SARATOGA SPRINGS - September 2, 2010 - The Kentucky Derby joyride is over for Calvin Borel and Mine That Bird.
Rajiv Maragh will ride the little 4-year-old gelding in Saturday's Woodward Stakes, replacing Borel.
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All the luck in the world to you, sweet Bird. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed and a prayer in my heart. Have a good trip and finish safely. I've never given up on you and never will.
ReplyDeleteI too will never give up on you Birdie. I will be a life long fan. We know you can run like the wind so give it all you got on Saturday but above all come back safe. You have alot of fans who love you very much!
ReplyDeleteGood luck little guy! You are well loved by your many fans!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for updating this blog … it’s been a long dry spell! My goodness, I didn’t realize until today that all of the articles and updates were being posted over on the BIRD’s main site! It was kind of you to cross-post the latest article here where his adoring fans can interact, comment, and give our personal and moral support to our precious BIRD! Fingers, toes, and heart-strings are all crossed, wishing and praying for a safe and successful trip in your race tomorrow. I’ll be watching and cheering you on all the way!
ReplyDeleteGood luck in today's race. I hope your beat Quality Road. You are still my favorite horse and your KD win was still the greatest ever.
ReplyDeleteGive the horse back to Chip. When Lukas is done with him you will have a pasture pony.
ReplyDeleteTime to change trainers!! Once again may I suggest Chip Woolley??
ReplyDeleteI think Birdie needs a horse whisperer :) Seriously, we all know this horse can run..his awesome morning works just aren't carrying over in the afternoon which is baffling. He seems to tire much quicker this year. Possibly his added weight?? I hope Birdie's issue can be found and he can return to his prior form. I love this little guy so much, it's breaking my heart seeing him lose time and time again. He definitely needs an easy race to build his confidence back up. Maybe he really does miss Chip :(
ReplyDeleteJust another thought..it seems MTB has not been the same since his throat surgery. I think he needs to be completely checked over for a physical issue. The way he was going along today in the race and then just suddenly stopped makes me wonder if he still has some breathing issues.
ReplyDeleteSorry birdie, it didn't work out for you yesterday. You will always be my favourite!!
ReplyDeletePoor little guy had so many changes thrown at him - he needs a confidence boost.
I did not appreciate D. Wayne Lukas' comment (I assume it was his attempt at humor) about Mine that Bird perhaps being retired to New Mexico as someone's lawn ornament!! Maybe the same can be said about DWL retiring!
ReplyDeleteI saw that comment too and found it downright appalling. The last part of his quote really put me over the edge: "...but at this point we’re going to try and make him useful." Useful? USEFUL? I'm assuming the "we" includes the owners and Lukas, since all three seem to be caught up in some sort of "Vulcan mind-meld" as far as MTB is concerned; with Doc Blach being the originator of this brilliant “required” change in MTB’s running style back in early June when he first started training again. To date you’ve done everything within your power to correct/change that natural style out of him! Poor MTB hasn't been given a chance to develop or even build on his winning style that won him the Kentucky Derby last year. That was summarily “nipped in the bud” with all the changes that took place back in May. Geez Louise!!!!! Now you’re going to run him for shorter distances? To what end? Make a sprinter out him? Are you NUTS? From a fan’s standpoint it’s so sad and heartbreaking having to watch our special Derby Champion lose time and time again trying to please you folks. He’s a natural CLOSER people. I don’t think I can bear to continue to watch him being humiliated any more, together with ruining his reputation to boot. I love him too much.
ReplyDeleteI'm in agreement with the person who wrote the above post. Mine that Bird IS a magnificent horse who is having problems at this point in time. Perhaps physical, perhaps something other. Only 60% of throat surgeries performed on thoroughbreds are successful. That leaves the door wide open for MTB to be in the 40% group. PLEASE check this horse out from head to hoof. Secondly, he is a closer. You can't change his style without ruining him. He ran the triple crown races off the pace and closed like a freight train and he didn't need blinkers to do it. If it's not broken, don't fix it. Mine that Birds' running style isn't the problem here, it's something else, something deeper. I implore you to look harder and try to get to the core of Birds' problems. If you can find out what's troubling the little gelding, correct it. If it can't be corrected, retire him with his dignity in tact. For his fans, this is becoming heartbreaking. Many of us love this horse, please do the right thing for Mine that bird.
