Railbird 2004–2019

Archive for 2008

Complete Breeders’ Cup

… pre-entries now available (PDF). QEII winner Raven’s Pass joins Euro invaders Henrythenavigator and Duke of Marmalade in the BC Classic, headlined by Curlin; Casino Drive has second preference in the Marathon; and the Filly and Mare Classic comes up with a mere eight starters, including Music Note and Ginger Punch, topped by Zenyatta.

Posted in Breeders' Cup on October 16, 2008

At Least

… man and horse look like no harm came to either:

Photos by Easy Goer, on Raceday 360 Wire via Flickr.
* This latest little blogging hiatus continues for a short time longer while I wrap up a couple projects. Back to regular posting soon.

Posted in Belmont on September 29, 2008

Updating

Rolling out a new look on Railbird today, just in time to get back to writing about Curlin, opening week at Oak Tree, and the run-up to the Breeders’ Cup. Over the next couple days, I’ll be refining and tweaking different parts of the site. Pages have been tested in Firefox and Safari on the Mac, in IE7 and Firefox on the PC, but if anything seems terribly wrong or broken, please leave a detailed comment. Otherwise, enjoy, and don’t overlook the new footer, which is where all the links etc. are now stashed.
9/27: Thanks for all the feedback on the new site design. A few suggested changes have been made, a few others remain under consideration. Overall I’ve tried to reduce the clutter and simplify the structure, which is why the footer is the new links location. I still like my old site design. It felt distinct even after three years, but it had also begun to feel inflexible and limiting. More changes are on the way, most to do with content and focus. Racing, of course, will remain my obsession, there’ll just be a bit more posted about technology and media issues (especially as those relate to racing), and more graphics and videos. I’ll resume blogging on Monday with some thoughts on the Vegas summit and weekend action …

Posted in Miscellany on September 26, 2008

In the Stretch

– A reminder: Deadline for entry in the SAFC DIY marketing presentation contest is two days* away! All the details, including that of our amazing prize, can be found here. And keep those submissions coming …
– As Patrick notes, the online horseplayers task force presentation for the NTRA marketing summit next week is done, a big relief for all involved. Since there’s so much to talk about, and we only have 90 minutes on Monday, I’ll be posting a couple items here later this week related to some of the issues we’ll be discussing out in Vegas.
– This really is a year of amazing distaff talents: Across the Atlantic, Zarkava is the overwhelming early favorite for the Arc next month, with British bookmakers slashing ante-post odds on the super filly with the killer kick to anywhere from 6-4 to 2-1, following her track record-equaling performance at Longchamp on Sunday. Despite missing the break, stumbling, and trailing the field into the final turn, Zarkava won the 1 1/2 mile Prix Vermeille drawing away:

So good was her win, talk now is that only heavy ground might prevent her taking the Arc. “We would be reluctant to run her if it came up very soft,” said Zarkava’s owner, the Aga Khan. Let’s hope for little rain.
– The MassCap draws near and Whitney winner Commentator has been made the 122 pound highweight for Suffolk Down’s signature race (won last year by Brass Hat). Entries will be drawn Wednesday.
* Deadline may possibly be extended, per this comment.

Posted in Marketing on September 15, 2008

No Walkover Next Out

– Music Note points to the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Classic following her absolutely effortless win in the Gazelle on Saturday. The 3-year-old filly may turn out to be no match for Zenyatta or Ginger Punch, but with several top horses across divisions iffy for the Pro-Ride BC, it’s nice to see Godolphin state so unequivocally Music Note will get a crack at the competition. (Similar praise for Big Brown and connections, as well. Now, if only Curlin would show up.)
– Caught a Three Chimneys ad for Big Brown while watching the OTB channel this afternoon, which had the intended effect of sending me to the farm’s web site to check out his stallion page. Applications for service next spring are being accepted; stud fee to be determined, of course, depending on how the colt performs in his final race next month and end-of-the-year honors. Winston, don’t get attached.

Posted in Breeders' Cup on September 14, 2008