BC Classic: Initial Impressions

Calcification, correctly termed ossification, is proving a challenge, and so, while RR does a little research, a brief look at the BC Classic where I've just viewed the superb HRTV production with L. Pincay and Jeff Siegel, and Millie Ball.

Siegel's 10/29/09 top 8 with RR comments:

1. Zenyatta--ridiculous as is it seems, Siegel/Pincay just opined they might be "afraid" to run in the Ladies Classic. Risks besmerching the record. Well, that's hardly a vote of confidence. After a campaign of soft races and training they're understandably (and finally) stepping it up in the latest breeze which shows a giant talented horse flashing a definite threat even in the male classic. I'd prefer she run on Friday, but, that's me. There's also a Shirriffs interview. Nice fellow. The sort you like to run against. Love the wife.

2. Rip Van Winkle--bits and pieces of info. Rip Van W. looks sleek and in better shape and condition then you tend to see on this side of the Atlantic. Training facilities would seem give a big advantage even while I still fail to get the horse blankets. From the trainer of High Chaparral so we take note, but with distaste, since these are the same Irish muggers that killed George Washington.

3. Summer Bird: Looks more the bare Grade I instead of championship animal. I need to see a little more. Has the advantage of a long campaign with continual training.

4. Gio Pointi. Seen to little to form an opinion. Semi-unimpressed with a trainer interview I saw the other day.

5. Einstein: Helen Pitts trains like she rides. We're German here and calls 'em as we sees 'em. Helen will have something flattering to say about me if I ever make it to the track.

6. Quality Road: training will bear watching on the probable most talented horse. Why does Siegel have him 6th?

7. Richard's Kid: looking at his build and stride, I think he's a cut below. But, best training bears watching.

8. Twice Over: know zero about him.

9. Best of the rest: Mine That Bird looked weak when they finally tried some real speed and distance in the latest breeze. MTB gets to sit in his stall and breathe in fresh wood shavings 24/7. Possibly all we need to know is that the days of Calvin Borel training are in the past. As I noted with Eion Harty: beware of animal trainers whose favorite sport is hunting.

I'm shocked shocked Colonel John was omitted from Siegel's list. Does he know something? Looks like typical Eion Harty powder puff stuff on that last breeze. This horse needs speed work. But, talent and finally some volume training comes into the race. I expect him to be tough, and believe he ought to be in the top 3.

Regal Ransom: hard to ignore.

Training: How many feet of rain this month? From a point of the weather making it impossible to train I never considered that it might get worse. It has. We took the week off. I'll post on our stable soon.