Barbaro Updates: 299
updates are now here.
Update 2006: The Belmont undercard is always strong, The Manhattan is one such race and features Fair Hill's leading money-winner Better Talk Now: Sky Conqueror Faces Better Talk Now, English Channel in Manhattan, excerpt:
The duo will break from post 3 and will have to face down Better Talk Now, who has come up with some gigantic efforts in his 38-race career, not the least of which were his victories in the 2004 Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. IT) at Lone Star Park and in Belmont Park's Man o'War (gr. I) in 2005.
Now an 8-year-old, the Talkin Man gelding has bankrolled more than $3.5 million, but has never won at a mile and a quarter, and despite his classy resume, the distance may be a concern to some when he goes to post in the Manhattan. Trainer H. Graham Motion remains unwavering in his faith in Better Talk Now, however. After all these years, he knows what to expect.
"It's always a pleasure to talk about him," Motion said. "I think that getting older is actually helping him a bit. He is so much more settled now, much more mature."
Better Talk Now made his seasonal debut and first start since his half-length loss in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Churchill Downs on November 4 in the May 5 Turf Classic (gr. I) at Churchill Downs. He was steadied at the sixteenth pole and made a valiant effort to finish fourth, beaten only a length and three-quarters by victorious Sky Conqueror.
"He really took the worst of it," Motion said. "I'm not sure if he would have won, but he might easily have been second or third. But let's face it, we all know him by now. That race was only a mile and an eighth and he only has that eighth of a mile kick. If he gets taken out of that game, he's not going to get it done. He ran his race.
"I think he is in a good position for the Manhattan. This is only his second start back. It's not like it is late in the season and he is going into a mile and a half race that can really beat him up. I think a mile and a quarter will be no problem for him. I am very lucky to have him."
Jockey Ramon Dominguez will ride Better Talk Now in the Manhattan.
Update 2005: I spoke to Mrs. Jackson this afternoon on a couple of matters, but the most important being she had just watched the DVD that was made as a result of the Barbaro birthday celebrations. She was very complimentary. Coincidentally I received copies in the mail so I thought I better check it out myself quickly. It was fantastic. I hope those of you who have ordered enjoy it, I am told you can still order, all proceeds go to New Bolton Center's Fund for Laminitis Research. I have also added a quiz question on this discussion thread: VIDEO OF BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION with $100 to the winner's charity choice. From that thread you can also learn how to order the DVD, Because of Barbaro: A Celebration of his life. Its really good!
Update 2004: Seven have been entered for The Belmont, Digger is not one of them. The morning line favorite is Curlin at 6-5. He will break from post position 3, but post positions for this long race and short field are meaningless: Entries for the 2007 Belmont Stakes.
Update 2003: A gorgeous morning this morning at Fair Hill. A little breezy, lots of sunshine and fresh air. That being said I only had two to ride, so it was a short morning. First out was Who's Happy, and she went to the dirt track to jog a couple of miles. Tim came with us on Nonpariel, but took her to the gate to break her out across the shoot. She looked good doing that (from the distance anyway). Nonpariel makes her real-race debut on saturday at Philadelphia Park. My second horse was Gator Nation and we went across the fields. Very pleasant. Victor Molina stopped by and was to breeze Nautical Agent. He left some goodies (donuts etc.) but I had left before they had gotten back from their work. A lovely, short morning.
Update 2002: Steve Haskin examines the addition of Rags to Riches to the Belmont: Steve Haskin's Belmont Report: Belmont Gets Richer With Addition of 'Rags'.
For those with access to HBO, it is the Barbaro documentary tonight at 10 pm (HBO Produces a Winner With Barbaro Documentary). All FOBs who saw this documentary on monday night and provided feedback had only very positive words.
Tomorrow night Old Friends will be featured on CBSs evening news: Old Friends to be Featured on CBS News.
WHat do we want- COSPONSORS
How do we get'em- CALL!
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How do we get'em-FAX!
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Posted by: Christian at June 6, 2007 11:09 AM