ReplyDeleteCan someone post a link to the 'lawn-ormanement' story? I missed that :( I was shocked enough about the .."we’re going to try and make him useful"- comment. I guess 1,2 and 3rd place in the TC wasn't enough :(
ReplyDeleteI'd be honoured to have him as a lawn ornament!! And yes, it so heartbreaking seeing him lose and being set up to lose over and over again. He deserves better!
Here's the link: http://blog.timesunion.com/horseracing/mine-that-bird-will-run-again-but-maybe-not-as-long/6016/
ReplyDeleteI'll never forget Nick Zito talking about Ice Box running in the Belmont. I can't remember where the article appeared, but I copied his quote because I found it so insightful and at the very least it spoke of a trainer who respected the unique talents of his horses: "Obviously, Ice Box has a great kick," Zito said about the Kentucky Derby runner-up. "I don't want to do anything to compromise his style of running. I've seen that before, changing styles, and it never works. Never, never, never! I hope he gets in position where he can run his race; that's all we can hope for ... But I wouldn't change my horses' styles. I just hope my horses run the same way they have been."
Guess I'd best get off my soap box for now. I love this special little thoroughbred so much. God blessed him with the gift of a quarter-horse like bullet/sprint for around the last 3/8 mile and they (owners/trainer) don't seem to appreciate nor respect this God-given talent that brought them to the dance!
In his fourth year of life, he's doing everything that's being asked of him. He looked so handsome, proud, and fantastic in the post parade – on his toes and ready to GO! I was so proud of him for keeping up with the pace in the Woodward for as long as he did … the race announcer was even amazed! For a natural closer with a final kick for about the last 3/8ths, to run pretty much all out for 3/4 of that race, he was AMAZING! He ran his little heart out for these fools and the “lawn ornament” and “make him useful” classless comment implies he now holds a position just above “chopped liver” in the minds of his connections ... after all, he just a gelding! That's a pretty sad commentary. :-(
I’m reading all these comments about those who think that Mine That Bird may have some sort of physical handicap/breathing problem this year. In my humble opinion I don’t honestly believe there’s anything wrong with Mine That Bird at all. The key to this whole fiasco is stated in the above link, “We got part of what we wanted, but we didn’t get the finish,” Lukas said. “I loved the way he laid into the race and showed that speed. That was a new dimension for him…” THIS, quite simply, is the problem! Lukas appears to be the one most impressed with speed, trains for speed (i.e., Mine That Bird’s bullet workouts), etc., and now that Mine That Bird didn’t perform as wanted or expected, Lukas is now going to his fall-back position: “I may try him short. I think he would have run better in the (seven furlong) Forego than he did where he ran.” See? There’s that SPEED thingy again ... just a sorter distance! What part of "CLOSER" do you not understand, sir? I’m no expert, but it appears to be no more complicated than that!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Mine That Bird looked so beautiful, proud, and handsome in the post-parade at the Woodward, dancing on his toes! That’s my one and only saving grace for now … that in spite of all of the obstacles/changes being thrown at him, he still appears to love his job! Lord please bless this precious thoroughbred; keep his spirits high, strong, and intact through all of this chaos! This is going to be one rough 4-year-old campaign for our special guy.
Love MTB!! Where is he now? Did he leave Saratoga? I always wonder where he is. I think he needs to go back to Churchill downs and run on the dirt with Calvin.
ReplyDeleteI would just like acknowledgement that his connections are actually reading these comments. What a handsome boy MTB is. If only he knew how much he was loved by his fans. I swear I still get tears when I re-watch his Derby run. I pray God will keep his hand on MTB. He's truly a special, gifted horse.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link!
ReplyDeleteSo great to hear he was ready to go and on his toes... I didn't get to see that part so love to hear this!
If anyone has any more news I'd greatly appreciate it if you could post it. I don't want to miss any!
Hang in there MTB, we all love ya and we know you are amazing!
Any chance MTB will be back on web cam? It was great watching him on the web cam. I will keep praying for him to do well in future races. I agree with the others who say it brings tears to their eyes to watch the derby 135. He's a great horse!! I hope people will still get to watch MTB, maybe in person!
