CR Dunbar's Breeders' Cup Picks

I've plowed through articles and videos all week to prepare for the richest day in horse racing only to come out five pounds lighter and scrambling for more information.

As promised, here is my dirty south synopsis of some of my favorite races for the Breeders' Cup: Juvenile, Sprint and Classic.

Juvenile

I always enjoy studying the Juvenile race because it is your first opportunity to look at potential Kentucky Derby contenders. However, I don't necessarily enjoy betting on the race because it can quickly become a crapshoot.

This year the favorite will be hometown plodder Lookin at Lucky. He is being knocked for his slow speed figures, but definitely has a home court advantage running on the idiotic pro-ride surface.

Me, I am lookin to beat Lucky. I have my bionic eye focused on Noble's Promise. He has both synthetic and turf experience with a victory last time out going two turns.

I might also save a few pence for the European Radiohead. Maybe it is just because Pandora thinks my favorite song in the world is Creep, but Radiohead is giving me the bends.

Strategy: Pick a horse other than Lookin at Lucky, bet big and cross your fingers.

Sprint

If I ever make a career change into the horse world, I would want to focus strictly on sprint horses. Not much strategy, just go out there and run Forrest run.


Two horse this year are the clear favorites: Zensational and Fatal Bullet. Both prefer to get out on the lead and stay there which makes a handicapper cautious. Usually a duel out front leaves it wide open for a closer.

However, I think Fatal Bullet can outduel Zensational and take this.

If you want to go with a closer, it is a tossup between Gayego and Capt. Candyman Can. I keep switching between the two. I have triple C circled, but it looks like Gayego has been training well.

Strategy: Trifecta box with Fatal Bullet, Gayego, Capt. Candyman Can and Zensational

Classic

Once again, the faux dirt surface is the lead story. It has kept out the best horses, filled the field with turf horses and makes you throw out the best dirt horses that are actually running.

I have to agree with Public Enemy here and say don't believe the hype with Zenyatta. The filly hasn't seen competition like this before.


I really wanted to go with Rip Van Winkle here. One, because he has a dutch name, but probably more importantly because he was the best horse. But, I am very concerned about his foot ailment.

So, I am going with a turn of the foot and picking Richard's Kid. I think he fits well at this distance and from what they are telling me, he is training well up to the big race.

I also keeping my eye on Einstein, he always seems to hit the board.

Strategy: Exacta box the balls out of the race. I will go with Richard's Kid, Summer Bird and Einstein and pray it shakes out.

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CR Dunbar: Crazy Eyes in California

We are in the thicket of a chaotic sport season that could make Stuart Scott's eye go straight. To add to the discombobulation, the biggest two days of the horse racing season commence this weekend.


The Breeders' Cup is the championship series for the horse racing set. It is an opportunity for horses, trainers, owners, jockeys and bettors to make a season.

Before we delve into our annual analysis of the coming races, let's look at the forest instead of the trees.

The biggest races of the year (sans the Derby) that has government-type dollar figures attached will not be determined by the best horses, it will be determined by the race track surface. It is insanity.

The Europeans are invading California, and Americans are running scared. After last year's pillaging, the Europeans have entered a hoard of contenders because the Pro-ride surface at Santa Anita favors turf horses, the specialty in Europe, rather than dirt horses.

The synthetic surfaces have turned the sport on its head. Owners and trainers train and race their horses on turf to gain an edge. What's the point of doing dirt tracks now?

The fact that the surface is the leading story of their championships and not the horses should have the decision-makers rethink their fascination with synthetic surfaces.


In other news, this year gamblers will have the opportunity to bet on which jockey will win the most races. I wholeheartedly support this decision. Maybe it is the success of Animal Planet's Jockeys (brilliant show), but it is a great way for prospective horse fans to pick someone to have a connection to rather than a horse that may only race for one season or a billionaire oil prince. Not sure how it will work, but I don't see much downside.

Stay tuned for analysis of some select races.

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CR Dunbar: Breeders' Cup - Classic Lacks Spice

I am finding that I am experiencing the same difficulty that ESPN will have on Saturday. What do you talk about when Curlin is more likely to win than Chance getting an STD on Real Chance of Love?

