THIS WHAT WE ALL DREAM ABOUT :)

  • JAMES BLOND
  • Topic Author
  • New Member
  • New Member
  • Thanks: 0

THIS WHAT WE ALL DREAM ABOUT :)

11 years 2 months ago
#468072
THIS ARTICLE APPEARED IN THE SPORTING POST WRITTEN BY ROBYN LOUW
THOUGHT I WILL SHARE IT AS THIS IS WHAT WE ALL DREAM OFF ( OWNERS AND PERSONS LOOKING TO OWN)

Once upon a time in the West
Facts or fairy tales for 2014 Kentucky Derby?
Last updated on April 15th, 2014


As the National Sales approach, there are a lot of ads with bold claims to various things, family trees and ancestors recanted back to the nth generation and any number of facts and figures. I’m not saying facts and figures aren’t good. Numbers are how we keep track of things and analysing numbers is how we quantify and make sense of how those things are (or aren’t) performing.

A rather clever and well respected man by the name of Dr H James Harrington, is credited with saying “Measurement is the first step that leads to control and eventually to improvement. If you can’t measure something, you can’t understand it. If you can’t understand it, you can’t control it. If you can’t control it, you can’t improve it.” Harrington has authored over 35 books, created 10 software packages on performance improvement and is considered one of the world’s leading performance improvement gurus. If he says it, then it must be true!

A good horse is never a bad colour

I learnt that lesson the hard way. I often joke that I’m not a fan of chestnut horses, with chestnut fillies languishing on the bottom of my favourites list. This rather irrational bias is rooted in a bad childhood experience and hell may have no fury like a woman scorned, but I can vouch that the child dumped by a pony has an equally long memory! When it came to breeding my own horses, I had rather firm ideas of what I wanted and it was summed up in one word: ‘bay’. I increased my chances by starting off with a bay mare, but it took me a while to realise that the chestnut gene is a recessive one and that a horse might look bay, but can still carry the genetic material for producing chestnut offspring. And despite recessive sounding as though it should be a rather rare occurrence, it’s amazing how often two recessive genetic combinations seem to meet. While I was figuring this out, I managed to end up with 2 chestnut fillies and a chestnut colt. But such is life and sometimes your horses choose you.

Of course, one of the joys of life and particularly of racing is that occasionally, for no apparent reason at all, some individuals seem to take a pass on abiding by the rules and simply make up their own as they go along. I won’t get too excited just yet, but there is just a whiff of possibility that we may be witnessing one of those extraordinary situations where reality waves two fingers at the form book and simply does its own thing. It’s an American story and I understand that everyone is focussed on either sales prep or the forthcoming Champions Day, but for those with a few minutes to spare, grab a mint julep and a comfy chair, we’re off to the Kentucky Derby!

Unlikely hero

Meet California Chrome, a big flashy chestnut owned in partnership by Perry and Denise Martin and Steve and Carolyn Coburn under the name DAP Racing. The couples met through a horse ownership group called the Blinkers On Racing Stable run by Scott Sherwood and each owned a five per cent share in a filly called Love The Chase. The filly had 6 career starts for a total of 1 win and $7,020 in earnings. Trainer Greg Gilchrist describes her as follows: “She wasn’t very big, and she did not continue to grow at all,” Gilchrist said. “When I put the saddle on and can look the valet straight in the eye, that’s not a good sign. I ran her twice, and I told Mr. Sherwood the filly just didn’t have any talent. She’ll try all day long, but she just can’t run. When she won it had to be the slowest maiden race in California that year. If anybody but Perry Martin would have bought her, she probably would have ended up in a 4-H club somewhere.”


As it turned out, some little kid’s loss proved to be racing’s gain. When Blinkers On dissolved, both couples wanted to buy the filly so they ended up forming a partnership. They paid $8000 for her in the hope that she might make a good broodmare. On hearing they were purchasing Love The Chase, a horseman nearby remarked that only a “dumb ass” would purchase her, so they named their partnership DAP Racing, “Dumb Ass Partners.”