ReplyDeleteAs far as the webcam is concerned, I wouldn't hold my breath on that one. I recall reading Mark Allen and Charlie took it with them when they drove MTB out to Lukas. After a couple of weeks, the following notice appeared on MTB's main website: “NOTICE: THE WEBCAM WILL BE DOWN DURING TRAINING AT CHURCHILL” ... where it remained posted for about a month, then it disappeared.
ReplyDeleteHey, guys. I just discovered this DRF article from June:
ReplyDeletehttp://www1.drf.com/drfNewsArticle.do?NID=114335&subs=0&arc=0
“Blach likes what Lukas has been telling him about Mine That Bird, right down to the finer points of accommodating the gelding's edgy personality.
"He was always a little nervous in his stall, his head bobbing up and down and him kind of weaving a little bit," Blach said. "Wayne told me he had a window to the next stall where he could see the other horse, and when that didn't do the trick he said he put a mirror in there. Mine That Bird would look at himself and think he was looking at another horse. So now he doesn't waste a lot of energy.”
Gosh! Birdie never displayed any behavioral problems last year while at Santa Anita as far as I could see. He looked to be one happy camper whenever I tuned in, “playing with the pigeons,” etc. Does anyone remember seeing any signs of “issues” like that? I’m just sorry to learn now that Birdie’s transition to his new trainer wasn’t as easy on him as I once thought. :-(
Bird's only issue is being trained by LUKAS! Let's face it, his reputation was training by syringe, breaking horses down, and his current stats aren't that impressive. He is not such an exceptional trainer that he can completely change a horses running style and win big races. If you watch any other blogs on the web you'll find a lot of these same comments.
ReplyDeleteMy deeper fear now is that Bird's owners are only interested in the income. How can you be a vet and not love animals? You'd think he was an easily replaced barn cat.
Please tell me if he's available for a lawn ornament because I've got friend's with a truck and a trailer. Trust me, he'll be loved and we'll gladly come pick him up.
I was also a web stalker, and no he never appeared to be nervous. Just calmly curious as to what was going on outside his stall.
I am so heartbroken and sad for Bird. He'll always be my little champion. Love you Bird!!!!
I haven't heard anything about Bird since the Woodward :( Where is he now? I'm suffering MTB withdrawal. Does anyone have any news or where he'll be pointed to next?
ReplyDeleteOn September 10th, two blogs were published regarding MTB and his present circumstances:
ReplyDeletehttp://thebrocktalk.blogspot.com/2010/09/what-to-do-with-mine-that-bird.html
"The answer as to the validity of Mine That Bird’s victory in Kentucky is obviously influenced by the fact that he has not won in eight starts since. Not only has he not won, but in his three starts this year in the Firecracker (gr. 2) at Churchill Downs and the Whitney (gr. 1) and Woodward at Saratoga, he has been beaten more than 41 lengths." --So, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that whatever training program he is on, it just isn't working! Duh!
And finally, the one I agree with most:
http://amateurcapper.blogspot.com/2010/09/tbas-wtf-retire-or-race.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Amateurcapper+%28Amateurcapper%29
“As far as MINE THAT BIRD is concerned, how about returning him to the man who was responsible for training him to a Derby win and Preakness runner-up to RACHEL? Obviously, he's not right. For all of D. Wayne Lukas' success in the sport, he's run more than few horses into the ground trying to catch lightning in a bottle. He's never been known as a trainer of geldings...colts and fillies are his thing, not usually older than 4 and most successful with juveniles and sophomores. MINE THAT BIRD needs a ton of TLC and no one better to handle the job than one man gang Ben "Chip" Woolley.” -- Sadly, I think we all know that Chip will never be reunited with MTB (unless he buys him). The egos of the owners will never let that happen; after all, Allen and Blach are finally playing with the “big boys” for now and their Champion is with their Hall of Fame trainer. I’m afraid these fools will continue blindly on this path, until the losses keep piling up and in the end they, and they alone, will be responsible for “proving” that MTB was a “one hit wonder” or a fluke, which was the consensus of the “racing Gods” from the beginning. The only casualty from this incompetent mismanagement is MTB’s reputation and IMHO it is downright criminal!