Thankfully for ESPN, they have deep pockets for the 5th Grader musings of Kenny Mayne to fill some time. Anyone want to take a guess at the comedy stylings of Mayne this go around? Most likely: Curlin and a curling iron. Holding out hope for: getting beaten by a riding crop.

Unfortunately for you, I am but a sports blogger with an empty wall where a gallant TV once stood. So, let me do a quick hard nose analysis of what I see in this race:

Curlin is good. He has never competitively ran on a synthetic racetrack before, but his warm ups at Santa Anita are showing that he is still all balls.

Early speed is lacking in this race and that Slytherin Todd Pletcher knew it so he entered Fairbanks. If Fairbanks goes uncontested, he could steal this thing, but I think Curlin is too good to let that happen.

Plenty of foreigners in this race, and I am American so I don't like that. If a commie put a gun to my head, my favorite foreigner is Duke of Marmalade because he knows the distance. Casino Drive is a big question mark because we don't know if he will go for the lead or stay back. He is bred for distance, so I imagine he will stay back, but nonetheless he has never been in a race like this before.

Student Council and Raven's Pass are sounding like hype horse to dust up some drama. No way Trainer Steve The Assman allows Student Council beat his precious Curlin.

My Plays:
Curlin to win in the exotics, not straight up because you won't win much.
Curlin keyed in an exacta box with Fairbanks and Go Between.

CR Dunbar: Breeders' Cup Sprint - Only Time for a Finishing Move

No Usain Bolt in here to run away with this sprint.

The Sprint is always my favorite race to watch and handicap. The gate, the turn and the stretch is all it is with everyone going full tilt. Set it up, feel it out and finish, skip the foreplay.

This year's sprint has several horses gunning for the lead: Fatal Bullet, Fabulous Strike, Blackseventeen and maybe Cost of Freedom and First Defense. In Summation and Sing Baby Sing will try to stalk the pace, while Street Boss and Midnight Lute will drop back. Because of the Santa Anita synthetic track, the speed horses are going to wear down as quickly as an Obama presidency. I think this sets up for the closers.

I would look for Street Boss, who knows the surface and is a quality steed, to finish with a good move. I don't know if the move finishes with twirl or a knuckle though. I'm staying away from Midnight Lute no matter what Trainer Baffert and his cronies say about his comeback.

My Picks
Street Boss to win
In Summation across the board

CR Dunbar: Breeders' Cup - Juveniles are on the Clock

The Breeders' Cup Juvenile is the main stage for prospective Kentucky Derby contenders. In a sense, it is like the lottery picks in the NBA Draft. You have the top prospects, but only a few of them will make it. The winner/first pick rarely succeeds in the Derby/NBA. On racing night/draft night you are taking a shot with them, but in the end they are highly priced and will likely disappoint you. Inevitably, along the way you will see a few stars, a majority will burnout, be injury prone or shot. But because of the rules and excitement, you need to play the game and gamble on them.

David Stern with Square Eddie.

Comparing this year's runners with the 2006 NBA Draft (gives us a little more knowledge), this is what I see:

• Square Eddie - LaMarcus Aldridge, the sure thing
• Bushranger - Andrea Bargnani, foreign player you are curious about and will take a shot on, but probably not the first pick this time
• Midshipman - Brandon Roy, going to be a star and you knew it, but he dropped on the board
• Mine That Bird - J.J. Redick, decent, but outclassed
• Street Hero - Rudy Gay, know he is going to perform, but you let him slip because you wanted to go for the other's upside
• Elusive Bluff - Tyrus Thomas, just out of college and want to take a shot at a franchise player
• Terrain - Adam Morrison, had a good tournament, but can he make the leap?

My Plays:

• Midshipman to win.
• Combinations of exacta boxes with Midshipman, Square Eddie, Terrain and Street Hero.

CR Dunbar: Breeders' Cup - Quick Thoughts

This Saturday the best horses of the year will congregate in Santa Anita, CA for the world champions of horse racing also known conspicuously as the Breeders' Cup. Here are some quick thoughts before the Reverend and I make the picks that pay for the chicks.