Love The Chase was booked to $2,500 California stallion Lucky Pulpit and duly produced a chestnut colt with flashy white markings. Despite being a first foal, he weighed in at a hefty 62kgs at birth and was originally called ‘Junior’. The partners chose his racing name at a restaurant by writing several potential names on pieces of paper and asked a waitress to draw one out of a hat. The emerald and purple of their racing silks are their wives’ favourite colours and they created a caricature of a jackass to go on the back of their silks. The initials “DAP” are stitched on California Chrome’s blinkers and on the front of the silks.

Finding a trainer

When the colt was ready, the partners approached Art Sherman to train their “Derby horse”, presenting him with a schedule of races that would get them to Churchill Downs. Sherman must have been amused, but he liked the folks and their enthusiasm and agreed to take the horse.



77 year old Art Sherman has a story too. A jockey for 23 years before turning his hand to training, he’s not what one might call a big time trainer, but he has been to Churchill Downs before. Nearly 60 years ago, 18 year old Sherman worked as an exercise rider for Rex Ellsworth, who assigned him to 1955 Derby winner, Swaps! Sherman trains with his assistant son Alan and they work out of Los Alamitos Race Course, which is generally regarded as a track for Quarter Horse racing and minor Thoroughbred claiming races. However, with the closure of Hollywood Park Racetrack last December, Los Alamitos inherited some of the yards from Hollywood Park, including Sherman. Los Alamitos will host all-Thoroughbred meets for the first time in 2014, so the track manager is particularly happy about the success of California Chrome and his ability to bring good publicity to their track, saying, “having Art’s horse here, it jump-started our credibility.”

Career so far

In his 2yo debut, California Chrome finished a 1-length second at Hollywood Park in April 2013. Three weeks later, he won his second start by 2 ¾ lengths, partnered by Alberto Delgado on both outings. A poor showing in the Willard L Proctor Memorial Stakes under jockey Corey Nakatani prompted a six-week break and then the team tried their luck at Del Mar with original rider Delgado back on board. He won the Graduation Stakes by a solid 2 ¾ lengths and then finished sixth against graded stakes company in the Gr1 Del Mar Futurity. Two months later, the colt cantered down for the Golden State Juvenile Stakes at Santa Anita on 1 November. He got out of the gates last and struggled throughout the race, fading at the end, however his trainer maintained his faith in him, taking the view that he was still growing and learning how to be a race horse.


And how right he proved. California Chrome returned to Hollywood Park on 22 December for his final start of the year in the King Glorious Stakes. With Victor Espinoza in the saddle, the colt posted a decisive 6 ¼ length victory, becoming the final stakes winner at the track before it closed. Sherman liked the way Espinoza rode the colt and has kept him on board ever since.

California Chrome kicked off his 3yo season with the California Cup Derby on 25 January. Starting second favourite, he was slow out of the gates, but recovered quickly to win by an easy 5 ½ lengths. Sherman noted that it was the second race in a row where the horse pulled clear and won by a decisive margin, stating, “It’s like the light bulb has gone on.” His first graded stakes win followed in his next start, the Gr2 San Felipe Stakes on 8 March. Despite starting favourite, Espinoza changed tactics, leading wire to wire and pulling away from the field to win by 7 ½ lengths. The victory earned California Chrome 50 points in the Road to the Kentucky Derby system, putting him up for contention for the Kentucky Derby.

Big offer

The colt was attracting attention and his connections turned down a $6 million offer for a 51% controlling interest, because the deal included moving the horse to a different trainer. Their decision was vindicated on 8 April when California Chrome posted his first Gr1 win in the $1million Santa Anita Derby, defeating 2 other Derby hopefuls in Hoppertunity and Candy Boy. His time of 1:47.52 was the second-fastest time in Santa Anita Derby history. Commentator Trevor Denman called him home as “Absolutely sensational” and Sherman has taken to calling the colt “my Swaps.”

“He’s got no wasted motion,” Sherman commented recently. “He’s got a good shoulder on him, and he’s real strong in the front. I always say I’d like to see a little more ass on him, but what are you going to do …. pick him apart? I’m just so happy he’s running the way he is. He is a little offset in the knee, and his right foot turns out a little. I’m always checking his knees and his ankles. Everything has been ice-cold, knock wood. When I was riding I broke my right ankle in three places, so me and the colt toe out about the same. He’s kind of freaky, and I’m enjoying it. I can’t believe the races I’ve been seeing. A length or two might have been all right with me.”


