In order to quantify the hype — at least to casual horse racing fan (guilty) — Devil May Care will need to win the Derby, something a filly hasn’t accomplished since 1988. The question is, how good are her chances to become the fourth winning filly ever? According to her trainers, the odds are good:

“She wants a mile and a quarter,” [Devil May Care trainer Todd] Pletcher said. “I think she relishes that. It’s a big challenge for any horse, filly, colt, gelding, whatever. But we really like the way she’s trained all along. She’s trained alongside these colts, and she’s breezed really well. I like her draw.”

For those who think fillies shouldn’t run against the colts, DMC’s owner, John Greathouse (great last name) doesn’t share your sentiment, naturally:

“Good fillies, internationally, run against good colts all the time,” Greathouse said. “Why it seems to be taboo here in the United States is beyond me. Good animals are capable of overcoming those things.

“When you look at this filly, she’s not going to look like some dainty little thing. She’s a good size, big strong filly, and she’ll take care of them herself.”

Is it time for a fourth filly to join the illustrious group of previous Kentucky Derby winners? Lucky for us, we don’t have to wait much longer to find out where in racing history she belongs. When the gate drops on Saturday, Devil May Care will be running out of the 11 spot, which should protect her from getting pushed against the rail — unless, of course, her jockey, John Velazquez, wants her to go there.Similar Posts:

• A Big Brown This Year? (Kentucky Derby)
• Mine That Bird Longshots To Derby Greatness
• Legging Out A Triple?

Will Devil May Care Crash The Guy’s Party? is a post from:

I do, however, know bad form when I see it, and thanks to some petty back-and-forth-ing from Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski, we have some bad form from two stock car drivers who can’t or won’t let their differences go. From what I’ve read, there’s a history between these two and that’s all fine and good. What’s not fine and good however, is using such a powerful vehicle to get some sort of payback against the offending driver.

Perhaps I’m wrong.

Perhaps it is good form using a vehicle weighing over 3000 pounds and is capable of speeds in excess of 200 MPH, to do make a point or get some payback when you’re feeling wronged. What the hell happened to smacking each other around in pit row? Seems a lot safer and the repercussions are nowhere near as expensive. Of course, what does a city-slicker like me know? Apparently, when it comes to some NASCAR-flavored payback, not much. That being said, using your car as a weapon — or a tool to carry out your mission of revenge — is incredibly suspect.

Try doing that on the way to work tomorrow when somebody cuts you off. I doubt a dented car would be the least of your worries.Similar Posts:

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Mine That Bird? The gelding came from 20 lengths behind and absolute last place to punk 18 horses in the slop. He ran away to a disorienting 6¾-length victory over a sketchy collection of competitors. By all that makes sense in racing, he had no right doing so.

Prior to becoming a racing immortal, he was sold as a yearling to his original owners for $9,500. (Can you even get a Kia for that price?) As a point of comparison, Mine That Bird finished 19 lengths ahead of Dunkirk, who was sold at auction for $3.7 million.

For the record, there was some doubt as to whether or not Bird would be able to run in the Preakness, which takes place two weeks from last Saturday. Apparently, the Derby-winning horse showed great recovery signs this morning, as his trainer revealed his winning horse would indeed still be competing for the elusive Triple Crown.

I doubt very seriously Mine That Bird will be a 50-1 underdog in two weeks.Similar Posts:

• Will Devil May Care Crash The Guy’s Party?
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It’s the Kentucky Derby, folks, otherwise known as the only time the rest of the world cares about the Bluegrass State and the sport of horses. Regardless of the cynicism, the Derby is still a massive deal — or party, depending on your point of view.

Speaking of which, rumor has it that Billy Gillispie is going at the Derby Infield. That should make for some entertaining pictures.Similar Posts:

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A Big Brown This Year? (Kentucky Derby) is a post from:

“I’m glad the car didn’t go up in the grandstands and hurt somebody,” Edwards said. “I saw some fencing at one point and that made me a little bit nervous. I don’t know if I could live with myself if I ended up in the grandstands.”

Thankfully, Edwards doesn’t have to face such a horrible reality. That doesn’t mean, however, the awesomely-terrifying wreck hasn’t spawned talk of rule changes to prevent this kind of racing chaos — something that wasn’t restricted to the Edwards wreck:

On Lap 7, contact between Matt Kenseth and Jeff Gordon turned into a wreck involving 14 cars, knocking four out of the race and badly damaging five. Gordon finished 37th and lost the points lead to Kurt Busch.

A 10-car wreck later collected, among others, Martin Truex Jr., Denny Hamlin, pole-sitter Juan Pablo Montoya and Jimmie Johnson. During that caution, Earnhardt, running second, and Newman, running first, concocted a scheme to leave the field behind.