The Cup's handlers have expanded the number of races to 14 and once again will run the races over two days. Have you ever sent an evite for a party you are hosting and begin to worry that no one will show up so you begin to invite second tier friends to get a good showing? That's what the Breeders Cup did. Struggling to pull off a great event, they have decided to invite everybody to race hoping that more horses will enhance the experience. Instead, they have diluted the quality of the races and have turned the marquee Classic into a joke by allowing owners to run in a Dirt Mile to avoid facing Curlin. You have a dull party because your attendees are a hodge podge of random people only you know, and you're all stuck watching the free beer and drunk guy dance with the popcorn bowl.

I recently read an article about how the promoters are trying to put the Breeders' Cup on the same map as the Super Bowl. In the same breath he used the expected appearance of Jerry O'Connell as an example. As a horse racing enthusiast that provides critique for the improvement of the sport and has utmost faith in the Breeders' Cup, I puked a little in my mouth and in the same breath respectfully suggest they 'try again.'

Since they have expanded the volume of races, this will be the second year of races on Friday and Saturday (last year it was because of a small venue). Sadly, this will probably be a reoccurring format of the event. This is a question about what horse racing wants to be. Is it the Kentucky Derby where only the fanciest hats may apply or is it for the guys that consistently bet on the ponies but need to actually go to work on Fridays? As a middle class man trying to get a nut to move your butt (as C + C Music Factory would say), the full card on Friday is wasted. Expect decent numbers on the amount gambled because of the slew of races, but totals will not meet expectations and it is not because of the economy.

In all likelihood, I will have to watch Hank Goldberg stammering incoherently all Saturday, proving immediately his inability to do his job. I think watching him last year may have been the reason that I was praying to the porcelain gods not the fifth of vodka I polished off.

Big Brown's foot injury before facing Curlin is like saying you have cold sore at the close of your date with Jenna Jameson.

Breeders' Cup: Instant Classic

If HHR has convinced you to try something new and make the Breeders' Cup a part of your Saturday, you are in for a treat before Halloween.

The Breeders' Cup Classic, which will determine the Horse of the Year, will be on ESPN Classic by Sunday.

First and sixth place may be determined by a neck. The lineup is as stacked as Kim Kardashian, but with talent.

The horses are all equal with speed and class. The key to the race will be pace and conditions.

Hard Spun and Lawyer Ron will take the lead, but they will not be able to run away with it with Street Sense, Any Given Saturday and Curlin in prime positions to stalk the leaders. In my brain, which is burnt out after studying only seven of the races, Lawyer Ron will be exhausted from the poll position and the extra mud along the fence. Hard Spun will make an effort, but will be gassed with the other horses pushing his pace and at this distance.

It will all come down to who will be able to break free from the pile around the second turn. Although Curlin will be on the outside around the first turn, with Lawyer Ron, Street Sense and Any Given Saturday on his inside, Curlin will have plenty of room around the second turn to break free from the pack with also rans George Washington, Awesome Gem and Diamond Stripes all to his immediate right from the gate.

Curlin is my Breeders' Cup Classic pick.

Look for Tiago on the outside waiting to pick the field apart. I saw him destroy my trifecta in the Santa Anita Derby with a sensational closing run. I wouldn't put it past him to do it to me again. Then again, seven of the nine horses running have cost me money in some form.

For the bettors:
Any horse minus 5,6 to win.
Pick 6, see above.
Try a $.10 superfecta box and pick five horses = $12

-posted by C.R. Dunbar

HHR Breeder's Cup Coverage: Distaff Division

It’ll be Ladies’ Day at the track Saturday in the 9th race at Monmouth when a group of good looking fillies and mares get together for the Breeder’s Cup Distaff. At 1 and 1/8 miles, it’s a fairly long race. Plus, the forecast is calling for rain and more rain. So the track figures to be a little sloppy. Hope these girls don’t mind getting their dresses a little dirty, because this one figures to be a 12 girl mud wrestling free-for-all.

Before looking at the field, there was some disappointing news that Panty Raid (who our friends at 100% Injury Rate introduced us to) will not be running in the Distaff. She would not only have been the most cleverly named horse in the field, but she’s also a pretty fine equine to boot.

