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Halfwaytoheaven – well from everything I’ve read, heard at the track and given the most recent articles coming from the likes of the NYRA etc, I think its most likely Big brown has been avoiding racing in areas that restrict the use of steroids etc. Rick Dutrow has been in saratoga for the entire summer season with a barn full of horses – but not Big Brown. When he ran in Belmont, he pulled up in strange circumstances in his ONLY run without winstrol. Now hes reportedly heading to Monmouth on Sept 13th and guess what? they dont have the same retrictions the NYRA impose in Saratoga. Plus, in the run up to the Belmont, Dutrow was reported as saying that Big brown would be targeted at the Travers and the breeder’s Cup Classic but after the Belmont flop he changed course.
Now, Dutrow did say it was down to the heavy, slower track in Saratoga and hot humid weather there in comparison with Monmouth – ut I really believe it to be a combination of both.
IMO, probably the drugs are the primary reason, but the track and weather conditions confirm it.Having said all that, I am more up to speed with European racing and my info has been gathered after spending a month on the backstretch in Saratoga, so its just a figuration of what i have seen and read.
And yes, I do believe Colnol John is an excellent horse – perhaps he would have held on over a bit further – who knows?
Saw his first run at thirsk. Think he was probably in too good condition – ie. carrying too much weight as was an issue earlier this summer with some of the yard’s 2yos. Sure its sorted by now though.
Hes very small – in fact when I saw him on the back of the sring in the village I was sure he was a pony! He stands about 14.2hh.not according to a recent N. American study published in the Bloodhorse ("Losing the Iron Horse" I believe it was called). Most top racehorses were produced as 1st or 2nd foals and from 4th foal onwards the chances of a foal finding glory decreased greatly.
Bosra sham is more than likely still at Ashford Kentucky. She foundered about 2years ago I believe post foaling. her 2yo Tingling is in david Wachman’s yard if memory serves me correctly. other offspring havent really lived up to expectations I think.
Dynaformers are often difficult excitable and aggressive sorts. Usually very big boned too and tough. Have to admit I do quite like his offspring though.
Sand Springs – one of his best fillies is a big tough horse and her 2yo full brother, Chapin Beach, stands over 17hh at 2yrs old! CB has the perfect temperamnet though (having nursed him through a recent injury/surgery) hes very well-mannered with no tendency to nip or bite. Have seen a few Dynaformer foals in recent years that were big powerful sorts as foals/weanings too.I was at the Traver’s on the 23rd. Colnol John did indeed run a great race, but had there been another 10m Mambo in seattle would definitely have passed him. Given that mambo in seattle ahd no previous experience at this level and had prepped with a win in an inferior race on Jim Dandy day (the Jim Dandy is the traditional prep race for the Travers).
Overall, i dont think this was a high class renewal of the Travers. Apart from the first 2, Pyro has played the bridesmaid on far too many occasions without ever stepping up, Da’Tara is one-speeded ( though I have to say hes the one I most wanted to see in that race as I prepped him for the yearling sales in 2006) and well, none of the others are really top quality. harlem Rocker in particular was very disappointing while Tale of Ekati has never quite put it up to the big guns.
Having seen Curlin work a few times over the last few weeks, d stick with him. That said, I think hes a true dirt horse and may not find it on synthetic surfaces – though HTN and the Duke have more to do when switching surfaces. just arrived back in Ireland yesterday so gutted to be missing Curlin’s run in the Woodard today.
As for big Brown – if Kentucky bring in their changes in drugs rules as fast as it seems they are likely to then I think he will be a doubtful runner. If you have noticed he hasnt run in NY this summer – due to drug restrictions.