Are changes to the restrictor-plate necessary to prevent these kind of field-clearing wrecks? According to many drivers, the answer is yes.Similar Posts:

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Granted, jockey Kent Desormeaux pulled Big Brown up towards the end, but nevertheless, for some reason, the horse didn’t have it in him on Saturday. Was it the heat? Was it the fact that Brown got kicked after the start? Was it the lack of the steroid Winstrol in his system? Or could it be the chickens came home to roost after Rick Dutrow’s bombastic bragging about Big Brown? ESPN’s Pat Forde expands on that thought:

No, talking trash didn’t get Big Brown beat. But it came back to smack Dutrow in his fresh mouth when the foregone conclusion fell apart.

Forde goes on to say:

Problem is, Dutrow never entertained the possibility of a problem during this Triple Crown run. Even after watching all the Triple Crown near-misses of recent years — Silver Charm in 1997, Real Quiet in ’98, Charismatic in ’99, War Emblem in 2002, Funny Cide in ’03 and Smarty Jones in ’04 — he failed to absorb the singular truth of this three-race series:

It’s incredibly hard to win. That’s why it’s been done just 11 times in the history of the sport. That’s why great horses like Spectacular Bid and Point Given didn’t get it done.

As it stands, there appears to be nothing wrong with Big Brown which led some folks with ties to horse-racing industry to believe simply this — Big Brown didn’t want to run on Saturday and there’s nothing anyone could’ve done about it.

Whatever the case, the horse that looked so dominant in May was not the same one that ran on Saturday. In case you didn’t see it, here’s YouTube to the rescue:

And with that, the horse racing season comes to a close (for those of us that only follow the Triple Crown). See you next year when the Kentucky Derby gets ready for action.Similar Posts:

• Legging Out A Triple?
• Belmont Stakes: Big Brown Runs and Studs
• What Can Big Brown Do For You?

No Joy In New York: Big Brown Finishes Last is a post from:

If that’s the case, carry on, sir/ma’am.

For the rest of us, horse racing only means something A. when it’s the Kentucky Derby and B. if there’s a Triple Crown storyline to follow. This year, like the last few years before us, we do, in fact, have another horse with Triple Crown aspirations. So, is this the year the string gets broken or will Brown fail during the 1.5-mile Belmont; a distance that can tire the strongest horses?

If Vegas is your guide, then yes, it does look like we’ll have our first Triple Crown winner in 30 years. It also doesn’t hurt your chances when the horse with the perceived best chance to beat you — Casino Drive — bruises his heel. Because I’m no horse-racing expert, I can only give you my hunch. Considering the time between capturing all three titles, I wouldn’t be surprised if Big Brown actually did lose the Belmont. However, I’m also inclined to agree with trainer Rick Dutrow, Jr:

If Big Brown gets the lead, especially down the stretch, it’s hard to see any of the other horses catching him. The one question I do have has to do with Big Brown’s inside position. He’s drawn the number 1 slot, meaning he’ll be up against the fence. Can the other jockeys box the favorite in and block his path to history? Will they if they can? We’ll find out Saturday.

Anyway, here are the post positions along with the odds related to the horse, compiled by Vegas Watch:

(1) Big Brown, 2/5
(2) Guadalcanal, 40/1
(3) Macho Again, 30/1
(4) Dennis of Cork, 10/1
(5) Casino Drive, 10/3
(6) Da’ Tara, 33/1
(7) Tale Of Ekati, 16/1
(8) Anak Nakal, 33/1
(9) Ready’s Echo, 40/1
(10) Icabad Crane, 35/1

One more thing, does Big Brown’s previous steroid use concern you? Similar Posts:

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If the reports are from today’s test run are to be believed, it certainly looks like Big Brown will be up to the challenge on Saturday but will he be able to hold off the seemingly made-for-the-Belmont thoroughbred in Casino Drive? Trainer Rick Dutrow, Jr. doesn’t seemed concerned:

“There’s not any issues with our horse,” Dutrow said. “He’s right on target. He’s by far the best horse in the race.”

These comments come on the heels of a little horse-racing trash talk from from the Big Brown camp towards Casino Drive and the rest of the field.

Obviously, Dutrow isn’t worried about the safety or ability of his horse (and by safety, I’m referring to whether or not the cracked hoof would give Big Brown problems).

In other Big Brown news, after he retires, the horse has certainly has his future planned out — one of impregnating willing mares. According to reports, Big Brown will receive $100,000 each time he gets a female horse pregnant… and I thought Las Vegas hookers were expensive. Of course, you don’t get to impregnate one either (eww), but I digress.