Because horses can be such temperamental creatures, mud and grime can be a huge x-factor in handicapping. Some horses love it, some would like to avoid it like the plague. Also, the jocks tend to get a little messy themselves.


To that end, it looks like only four horses in the field have ever run on muddy or sloppy tracks (Prop Me Up, Tough Tiz’s Sis, Ginger Punch, and Octave). So there’s really not much to go on in terms of judging the fields’ past performance in the slop.

Todd Pletcher trained Indian Vale (3-1 ML) enters the Distaff as the favorite, running out of the 10th slot. However, I like 4 horse Ginger Punch (7/2 ML) better, if for nothing else because it sounds like a tasty fine beverage Dunbar would serve. She’s 12 for 13 lifetime in the money. Plus, she’s managed to win three graded stakes races this year (one G2 and two G1’s). She finished third her last time out at 1 1/8 miles on September 30th at Belmont – just three weeks off winning at 1 1/16 miles on the same track. I’m thinking the extra week off before tomorrow’s race will give her the fuel to finish this race off.

Looking to spoil Ginger Punch is the 5 horse Lady Joanne (6-1 ML). The KY bred Lady will be ridden by the crazy Cajun Calvin Borel – the two have formed a dynamite duo over their past 6 races together, finishing 1st or 2nd in each test.

Rev. Shaw knows Dunbar does little to hide his love of Gingers.

My mad bomber pick is the aptly named Hystericalady (8-1 ML) running from post 12. She’s run well in several graded stakes versus competition she will face tomorrow. Plus, she won a G2 stakes race at Monmouth on August 25th by an impressive 6 ¼ lengths. She runs hard early, so it may be tough for her to keep up the pace, but I look for her to break the top 3 or four.

For the bettors:

Pick 6: 4 - 5

Trifecta box: 4, 5, 12

Superfecta box: 4, 5, 10, 12

-posted by Rev. Shaw Moore

Breeders Cup: Sprint

I love the Sprint, and I love GOOOOLLLDD!!! (Kinda like Scoop).

Dunbar appears none-to-scared to wager with the freaky-deaky-Dutch.
(photo: USAToday.com)

Normally, I don't bet on gray horses. But, Greg's Gold provides the consistency and the stalking ability that I am looking for in this race. It would nice if he had a better post position, but with all the slop that is going to be on the course (thank you New Jersey) and the speed on the inside, I'm sure he will be fine around the one turn. Consider him the Carl Lewis of horses.

I also have my eye on Midnight Lute, aka Michael Johnson, he will be the favorite by putting up the highest speed figure by far. My concern is that he will be baited into a quicker pace than what he wants with tough competitors surrounding him.

Others to look out for, Kelly's Landing, also known as Marion Jones, he has been out since March. Possibly doing steriods because of an illness. Talent Search (Maurice Greene) may steal this one by jumping to the lead and holding it on the slop.

For the bettors:
10 to win
5 across the board
2, 10 for the Pick 6

-posted by C.R. Dunbar

Breeders' Cup: Future Ex-wives Club

When owners and breeders are sorting through their catalogs looking to create the next Frankenstein horse, I doubt they are crossing their fingers to one day dominate the Filly & Mare Turf division. But here we are, Race 6 at Monmouth Park, the owner still gets a chance to win $2 million.

The competition hosts a fine young set that may be judged more by their birthing hips than what they do on Saturday. But since this is the first race in the Pick 6, we need to find a champion.

After analyzing the furture baby mamas, it is clear that this is a tough start to the Pick 6. I like the chances of 7 of the 12 horses.

There is no way I'm picking 7 horses for one race, so I need to leave the drama for my mama and pick one. I'm going with one of the favorites, Nashoba's Key. This horse doesn't know what it feels like to lose. However, she does like to make it interesting.

She knows how to stalk and is coming off some quality wins. The only question is whether she can handle the distance with the European imports.

Of the other seven that I like, Passage of Time, Precious Kitten and Wait a While.

For the bettors:
Lowest odds of 2,3,4,5,9,11, or 12 to win
Pick 6, 3 plus any of the above

-posted by C.R. Dunbar

Breeders' Cup: Juvie

The Juvie has assaulted me over the head with a crowbar.