I love MTB and will always love and believe in him as do all of his fans to this day. He will forever be my special Derby Champion. It’s a dang shame a horse can’t pick his owners! To end on a happier note, if everyone will think back to all of the post-parades last year, MTB never had a pony walk with him. I recall Chip saying he never needed one before and saw no reason to start! He walked proudly and professionally along ALL ON HIS OWN out to the gate in that classy, beautiful western-tooled bridle! In those days MTB even knew that he was special. Those are the days that are engraved on my heart!
Thanks for the links to the blog! Good thoughts! He will always be my Champion too as he will to all his fans. He is my modern "Seabiscuit":) and I wished he gets a Howard, Pollard and Smith. He definately needs tons of TLC and made feel appreciated. I worry about him...
ReplyDeleteEgo and greed and poor MTB is the poor loser of this fiasco we are all watching. These owners need to sell him to someone else if they can't bring themselves to change trainers. Their reputation is going down the crapper. We all miss Chip, I think especially MTB. And I think he misses his exercise rider Charlie (think that's his name). I think Inez Karlson out of Arlington would be a great rider on Bird. I also think a trainer named Chris Hartman who is currently running at Remington Park would make a good trainer for Bird. Heck, Aaron Gryder is riding there. If he can take War Admiral to the Dubai World Cup, he can certainly do a good job on Bird. Check out Hartman's stats because they are amazing. He knows enough not to put Bird in an impossible situation. Lukas is done as far as being a top trainer.
ReplyDeleteI will always love you Bird. You won my heart forever. Hang in there cause your fans are pulling for you!
Saw an article in the thorough bred times that MTB is back at Churchill downs. I don't know who is riding him.
ReplyDeleteHere's the link: http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2010/September/16/Mine-That-Bird-works-bullet-at-Churchill.aspx
ReplyDelete"The four-year-old Birdstone gelding breezed the half-mile in :47.80, the fastest of 37 timed moves at the distance, for Racing Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas."
TT sure seemed impressed; "the fastest of 37 timed moves at the distance, for Racing Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas." You would have “thunk” it was D. Wayne himself who was the fastest out there this morning! ;-) LOL! I would have PAID to see that!
Yep. Another bullet work for our boy today! But, it looks like business as usual at the Lukas camp … bullets, bullets, bullets -- and "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" with this over-the-hill gang that can't shoot straight!
Bullet works don't mean a thing when the length of loss per race for our BIRD keeps on truckin along in the WRONG DIRECTION FELLAS ... almost doubling in the Woodward:
Firecracker: finished 8th beaten by 7 3/4 lengths, on July 4, 2010, at CHURCHILL
Whitney: finished 5th beaten by 12 1/2 lengths, on August 7, 2010, at SARATOGA
Woodward: finished 7th beaten by 21 1/4 lengths, on September 4, 2010, at SARATOGA
MINE THAT BIRD worked this morning!
ReplyDeleteDate: September 23, 2010
Track: CHURCHILL DOWNS
Distance: Five Furlongs
Time: 1.01:40 Breezing
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: Dirt
Rank: 2/15
Being a "newbie" I don't know if this is slow or fast or what -- but he was 2nd fastest out of 15 today.
Well, when you compare this to last week, Birdie's "bullet" work was a half mile in 47:80 seconds. This one is 5/8 mile in a tad over a minute. I'm no expert either but it sounds like to me all the horses were out for a lazy, leisure, s-l-o-w gallop today ...
ReplyDeleteSo how is Mine that Bird doing this week at Churchill Downs? Has anyone seen him or heard how he is doing? Do you think he will be running any races in October? Can't find anything on MTB on the internet this week. I haven't seen anything on his web page either. Who is riding him at Churchill Downs?
ReplyDeleteIt appears the connections aren't sharing ANYTHING with the BIRD's fans anymore. I, too, have searched for any kind of news on our precious BIRD ... there is zero, zilch, nada, NOTHING out there to be found. Honestly, some days I worry so much I feel sick in the pit of my stomach just thinking about this horrible losing streak he is on right now. All we can do is pray that God will protect our BIRD and keep him safe.
ReplyDeleteNow that Rachael Alexandra is retired do u wonder if they are thinking about retiring Mine that Bird? I hope not, I really want to see the bird run again, but there's no news on how MTB is doing. I would of thought they would of said what race they were preparing him for by now.
