The Japanese Way
Casino Drive works American style at Belmont (Sarah K Andrew)
I was just perusing flickr and found this note by Sarah interesting…
The Japanese connections of Casino Drive have a very cool way of working with their horses. Every morning, Casino Drive is tacked up around 5:30am. He and two other stable mates walk around the entire backside, picking up speed throughout their 45 minute walk until they are doing a verrry strong power-walk.
Then they walk the horses to the paddock to get them used to it for race day. Then they jog or gallop on track, depending on their training for the day. When they are done, they go back to the stable area and walk for another 45 minutes… first briskly, then they slow them down.
I’m no horsewoman, but who are we to think that only our way of working horses is appropriate? Clearly they’re doing something right!
I’m also intrigued by the maiden entry, Guadalcanal. You can’t do much better than Javier Castellano right now either. He’s currently 21% at Belmont and giving great rides to long shots all over the place, most notably Brookhaven’s Money this past Sunday in the 3rd, the Spectacular Bid in the NY Stallion Series.
I like owner/trainer Fred Seitz’s attitude:
He was bred for a route, he trains like he will want a route, and there are not many opportunities to race against 3-year-olds at 1 ½ miles. If we are on the board, we will be happy.
He’s got a point regarding mile and half opportunities!
Denis of Cork, Take of Ekati, Anak Nakal, Icabad Crane and Ready’s Echo are all of interest to me too, mind you, I haven’t really looked too closely yet.
Ah yes, and in case you were wondering about the Big Brown One, you can always look here for Big Brown’s Belmont Odds!
Posted by dana on Jun 04 2008
Filed Under: 2008, Sarah K. Andrew, Big Brown, Casino Drive, Anak Nakal, Denis of Cork, Workouts, Maiden, Triple Crown, Belmont, Belmont Stakes, International Racing, Javier Castellano, Racing
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Seitz is right, that type of attitude is what we need in this game, instead of everyone cowering to Big Brown. It would not suprise me if he got up for 3rd or 4th in this one late, passing a bunch of tired horses. The purse winnings will cover his $20,000 paid to get Guadalcanal in the race.
Personally, I just want somebody in the winners circle besides Hooters girls. I hate to think racing has come to this.
Here’s a video of Casino Drive’s power walk in the paddock….
http://prc.jp/jraracingviewer/contents/casino/meta/b_01.wvx
robert - it’s totally refreshing, I’d love to see more instances of people not being afraid of competition
Katie - I totally thought you were joking until I saw this, then I wasn’t really laughing, but then I saw this:
“Contrary to previously published reports, no Hooters girls will join Big Brown in the winner’s circle should he win the Triple Crown.”
and was somewhat relieved.
Sarah - wow!! thanks!!
It probably does create a healthier and happier horse. Horses are both physically and mentally meant to be constantly in motion and in the presence of other horses; one of the reasons that rehabbing them is so hard is that their bodies literally shut down if they stand around too long. So I imagine having a longer workout of varying speeds and being able to spend some time with workout-buddies would be a positive for any horse.
I LOVE THAT WALKING VIDEO—it’s damn near hypnotic, therapeutic for sure—for me! let alone Casino Drive.
Thanks, Sarah. I’m gonna rewatch it!
Claudia - great insights, thanks for sharing!
E - right on!
Thanks, Sarah, for that video link!
Daily, sustained exercise like this, that doesn’t focus on posting bullet workouts every 5-7 days, seems most logical. I also like the idea of keeping horses fit by swimming. Australian trainer Gail Waterhouse has a wonderful little slideshow on her website about her horses’ routine: http://www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au/aDayInTheLife.asp
Her online diary is pretty interesting too, including copies of the “beach reports” like this one: http://www.gaiwaterhouse.com.au/news/detail.asp?iNews=6376&iType=29
Maybe that’s why she is one of the best trainers Down Under!
Oh FANTASTIC. I just read that he may have an injury that keeps him out of the race. Urgh. The competition thins, yet again.
>>Clearly they’re doing something right!
Clearly, guess again!
val - thx for the link!
claudia - ugh is right
joann - I still think they’re doing something rigth + we know they wouldn’t pump him full of cobra venom and race despite an issue! (note, I’m not implying anyone else would, just that they wouldn’t)