(Photo: teenchallenge.net)

The quality horses have been jacked of good poll positions. All the junk is sitting in the middle, when everybody prefers the junk in the trunk.

From the warden's tower, it looks as if War Pass, the favorite, will be able to break from the rest and see the light. However, there is a lot of speed being passed around in this gang.

War Pass will not be able to steal it with Wicked Style, Z Humor and Slew's Tiznow jumping the fence for first as well. While the other horses overdose looking for the big score, look for Pyro to weasel in and heist the win from them when they are distracted by each other.

I also like Dixie Chatter pulling the strings and allowing the minions to do the dirty work while he stalks from a moderate pace. When it is time to run, he will go down to the wire in a blaze of glory a la Tony Montana. However, he's sitting in solitary confinement in the 11 hole.

The Juvenile provides the first opportunity to pick an honorary HHR horse (inside joke alert): Salute the Sarge. HHR has a member that once saluted the sarge. However, this beaut isn't an import from Korea so there is not as much risk going in.

(Photo: wwe.com)

For the bettors:

Exacta box, 2,7,11
Is not a part of the Pick 6.

-posted by C.R. Dunbar

Breeder's Cup Coverage: BC Mile

As my cohort C.R. Dunbar explained earlier, the Breeder’s Cup provides racing aficionados the opportunity to bet on quality horses and get rich quick. It’s practically free money!

Money won is always much better than money earned. Or at least so I’m told. So I’m going to try and solve the Rubik’s Cube that is Saturday’s 8th race and win some cash:

The early favorite in the mile is British horse Excellent Art (3-1 morning line). Too bad there’s not much excellent about where he’s starting – out of the 13th hole. If that number weren’t unlucky enough, he’ll have to overcome a lot of quick horses at the start to position himself for a good run down the stretch. He’s probably the class horse of the field, and he’s 8 for 9 lifetime finishing in the money … that’s good enough for me to include him in a boxed exotic, but I’m not convinced he can win this race outright.

The seven horse Cosmonaut (15-1 ML) has turned in 6 straight Beyers over 100 and 9 out of his last 10 races. He likes to run at or near the lead, and that strategy may position him well in this relatively shorter race. Jockey Julien Leparoux will be aboard for the trip, and if this were being run at Churchill Downs, I’d be laying heavy on this horse simply because him. Leparoux has turned in dominating performances over the past couple of meets in Louisville, and he figures to be one of the rising superstars in the sport. I look for Cosmonaut to get caught at or near the end, but he still should be positioned to cash a few tickets on Saturday.

Nobiz Like Shobiz (8-1 morning line) is running out of the 9th position. Nobiz Like Shobiz has been all business since morphing into a grass-router at Saratoga this summer – he’s 3 for 3 since making the switch to the turf. The Breeder’s Cup Mile will be Nobiz’s first Grade I stakes race since his disappointing run in this year’s Derby, and able jockey John Velazquez will be in the saddle instead of Jorge Castellano. The step up in competition and jockey change will be something to watch out for.

The 3 horse After Market (7-2 ML) lost his last time out at a mile, finishing second to fellow BC miler Trippi’s Storm in the Kelso G2 Breeder’s Cup handicap at Belmont. Before that loss, he rattled off 4 straight victories on the turf, all graded stakes wins. After Market has performed better at distances over a mile, so I have concerns that he may kick the afterburners in just a little too late to finish the job. However, if he stalks the pace (around 3rd or 4th position) like during his recent 4 race winning streak, After Market should offer some happy returns.

For the bettors:

Pick 6 selection: 3, 7

If you want to make money: Trifecta box, 3-7-9.

If you’re feeling extra frisky: Superfecta box, 3-7-9-13.

NetJets Breeders’ Cup Mile. Grade I. Purse: $2,000,000.

-posted by Rev. Shaw Moore

Breeders' Cup: Not Dylan's Turf

As Dennis Green would say, "If you want to crown him, then crown his ass."

Horse racing pundits have jumped on the Dylan Thomas bandwagon as if he was dipped in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.

