been a great rivalry, and great for our sport. I couldn't pick one over the other. The performance of Barbaro in the Kentucky Derby was as good as a performance as I have ever seen.
Biggest Breeders' Cup Moment:
First win aboard In the Wings in 1990
Breeders' Cup Classic Pick:
Bernardini
Update 963: I just caught up with Steve Willard (Giacomo) and Joe Deegan (Perfect Drift).
Steve: Giacomo is in terrific form. He went to the shute today, jogged around for a while. When on the track he jogged to the 3/4 pole, turned in and stood. He then galloped a mile and three quarters. Steve is extremely happy with the way he is doing. Giacomo was taking a nice hold, pulling Steve without being out of control. Likely his training will be similar tomorrow.
Joe: Perfect Drift is also in good form. Joe let him stretch his legs a little, not quite at an open gallop. This afternoon he is coming over to Churchill Downs to "paddock school" (he is based at the Sports Spectrum, which is close to Churchill). He will train at the Sports Spectrum tomorrow and then ship to Churchill after training. Joe figures Perfect Drift is ready for a big effort.
Me: The race will have plenty of speed up front (Brother Derek, Suave, with Bernardini within 3 - 4 lengths). This sets up well for both these horses, Giacomo and Perfect Drift. I want to thank Steve and Joe for their pre-Breeders' Cup insights. I will follow up with both post Breeders' Cup with their thoughts on the big race.
Update 962: Barbaro has been nominated for Performance of the Year award by SouthernSportsAwards.com. I am sure Barbaro would appreciate your vote!
Update 961: A quick review of the awards dinner last night for "Team Barbaro": Team Barbaro, Richardson, Crist Honored at NTWA Dinner. The following is an excerpt:
Upon accepting the award, Roy Jackson joked that Barbaro had asked him to make some remarks on his behalf. "He wants to first honor you men and women of the press for your honest and straightforward reporting of this whole event. You've done a great service to the racing industry," Jackson said, citing the subjects of laminitis and the anti-slaughter bill.
"Barbaro also wants to thank the multitude of people that sent notes, carrots, you name it," he continued. "Lastly, he wanted to thank Dean Richardson and the whole staff at New Bolton for the care they've given him."
Update 960: Another comfortable night last night (wednesday night) for Barbaro. I just spoke to Peter Brette, who had heard from Michael.
Ramon Dominguez just called from Kentucky. This morning he rode Rob Roy for the first time, one of his three mounts for saturday. He galloped him on the turf and let him blow out 3/8ths of a mile. He was very happy with him, he went very easily, he was relaxed and then eager when asked. Ramon did note the turf was pretty soft and likely by saturday the turf will be soft, or good at best. This is not really drying weather. This type of turf should suite both Rob Roy and Better Talk Now. Ramon met Sir Michael Stoute for the first time today (Rob Roy's trainer).
Ramon did not ride Better Talk Now today, but is looking forward to a good ride on saturday (While Ramon has ridden Better Talk Now many times in races, Lisa always gallops him etc). He should like the distance, the ground and hopefully will get an eager pace up front. If that happens he has to have a chance. He is never given the respect he deserves, and has won this race before.
Ramon also did not ride Friendly Island, and has not partnered this horse, so saturday will be the first time. Ramon is used to riding horses for the first time in big races. As long as he handicap's the race well, that is usually all the preparation a top jockey needs.
I asked Ramon what it was like to ride on the biggest day of racing. He said that he tries to keep things normal. He obviously gets a little "pumped up" but that is a good thing. It is important for a jockey to deal with any pressure well, because if they don't it can directly effect the horses he is riding. Ramon said on saturday morning he will go to the barn area and meet with the trainers of his horses. He will discuss tactics then so as not to leave everything to the last minute in the paddock. In the meantime, Ramon is flying to New York to ride Aqueduct's friday card.
Susan O.... Glad you were able to order. It's a beauty!
By the way.... in case I dont say this enough....
You guys are the best people in the world and you all ROCK!!!!!!! Each day I stay grounded by seeing the care and concern that is shown here. FOB's are amazing!
My big dream is that one of us wins the lottery and we establish and live at the DOUBLE BAR O Ranch for Resuce Horses......oh by the way..guess who lives there with us? :)
Leslie in MN
Posted by: Leslie in MN at November 2, 2006 4:55 PM