Dutrow

Our stumbling, bumbling sport has as trainer of its next TC winner the trainer pictured at left, other than a choir boy, but, Dutrow:

1. Won NY training title 3 out of last 8 years and finished 2d or 3d the other years.
2. 2008 record 25% winners from starters (68 for 284) and 60% in the money.
3. 2007 record 25% winners from starters (166 of 659) and 7th in national trainer rankings.
4. Trainer of: Sis City, Silver Train, Offlee Wild, Love of Money, St. Liam, Silver Wagon, Kip Deville, Diamond Stripes, Benny The Bull and Big Brown.

What does one have to do to get some respect?

People speak highly of Dutrow. You see it on occasion on the Internet chat boards: "good barn", "heart of gold", Bobby Frankel likes him, "I'll do it for him because he'd do it for me" are some of the things I've seen posted.

So, can we ignore the usual overreaction by certain of our journalists and fans who prefer to dwell on Dutrow's suspensions as further evidence that the backstretches are overrun with drug dealers and mobsters? I believe so, though, per usual just guessing.

Dutrow's horses were probably tested about 300 times in 2007 and you'd guess the same rough number in 2005 when he received two suspensions. Since the Dutrow reformation from substance abuse in the late 90s the suspensions have involved:
Lasix
clenbuterol--broncho dialator used to treat bleeding.
phenylbutozone
oxyphenybutozone ( bute derivative)
mepivcaine--nerve block

The scarce info available on these suspensions indicates(to me) more misadminstration and carelessness than intent to violate the rules. In fact, what might possibly be Dutrow's motives from intentional misuse of the above drugs each of which involves universal treatments ubiquitous in our sport? Each of us training race horses understands the fine lines involved in adherence to the many established rules and regs. Just look at the NCAA rules to understand the difficulties, and then think of a junior high grad such as Dutrow attempting compliance.

Maybe Dutrow is the confirmed cheat. Personally I'd doubt it. I see Dutrow more as a fat Tom Smith (Seabiscuit), a fellow that by birth loves horses, and whatever you say about his training, knows a thing or two about getting performance.

This is backed up by certain things that Dutrow says and the way he says them. When you've been around sports as long as I have you pick up on this stuff, and for the most part I'm fairly impressed. (emphasize "fairly"). After the Derby he said he'd look at his horse one day at a time. Dislikes galloping in the mud, sends his horse to the track most days, etc. And, of course, we may look at his horse and see a rather well cared for animal. You may look at photos of Big Brown and compare them to the stall bunnies produced by the likes of Reade Baker, Paul Lobo, or Zito and see the difference for yourself in care and training.

Dutrow's methods are likewise "of interest", and I'll take a look at this next post.

Training:
Wed: 5/21 Another superb night weather wise on the Preston Burch training "fast day". Of all the methods I've used, this so far seems vastly superior. Art did a mile under tack with some gallop. Nob says we're close to commencement of galloping. Nob also got on Rod for the second consecutive night, though since Nob was solo and the youngster had his back up a bit they have yet to move. lol. Presumably we'll get a step or two under tack tomorrow. Then for both colts riderless after warm up 4 x 1f at about 90% speed. Both are showing good strength with this, and it provides a nice way to maintain condition as we transition to full tack work.