Finally, it has been revealed the final resting place of Eight Belles will indeed be at Churchill Downs.Similar Posts:

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• No Joy In New York: Big Brown Finishes Last
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Belmont Stakes: Big Brown Runs and Studs is a post from:

Dr. Bramlage also oversaw the euthanasia of Eight Belles after determining the severity of her injuries; something he’s never before witnessed during his career as a medical expert for the thoroughbred industry.

In our interview, we asked Dr. Bramlage some questions about the Eight Belles injury, potential prevention methods, Big Brown and Derby Pie. Needless to say, Dr. Bramlage went to great lengths to educate some of us who may have been in an uproar about animal cruelty and horse racing. Our interview was conducted via email and because I’m no expert when it comes to matters of the horse-racing industry, some of my questions may seem elementary.

Thankfully, Dr. Bramlage’s answers were not:

Intentional Foul: Dr. Bramlage, thank you for taking the time speak with Intentional Foul. In your report, it was revealed Eight Belles had fractures of the cannon and sesamoid bones in both front legs. What, in your professional opinion, contributed to the severity of these injuries? Was Eight Belles fighting the “slow down” commands she was being given or did she perhaps step incorrectly while she was slowing?

Dr. Bramlage: She was slowing down perfectly just like you want a horse to do. She was decreasing her momentum without abruptly stopping. She was relaxed and the jockey had her perfectly balanced. There is no good explanation for how she got the fractures. In her last three strides she showed lameness in the right front on two, then dramatically shifted her weight to the left. That is when the left fractured and she went down. Obviously she overloaded the right as well.

There is no indication of anything wrong until those three strides. Horses occasionally sustain injuries during a race that shows up as they slow down, but no one associated with racing that I have talked to has ever seen anything like this event.

IF: Since the Derby, some are wondering if the polytrack surfaces (or any other track surfaces) might have made a difference in respect to the Eight Belles tragedy. Do you believe this to be the case and if so, would you recommend Churchill Downs replace their traditional dirt track for the modern substitute?

Dr. Bramlage: The Kentucky Derby has been run 134 years. This is the first ever fatal injury. The track was perfect that day. There were over 150 starters that day, not one other injury. Churchill Downs has a good reputation as being a safe track. I don’t think the surface would play any role in her injury.

IF: Naturally, the aftermath of the Eight Belles tragedy included appearances from PETA and a number of other observers who may-or-may-not-be savvy in regards to the horse racing industry. However, a number of retired jockeys/media analysts support the idea of outlawing the whip. From your informed perspective and again, considering the severity of her injuries, do you think the absence of a whip would have a made a difference?

Dr. Bramlage: The whip played no role in this injury she was a quarter of a mile after the race and had not been touched with the whip for an three eighths of a mile. PETA is largely ignorant of the facts, but quick to jump on the backs of any injured animal, for mostly their own benefit. If they ever gave a dime to animal welfare or research I would have more respect for them. But they use these opportunities to raise money for their own lobbying efforts and salaries. Go to their web site and see Eight Belles name used as a fund raising tool (links added by editor).

That said, I think you will see the whip modified. It is closely controlled now, by the stewards in every race, but the general public can not always understand that you can’t let the horses make all the decisions. Sometimes they decide to jump over the rails, or swerve into the path of another horse. The whip is a safety measure against this. But, we can likely use a smaller padded whip.

IF: In light of Eight Belles’ autopsy results which tested for illegal performance enhancing drugs (PED) and of the steroid era of sports we’ve apparently entered, do you see these types of PED tests becoming mandatory in the horse racing industry?

Dr. Bramlage: Steroids are used quite differently in horses than the baseball players, or football players, smaller doses, less frequently. But, I think you will see them banned as soon as the testing methods can assure that the tests are validated, accurate and dependable. Work has been ongoing to this end for two years. You will see the ban by the year end, in my guess.

Eight Belles tested totally negative for any kind of steroid. So the people who wanted to blame steroids are wrong on this count as well.

IF: After the Eight Belles tragedy, there have been various reports about horse cruelty and racing; usually tied to reports about on-track deaths. Do you view these types of severe horse injuries as declining or increasing?

Dr. Bramlage: The data available shows they are nearly constant the last 40 years at 00.15% of starters. Recent data have shown some ups and downs at various locations, and the artificial surfaces have shown to be helpful in the extremes of weather such as the heat of California, or the winters of Canada or the colder climates of the U.S. New injury reporting systems started about a year ago should soon answer your question definitively.

IF: Do you think advancements in equine medicine have increased the lifespan of horses, potentially extending the legacy of weaker thoroughbreds that may not have survived? Could these medicinal advances perhaps weaken the thoroughbred talent pool?