ReplyDeleteJust after I wrote the last post I saw an article in the thorobred times that Lucas wants to get MTB in the breeders cup dirt mile!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Sweet Jesus! We're going to mess around with his running style yet again? First it was turf, then blinkers, hang back, no -- run close to the pace, etc., etc., etc. Now you want him to run in a one-turn race like a sprinter? He's been asked to perform with a different style in each successive race. I see no consistency in this year's campaign whatsoever, so how can he build or develop his skills when they keep changing the program? Bless his heart, his "race day brain" must be totally scrambled by now. Lord have mercy on his precious soul!!! Found this on another blog that just about sums everything up: "Anyone want to form a cadre to head to CD to, um, "liberate" MTB?"
ReplyDeleteYa think they're going to prep him for the BC Dirt Mile, or just "train" him up to it? This is just crazy! They're setting him up to fail AGAIN.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget, the owners' goal all year has been for MTB to run in the BC Classic again; we all know that ain't going to happen. All these guys care about now is getting MTB in any BC race they can by whatever means possible. To me this just proves they care NOTHING about MTB and Lukas, IMHO, is just blowing smoke up their a$$ and has been laughing all the way to the bank all year. What a crock!
ReplyDeleteDamn shame all of Mine that Birds fans can't cough up enough money to put a serious offer on the table for the little gelding who stole our hearts. It does seem that there are alot of us.
ReplyDeleteMine That Bird had another work recorded this morning at Churchill: 5F @ 1.00:60 - Rank: 1/35. Pretty consistent with last week's leisurely work. Well, at least we know he's still alive and seemingly well today.
ReplyDeleteIs Calvin riding the Bird at Churchill Downs? Does anyone know who is riding him?
ReplyDeleteInformation on who's been riding the BIRD for ANY of his recent works has not been published. Wish I knew someone at the track who could fill us in! Hint, hint! That's another thing that really bothers me ... why all the secrecy? Trying to get any information out of these dudes is next to impossible. They sure don't have any respect for the BIRD's fans either.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that most of Birds' fans are females. We don't get any respect for anything except maybe breakfast, lunch and supper. For those gals who can't cook, I don't know what to tell you. {SMILE} Us girls love you, Mine that Bird!
ReplyDeleteYep, I'm female with a weakness for a guy with a cute face, charming personality and a nice butt... thus why I love MTB! :) He is so adorable.
ReplyDeleteYup, another girl who adores MTB:) He is just so very special. Wished we would get some updates. Hang in there MTB!
ReplyDeleteYes, it’s true. I believe the most loyal and ardent race fans of today are women (look at all the young girls Zenyatta draws to the tracks on race day – all future horse lovers). We truly love watching these magnificent thoroughbreds doing what they love to do – and that’s run like the wind for the shear joy of it. We appreciate their individual talents and unique abilities and love them for who they are … win or lose we still love them. We will always love you MTB!
ReplyDeleteIt’s so sad, but the racing world is still dominated by men ... mainly men who are only looking for a “quick” return on their money to line their pockets (this includes owners, trainers, and handicappers alike); hoping to win that “lottery” with their sole investment portfolios/properties – our horses! There are those who believe they can dominate and force these beautiful creatures to do their bidding, change them into whatever they want by shear will … regardless of their natural talents! Ah, the male ego knows no bounds when it comes to horses – and some seem to have this incessant need to FIX EVERYTHING to make it better – especially when it wasn’t even broken in the first place!
ReplyDeleteHang in there Birdie and be strong … we all know you didn’t need fixin’ at all. You were perfect the way you were! Soooo sorry everyone in your life right now is putting you through this. :-(
I just wanted to mention, the finest example of true horse lovers in this industry today is Jerry and Ann Moss, together with trainer John Shirreffs and their amazing Zenyatta! They truly adore her and want only the best for her and look what she’s done in return. She’s given them three years of pure magic!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you weren't blessed with owners like that. Just always remember: You, too, have lots of adoring fans who love you, care about you, and support you no matter what! I love you BIRD and you will always be my heart-horse.
A little off topic here, but my grandma told me this when I first fell in love with horses as a little girl: Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will return to us riding a GREAT WHITE HORSE on judgment day! Of all the creatures God created … this HONOR HAS BEEN RESERVED FOR THE HORSE. How special is that? I've always loved her for telling this to me.