Dylan Thomas will enter the Turf Division as the heavy favorite by recently winning the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, it's a big turf race in Europe. However, I never discount English Channel.

English Channel gives me fits. He has won for me, he has ruined it for me and he has let me down. I must be in the upturn of the cycle because I am feeling him right now.

Critics have suggested that he is a little off his game, but he made a sensational move in Joe Hirsch Turf Invitational and dominates the Monmouth track. My sense is that English Channel has been preparing for this race whereas Dylan Thomas has been training for the Prix. Dylan also flies in today from Europe for the race on Saturday.

I compare it to the story of most famous Dylan - Dylan McKay versus Brandon Walsh for the grand prize of Kelly Taylor. Two quality competitors looking to stud, but this season is Brandon's turn.


(If you are compiling your Pick 6 and have the change to spare I would select both, but this is a good race to select one horse to save some cheese.)

-posted by C.R. Dunbar

Get Rich Quick

Ever slip a buck or two into the enormous slot machine at the local Indian casino? Jump up and pull the jumbo handle like your spinning for the Showcase Showdown?

Ever buy a lottery ticket and spend the day imagining the ways you would spend the money?

Well, I'm here to tell you that there is a better way. You, yes you, can turn $2 into $3 million. I feel like John Basedow or Jack LaLanne.

(Photo: jacklalanne.com)

Allow me to introduce you to the Breeders' Cup Pick 6. The Pick 6 has a guaranteed pool of $3 million with potential for more depending on the amount of participants and whether there is a carryover from the night before. All you have to do is select six first place horses in a row on October 27.

I haven't done the the proper odds making compared to the lottery, it has been a few years since I took Calculus, but the Breeders' Cup allows you to place educated guesses rather than random selection increasing your odds of becoming a millionaire exponentially.

Granted, you have to share the pool if others are as lucky as you in selecting six in a row, but that is still a lot of hooch for $2. In 2003, the lone Breeders' Cup winning $2 Pick 6 ticket paid $2,687,611.60.

As Montel Jordan would say, this is how ya do it...

Conduct the proper reading and determine who you like in the following races in the following order: Filly & Mare Turf, Sprint, Mile, Distaff, Turf and Classic. Take a drive to your local racing track or casino that is offering simulcast racing. Go up to the teller and say "Monmouth Park, Race 6, $2 Pick 6, (insert your picks here) 3 with 4 with 8 with 6 with 1 with 7." Hop back in the car, go home, play with the kids, dog or drunk frat brother, turn on ESPN at noon, crack open some beers and watch your $2 become $3 million.

There are ways to increase your odds of winning that fresh cabbage, but it requires more money on your part.

You can select more than one horse per race. Here's the math (numbers equal the amount of horses per race):

1x1x1x1x1x1x$2 = $2

1x2x1x1x1x1x$2 = $4

2x3x1x2x1x3x$2 = $72

It can add up in a hurry. That is why some professional gaming organizations buy in with a pool trying to score the big enchilada.

So, pool together or go it alone. What do you have going on that is more important than becoming a millionaire on Saturday?

-posted by C.R. Dunbar

Your Parents Bred Well! Here's a Cup

The common sports fan is probably wondering what in God's green earth is the Breeders' Cup. I think the Breeders' Cup should be the name of the trophy that I'm going to buy myself when my spawn breaks free from lady Dunbar's baby oven. Sadly, I'm going to have to come up with a different name. The Breeders' Cup name has already been designated as the year-end series of championship horse races.

One week from today the best horses from across the world bear down on the horse racing mecca of New Jersey for a two day event.

If you are interested in pursuing the sport, the Breeders' Cup is a great time to engage. The cup offers top-notch competition to determine the best horses of the year.

Warning: I find the cup very difficult to wager on as you are dealing with the best horses at their preferred distances. Then again, you will have the opportunity to bet on quality horses at lower odds and get rich quick.

As a horse racing apostle, I will take a look at the races this week and hopefully assist the rookies in making educated guesses on who will hoist the spawn trophies. All monetary loses are the responsiblity of losers not HHR.

-posted by C.R. Dunbar

Cane Fights, Ponies and Rivalries

Ever see two old men in a fist or cane fight? Sadly, neither have I.

