JC / Railbird

Training

Before Lasix

Earl Ola on how training used to be:

The best horses would often work the full distance of an upcoming race five or six days before, breeze a half-mile two days out, and maybe even an eighth of a mile the morning of the race. As but one example, three days before Assault finished off the Triple Crown, Max Hirsch sent the colt out for a 12-furlong breeze in 2:32 at Belmont Park. Allen Jerkins opined, “If you’re not breezing, you’re bleeding.”

Pithy. But even Jerkins’ horses work in the modern way. See: Emma’s Encore.

Breeders’ Cup Scenes

Photos from the first half of Breeders’ Cup 2011 week at Churchill Downs …


Gio Ponti takes in the early morning track activity.


Midday (center) and company return from galloping.


Turallure pauses at the top of the chute.


Goldikova heads to the track.


Goldikova kicks up her feet a little. Harmonious is at right.


Trainer Freddy Heads talks to the press after Goldikova comes off the track. He confirmed that the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Mile would be her final race. Asked what he hoped for on Saturday, he replied, “I want her to get a good run.”


Trainer D. Wayne Lukas, outside his barn with retired Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day, reminisces about Breeders’ Cup races past.


Breeders’ Cup Juvenile contender Creative Cause plays around during his bath.


Flat Out in his stall. He looks sweet, doesn’t he? As though he’d like you to come over and give him a pat. I would have, but was warned off — apparently he’s a biter. Even trainer Scooter Dickey gets nipped by the big horse.


“Go Scooter! Go Scooter!” Well wishes for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.


Havre de Grace gets a mint from owner Rick Porter.


Breeders’ Cup Juvenile favorite Union Rags, out to graze.


Game on Dude exits the track after galloping.


Outside Bob Baffert’s Churchill Downs barn.

And for a little fun! The Breeders’ Cup Classic contender cartoons.

Sunday Training

Out and about at Churchill Downs this morning …


Stay Thirsty


Watch Me Go


Pants on Fire


Uncle Mo and Stay Thirsty, working in company


Joyful Victory, with trainer Larry Jones

Friday Training

A few photos from this morning at Churchill Downs …


Archarcharch


Santiva


Arienza


Bouquet Booth


Decisive Moment


Uncle Mo

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