The Santa Anita Derby was run over 1 1/8 miles and jockey Espinoza was easing him back over the finish. The Kentucky Derby distance is 1 ¼ miles. When asked about the Derby distance, Espinoza commented “”I don’t think it will be a problem.”

The owners, who describe themselves as “working class people” and in a move that would leave the RA gasping, dressed down for the Santa Anita Derby. Martin wore a black shirt and black Kentucky Derby cap, and Coburn wore a tan cowboy hat and jeans. When asked how they would be celebrating their big win, Coburn said “We haven’t decided yet which McDonald’s to go to.”

Fact or fairytale
The decisive win has made California Chrome an early favourite for the 2014 Kentucky Derby on 3 May and raised speculation whether he has the talent to win the Triple Crown. The odds of course, are against it. To date only three California-bred horses have ever won the Derby: Morvich in 1922, Swaps in 1955 and Decidedly in 1962. So, California bred horses rarely win the Derby, cheap homebreds almost never and horses trained at Los Alamitos? The Triple Crown is a whole different ball park! But the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. And horses don’t read stats. When it was pointed out that this level of racing is usually reserved for blue bloods, Coburn answered “The horse don’t know he’s no blue blood.” And perhaps he’s right. Most of the time, the facts do work and that’s probably as life should be. But just occasionally we do get a fairy tale.

I don’t usually bother too much with the American Triple Crown, but I have a feeling I might this year. And I might just shout a flashy chestnut home too.

By Robyn Louw

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Don
  • New Member
  • New Member
  • Thanks: 0

Re: Re: THIS WHAT WE ALL DREAM ABOUT :)

11 years 2 months ago
#468148
awesome eh?
now for the SAF Triple Crown!! can LTK do it!?

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Solotrama
  • New Member
  • New Member
  • Thanks: 0

Re: Re: THIS WHAT WE ALL DREAM ABOUT :)

11 years 1 month ago
#473470
And so the fairytale continues ...................well spotted zsuzs!!!! and 007

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • JAMES BLOND
  • Topic Author
  • New Member
  • New Member
  • Thanks: 0

Re: Re: THIS WHAT WE ALL DREAM ABOUT :)

11 years 1 month ago
#473472
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A horse with a humble pedigree. A couple of working stiff owners. A 77-year-old trainer with his first Kentucky Derby horse.

Even Hollywood couldn't have made this up.

California Chrome made it look easy on Saturday, pulling away down the stretch to win the Derby by 1 3/4 lengths.

In a sport dominated by wealthy owners and regally bred horses from Kentucky's bluegrass country, this was a victory for the little guys. Owners Perry Martin and Steve Coburn bred an $8,000 mare to a $2,500 stallion to produce the winner of the world's most famous race with their one-horse stable.

"This is just a dream come true and a great birthday present,'" said Coburn, who turned 61 on Saturday.

California Chrome ran 1 1/4 miles in 2:03.66 and paid $7, $5.60 and $4.20. The chestnut colt was sent off as the 5-2 favorite by the crowd of 164,906, the second-largest in the Derby's 140-year history.

His trainer, Art Sherman, became the oldest trainer to win the Derby, 57 years after he traveled from California as an exercise rider for Derby winner Swaps. He watched that race from the barn area; this time he smelled red roses in the winner's circle.

Sherman was all smiles after the race. "He gave me the biggest thrill I ever had in my life," he said.

California Chrome has the unlikeliest pedigree for a Derby champion. His mother, named Love the Chase, won just one race. She was purchased by Coburn and Martin, a move that prompted a trainer to call them "dumb asses" for getting involved in racing.

Feeling inspired, they named their operation DAP Racing, which stands for Dumb Ass Partners. Their silks include an image of a donkey.

Coburn lives near Reno, Nevada, rising at 4:30 a.m. for his job as a press operator at a 13-employee company that makes magnetic strips for credit cards and driver licenses.

Martin lives on the California side of the border near Reno, running a laboratory that tests high-reliability equipment, like car air bags and medical equipment.

Coburn and Martin's partnership is based on a handshake, and their wives are friends who enjoy the sport, too. The group came up with California Chrome's name by drawing it out of a hat. The horse hadn't even been out of his home state until this week.

