O'Neill: No Workouts for I'll Have Another....

[twogunsid]

From bloodhorse.com: Trainer Doug O’Neill is taking an unconventional path to a Triple Crown bid by using a series of strong gallops rather than formal workouts to prepare I'll Have Another for the Belmont Stakes (gr. I).

“There will be a lot of days when I’ll Have Another, strictly galloping, will pass a lot of workers,” O’Neill said May 27 after taking a red-eye flight from his West Coast base and being reunited with his Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner.

The last three Triple Crown champions--Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977), and Affirmed (1978)--all drilled at least one mile in preparation for the 1 1/2-mile “Test of the Champion.” The Belmont is the longest of the Triple Crown races.

Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/70109/oneill-no-workouts-for-ill-have-another#ixzz1w8ADvlA2

Reminds me of the training job Laz Barrera did with Bold Forbes in 1976. BF was a front-running sprinter and had distance limitations. Laz gave him long gallops leading up to the Belmont trying to build his endurance. Bold Forbes went to the front and led every step of the way. BF was completely worn out when he cross the finish line but he won. I hope this horse can finally win the TC. I'd like to see at least one more before I die. -tgs

[Justpat]

1. I have been watching this horse gallop the last three days.

He does go at a pretty good clip and he is fit.

He is not a big horse but he really is a great mover. He has an effortless way of
traveling over the track

[twogunsid]

2. He looks pretty good?...

I hope we finally get another TC winner. The sport needs a new hero. No one even notices Shackleford gutting it out in the Met Mile or the old man Awesome Gem's effort in the Berkley. People only pay attention if it's a TC on the line. Oh well.

I hope IHA gets it done.

Hope all is well with you and the Crew, Justpat!!

Peace.

[Justpat]

3. IHA looks great.

He moves over the track great. And Doug O'Neil knows his horse. He knows what he is
going.

[twogunsid]

5. I don't really know much about O'Neill...

some BC wins, Lava Man...but I don't follow the Cali trainers much. I don't know the Jock at all.

Keep us updated.

[twogunsid]

4. 'The Mig' to Tour Belmont Oval With Gutierrez....

From bloodhorse.com: As jockey Mario Gutierrez prepares for a coveted Triple Crown in the June 9 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), he will have the advice of retired rider Richard Migliore, who recorded 1,352 wins at Belmont Park during his career.

During the week of the Belmont Stakes, Migliore, who was known to racing fans as “The Mig,” will share his Belmont expertise by circumnavigating the 1 ½-mile main track on horseback with Gutierrez. Gutierrez will be aboard I'll Have Another when the son of Flower Alley attempts to add the Belmont to his victories in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I).

According to the New York Racing Association, the event will take place either June 6 or 7. Migliore will be aboard five-time grade I winner Lava Man, who is now a stable pony for trainer Doug O’Neill, and Gutierrez will be on another horse from the trainer’s barn when the two jockeys make their way around Belmont Park.

Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/70148/the-mig-to-tour-belmont-oval-with-gutierrez#ixzz1wHhXynsO

[Justpat]

6. I hope LavaMan doesn't run off with The Mig. n/t

[twogunsid]

7. Bwahaha...

In your opinion, what is the tricky part of riding a race at Big Sandy?

[Justpat]

8. The biggest think jocks screw up on is moving at the half mile pole.

That an not having a few races over the track. It is so different from any track in the country.


On the Belmont track, the half mile pole is on the far side of the turn where the 3/8 pole usually is on a mile track. Even Calvin Borel made that mistake after watching Desormeaux make it
several years earlier. Jerry Bailey asked Borel if he though maybe he should have had a race
over the track before the Belmont and Borel said: "Oh, Jerry, I don't think it will be a problem.
I'll just come out of the gate and keep turning left like I always do." I'll never forget it. He
never rode one race of the 1 1/2 surface until the Belmont. And he acted like a bug boy and
moved at the half mile pole instead of waiting to inside the eighth pole.

[twogunsid]

9. I'm not a fan of Mr. Borel....

that's too funny. I think if Bailey asked me a question like that I might rethink my position.

I hope The Mig is able to help out the young man.