Old men with a competitive bent prefer to destroy each other through other means. Unfortunately, some old horse owners don't have the fire in their ulcer filled-bellies, leaving the sport without the 1950s undercutting snide remarks that old people are famous for.

(Photo: Seattle Times)

The sport needs some owners to slum it a little and start backhand slapping each other. Figuratively or physically. Owners vs. owners is another rivalry that can improve horse racing.

Lady Dunbar once forced me to watch the movie Dreamer. In the movie, which was based on a true story, a sheik ends up fronting the money for the horse to enter the Breeders' Cup. Why? Because his rival brother had the favorite horse and he was up a crick without a paddle.

These are the kinds of storylines we need for races. Two competing stables hating each other so much that they would do almost anything to beat each other or make the other lose.

However, there are downsides to an owner vs. owner rivalry. Usually, the owners let their money do the talking, resulting in astronomical auction prices, making the sport cost prohibitive to others. Also, once you are reminded of who the owners are, you understand why it is called the "Sport of Kings" and off putting to the common man.

I can't say this is the most exciting rivalry that could be developed in horse racing. It's hard for a fan to root for a billionaire, but who wasn't pulling for the high school buddies that owned Funny Cide? Who doesn't cheer for the startup stable against a $16 million horse?

The sport could use some more average joe owners that actually want to be a part of horse racing rather than owners needing something to do with their millions. Then, we can have some more lively competition.

One more topic in the rivalery episodes then we will move on to a new series and get ready for the Breeders' Cup.

-posted by CR Dunbar

Don't Hate the Game, Hate the Jockey

(Series 1, Episode 2, Take 1)

The promised series on how to improve horse racing interest has admittedly been placed on the back burner like the sport itself. Since the Breeder's Cup is only a month away, I will jockey-whip myself into form and make a nose-to-the-grindstone effort.

Way back when I discussed the importance of horse vs. horse rivalries. In that the media cannot sell the season and the new crop of horses short simply for the Preakness. The rivalery needs to be groomed in the pre-Triple Crown season and throughout the year and career of the
horses.

The next rivalery that needs to be discussed is jockey vs. jockey. Come on fellas, spice things up a bit!

America is facinated by jockeys. The odds are stacked against the little guys and they go into a grueling sport that has caused numerous deaths and broken faces to win millions of dollars and marry hot women.

In NASCAR, the drivers hate each other. There have been rivalries throughout the history of the sport such as Earnhart Sr. vs. Gordon (Rusty will have to expound on the current ones).

These rivalries are cultivated from years of racing each other and years of being cut off or thrown into the wall. How does this not translate into horse racing? More importantly, I'm sure the jockeys hate each other, how do we not know about the vengeance brewing deep inside their tiny bowels?

The stakes are the same, fame, the desire to win, the money and now endorsements. They get pushed into the rail, get cut off down the stretch and get hit with errant whips. Plus, they have to share quarters every race, so who knows how many times they get the ol' towel whip that comes a little too close that you can no longer friends.

The first thing that needs to be done is some investigative reporting. Simple question: who hates who. Then, report on it and expand it. Let it fester among the jockeys so that it becomes utter distain for one another.

Next, separate locker rooms. Don't let them sit in the locker rooms together and become chummy. Locker rooms build team unity. If they want to do their rowdy jockey drinking after the meet, that if fine. But let's not allow them to sit and talk about their hot wives and
invite each other to tea on Tuesday.

Also, to take a chapter out of the WWF (it will always be the WWF to me, Vince), the sport needs some heels. Come on Desormeaux, call out Gomez. You have nothing to lose, expect the possible friendship of a jockey that thinks you ride like your humping a camel. The sport needs a jockey villain or a cocky son of a bitch. Or, maybe someone that paints their face like the hot dog eating guy.

The NTRA's version of the Warriors, Orphans, High Hats, Electric Eliminators and Baseball Furies.
photo from www.jockeysguild.com

Once these steps are taken and rivalries develop, the press will have another option to captivate the audience. Who knows, maybe someone will get hurt too, that's always fun.


-posted by C.R. Dunbar