"Sometimes you don't get a lot of respect," Sherman said. "We're in Kentucky and you know most of the Derby winners are bred here and few outside of Kentucky."

Sherman visited Swaps' grave near the Derby museum earlier in the week and whispered a prayer: "I hope he's another Swaps."

He sure was.

California Chrome extended his winning streak to five races, won by a combined 26 lengths. It was the second Derby win for Espinoza, who rode War Emblem to victory in 2002.

"I thought he rode him perfect," said Sherman, a former jockey. "I was riding the last 70 yards with Victor, so I think he was riding two. He had a lot of weight on him, I can tell you that."

Espinoza had California Chrome sitting comfortably in third in the 19-horse field as Uncle Sigh and Chitu set the early pace.

California Chrome made his move on the final turn in tandem with Samraat. It looked like those two would decide the outcome, until California Chrome sped away to become the first California-bred to win the Derby since Decidedly in 1962.

"This horse has so much talent," Espinoza said. "By the three-eighths pole I knew that was it. I could see other horses struggling a little bit, and he was just smooth."

Commanding Curve, a 37-1 shot, rallied for second, with Danza third. Wicked Strong was fourth and Samraat finished fifth.

Commanding Curve returned $31.80 and $15.40, giving trainer Dallas Stewart his second straight runner-up finish with a double-digit longshot. Danza, named for actor Tony Danza of "Who's the Boss?" fame, paid $6 to show as the 8-1 third choice.

Trainer Todd Pletcher came up empty with his four starters, finishing third with Danza, 10th with We Miss Artie, 12th with Intense Holiday, and 17th with Vinceremos.

Wicked Strong, the 6-1 second choice, was fourth. Samraat was fifth, followed by Dance With Fate, Ride On Curlin, Medal Count, Chitu, We Miss Artie, General a Rod, Intense Holiday, Candy Boy, Uncle Sigh, Tapiture, Harry's Holiday, Vinceremos, and Wildcat Red. Vicar's In Trouble, ridden by Rosie Napravnik, finished last.

Before the Derby, Coburn had told anyone who would listen that California Chrome "would go down in history." He remains just as unabashed.

"I believe this horse will win the Triple Crown," he said, something that hasn't been done since 1978, when Affirmed swept the Derby, Preakness and Belmont in a five-week span.

"That's where we're going."

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • JAMES BLOND
  • Topic Author
  • New Member
  • New Member
  • Thanks: 0

Re: Re: THIS WHAT WE ALL DREAM ABOUT :)

11 years 1 month ago
#473475
this horse pedigree not so bad
check pedigree

if you have a a mare with Mr Prospector run for the stallions with AP INDY and Seattle slew in their pedigree
I saw the blue hen Natalma is also in there on dam side

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Dave Scott
  • Administrator
  • Administrator
  • Posts: 43867
  • Thanks: 3338

Re: Re: THIS WHAT WE ALL DREAM ABOUT :)

11 years 1 month ago
#473483
Brilliant

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • zsuzsanna04
  • New Member
  • New Member
  • Thanks: 0

Re: Re: THIS WHAT WE ALL DREAM ABOUT :)

11 years 1 month ago
#473695
Thanks James! It's one of my favourite stories of the year and I just about bust a gut when he won :) There's another lovely story here:-

www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles...d-story-in-derby-140

Mind you, Louis story and his Triple Crown win was pretty awesome too. And SA is kicking butt on the world stage like never before.

I guess that's the romance that keeps us all in the game - sometimes dreams do come true !

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Time to create page: 0.103 seconds

Contact Details

Main Office (HQ)
PO Box 40390
Moreleta Park
Pretoria
0044
+27 (0) 82 785 4357
info@africanbettingclan.com

About A.B.C.

African Betting Clan is established for the upliftment of the sports punter, who enjoys a bet on horse racing, football and other sports, enabling them to voice their views and opinions on all aspects of the sport of their choice, free of charge.

Learn More

T's & C's

The views expressed on this website are not necessarily the views held by the proprietors of the site. Therefore African Betting Clan will not be responsible for any content posted. No persons under the age of 18 years are permitted to gamble. National Responsible Gambling Programme and its toll-free number (0800 006 008)