Dr. Bramlage: No, because the converse of your question is “should we just kill off all the genetically weak individuals and breed those that are left.” But, what has happened is that stallions are selected currently for brilliance in a few events, rather than durability over a long career as was the case 50 years ago. This has had the effect of not selecting for durability, and perhaps over emphasizing speed and underemphasizing soundness, in my opinion.

IF: Why do you think there’s been such a gap between Triple Crown winners? Is it just that hard or are the horses not quite as prepared/ready to run three races in such a relatively short manner? Has there been a noticeable decline in the kind of racing talent that wins such distinctions?

Dr. Bramlage: There is no decline in talent. We have been close to a Triple Crown winner on multiple occasions recently. What has stopped it is another talented individual has won one of the races and spoiled the try. Triple Crown wins normally come when you have one superior horse and the general level of talent that year is low. We may have that situation this year.

IF: What are your thoughts on Big Brown, whose magnificent performances have been hard to ignore, even if you aren’t a horse-racing fan? Do you see him having a legitimate chance to win the Triple Crown? Does he seem built to withstand the Belmont’s 1.5 mile race? In what ways do you think a Triple Crown winner would invigorate horse racing?

Dr. Bramlage: He is a big strong colt, and the way he has run the first two races he looks like he could circle the track twice if you wanted him to. I think he has a real chance to do it. But, waiting in the wings at Belmont is Casino Drive. His half-brother Jazil won the Belmont two years ago, and his half-sister, Rags to Riches won the Belmont last year. His family seems to really like the mile and a half. It should have some real interesting side stories, and make for some good racing.

IF: One last final thing: (a request from my co-workers) Do you like ice cream or whipped cream with your Derby Pie?

Dr. Bramlage: Hard to beat ice-cream.

IF: Dr Bramlage, thank you so much for your time and effort.

Final Thoughts
While no one wants to see horses die on the track, I believe Dr. Bramlage does a great job of addressing many of these “issues” raised by the unending amount of opinions — some informed, some not — that popped up after the Eight Belles tragedy. Can horse racing be adjusted to where it is a completely safe exercise for jockey and horse? Probably not, considering the nature of the competition.

However, to act as if the industry is mired in crooked trainers who only care about winning — at the expense of their thoroughbred’s health — seems a little misguided and uninformed. If the PETAs of the world were honestly concerned about the well-being of these animals, it shouldn’t take an Eight Belles incident for them to be proactive and passionate. Instead, they waited for a horrific accident to make their presence known.

Where were these PETA protesters BEFORE the Derby began?

Furthermore, having a fund raiser, one that benefits PETA, in the name of the horse that was destroyed in a terrible accident is no different from the animal exploitation they claim they strive to prevent.

*Correction pointed out by Jeff Lowe of the Thoroughbred Times — Edited at 2:20pm

Kentucky Derby TicketsSimilar Posts:

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An Interview With Doctor Lawrence Bramlage is a post from:

If you are actually interested in the race, the other questions surrounding The Preakness are can the horse who launched a million UPS trucks (not really, but he did get his name from the shipping giant) win the second leg of the Triple Crown? If he does, will anyone in attendance be sober enough to appreciate it? Another question, deftly tackled by Pat Forde, is whether or not two-weeks is a sufficient enough lay-off for modern horses to compete the Triple?

I’m not sure Seattle Slew or Affirmed had these issues to worry about, but nevertheless, the concerns are out there. Others tend to stem from the Eight Belles tragedy and while they are legitimate, I’m not sure if they won’t just fall on deaf ears. The horse racing industry is a multi-billion-dollar-a-year industry (especially if you include the gambling aspect) and while the immediate destruction of one of these beautiful creatures leaves a lasting impact on the general sporting public and generates tons of shock waves, it won’t derail horse racing from moving forward.

We are in the middle of the Triple Crown season and it’s the industry’s time to shine and if the Barbaro saga didn’t dampen their spirit, nothing — not even the destruction of Eight Belles — will.

Anyway, enough op-edding for now; let’s look at the race. Can Big Brown complete and win leg number two of the Triple Crown? Considering the fact he’s a 1-2 favorite (for every $2 spent, you get $1 in return), it’s pretty obvious where Vegas’ feelings lie. When you look at the rest of the field’s odds, you can get the distinct impression Big Brown is the only horse worth paying attention to.

The second lowest odds are for Gayego, who comes in at 8-1. After that, the rest of the entires have double-digit odds. To me, this seems to indicate either Big Brown will destroy the field (in a winning way) or some enterprising gambler is going to make a lot of money off the likes of Macho Again (20-1) and Riley Tucker (30-1). With that in mind, I’m going to go out on a limb here and pick Big Brown to win, place, and show.

In other news, ESPN’s Randy Moss looks really intense. God, I love bad choices in online video freeze-frames.

Don’t take any crap from that ESPN 2 crew, Randy.

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