Mine That Bird's big ball (just one)

http://saratogainsider.blogspot.com/2009/08/bird-ball.html

This gave me some serious sentimental attachment to MTB, of which I have never had before. I wish it didn't have to be Borel on the mount, that guy's a big baby.

Some light handicapping before bedtime.

So I was taking a look at the Sword Dancer for tomorrow afternoon. I personally think this is a fairly easy race to handicap given the amount of ... one hit per year wonders. There are several of these in this race, and sure they hit their good trips every once in a while; but I can't put money on unpredictability. If any of them hit I won't feel bad for missing that accidental race where they freaked with their old form. The horses I find most interesting are Musketier, Quijano, and Americain.

First off, Musketier looks to be the only speed in this race and if he can get out with a slow pace he will be easily set up to wire the field.

The 8 horse Quijano seems like a solid bet based on what seems to be his owner's intentions. Last year he was brought over and raced in September, came in 2nd and put in another grade 1, likely pointed toward the BC until he came in 9th. He went back across the pond with decent form since then, then came up with a 3rd in the Manowar. If that Grade 1 could serve as a prep for this one he will be again on route toward Santa Anita. Hopefully he doesn't disappoint and bounce from his US tour like he did last year .... (crossing fingers .... no, really ...)

And Americain: the real reason to bet this guy is his ability to run in the money. I think he has every reason to not fall any farther from 4-5 lengths from the front; and I love the fact that the betting public is generally confused by foreign horses ... maybe it's the accent ... practically guaranteeing he will be at higher odds than he deserves.

Plus Pletcher is hitting 23% with his shippers ... I'll take that, thank you.

So i think these 3 come in 1-2-3.

Lauro is my only other concern, but I'm too unsure about what to do with him to acknowledge him as anything else but that.

last one!

"Rachel is the most overrated horse in recent memory. All she has proven is beating a bunch of mediocre 3 year olds."

The only blog commentator with any class. Thanks Bobbie ... wherever you are.

And .... this is officially my last bitch about RA. I'm over it.

Mountaineer

Today I learned that Mountaineer Park was in West Virginia ... and then I bet on a bunch of 5,000 claiming races ... and then remembered why I don't like to bet on $5,000 claiming races. There is a handicapping angle here I do not yet see.

The RA post ... and a test.

Rachel Alexandra is a freak. She is good, but she's above the cheering her on level. She is not good because of her trainer or her breeding or her owners decisions ... she is genius because she is an athletic savont. I personally would not want to run against her, but that doesn't mean I have to respect her. Please someone stop saying "SuperFilly" and I will give her a little bit more attention.

... Call her SuperFilly if she EVER runs in a handicap division ... OR runs past 3.

NEW !!!

So here is Tizcrush and Audzilla's new blog ... let's see how it rolls.