ReplyDeleteThat was beautiful Penny. I've been crazy about horses since I was a little girl, never grew out of it. My dad put me on one of his horses when I was a baby and he was parading me around. I bobbled up and down until I bounced right off. I guess mom kept yelling at him to watch what was going on, but he must've had other thoughts. My dad, now he was a true horse lover, on his death bed he was hoping to see Secretariat again.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone at all know what's happening with MTB? We all need to know what's going on! He's messed up enough already so just let him be . All the changes have certainly taken there toll on him. Let him off the rest of this year and start again fresh next year. SAVE MTB!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletePoor Bird. I think the owners are in it for the fame and glory. Neither one of the owners need the money. They are well off.
ReplyDeleteMTB needs some one like John Shirriffs. He seems to really care for his horses.
It makes me cry to see what is happening to this beautiful animal. I am so worried about this little guy. I was on the track for a long time and it can sure take it toll. I pray to God that nothing bad happens to MTB. I feel so sorry for him when he runs. I worry that his connections will run him into the ground until there is nothing left. That is what happens in a lot of cases. So sad, no horse deserves it. Especially one that has won the Kentucky Derby and placed in the other TC races. What are the owners thinking! I just pray that if he doesn't reach the form he was in last year; that they will retire him and enjoy him for all the fun & glory he has brought to everyone. Let him live like a king for the rest of his life. That is what he deserves.
Caught this in an article: "Winless since taking the 2009 Kentucky Derby, Mine That Bird may have only one more yet-to-be-determined start in his career before being retired, according to Hall of Fame trainer Wayne Lukas. "That's their thought," Lukas said of owners Mark Allen and Leonard Blach. "If he runs well they may change their thinking."
ReplyDeleteI can't believe this :( I'm at a loss for words. MTB has had too many changes thrown at him this year. Give him some consistency, drop him down in class so he can build his confidence back up and he'll win races again. I'm not understanding the logic here and I'm pissed off. Thanks for ruining the horse that brought me back to racing. When he's done, I'm done. Doesn't seem to be any horses left to follow for more than a year or two of racing before they are retired. All I can say to the owners is you have it all WRONG with MTB.
Where was that article online? I agree with you- MTB brought me to horse racing. They should try a few more races. Even a drop in class/ so all his fans can still see him. People love that horse! I wish they still had the webcam- I loved it! I still haven't heard who is riding MTB.
ReplyDeleteDidn't see the article either. Don't want to have MTB run into the ground the way he is handled now... but somehow his owners talk about retirement doesn't give me warm, fuzzy feelings either. What exactly did they have in mind, considering the 'lawn ornament' statements and 'making him useful" etc. Sigh. Poor MTB!!! I don't think he is done racing yet, I still believe the real MTB is in there somewhere but I rather have him safe and happy, with someone who truly appreciates and loves him! Wished we could see some more pic. of him!
ReplyDeleteI think Mine that Birds' fans need to face the fact that the gelding simply may not want to compete anymore. Three hard run triple crown races and a throat surgery is enough to cause burn out, even in the best of horses. The lay off wasn't enough to bring back the old Mine that Bird. It seems he's just lost interest in the game. The same happened to Rachel Alexandra. There's no shame in it, it just happens sometimes. That doesn't diminish what Mine that Bird and Rachel Alexandra accomplished in their careers. Rachel ran a phenomenal 3 year old campaign and Mine that Bird gave us one of the most spectacular derby wins of all time. He showed us what a warrior he was by running in all 3 legs of the triple crown, not to mention hitting the board in all of them. His fans will always remember him, even if he never wins another race.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention that Mine that Bird will probably be running in the dirt mile at the BC. I'd really love to see Zenyatta make it to 20-0, but if I could only have one wish come true, it would be for Mine that Bird to win his race. Run swiftly and stay safe sweet bird.
ReplyDeleteFrom the DRF (10-31-10):
ReplyDeleteMine That Bird (Dirt Mile, three furlongs in 37.47 from the gate): Can’t remember the last time I saw a Breeders’ Cup horse have his final prep from the gate, especially an older one like former Derby winner Mine That Bird. Worked in company and struggled to keep up with a 2-year-old maiden Derivative while under pressure and displaying some high leg action in the run through the stretch. Finished about a half-length behind his young stablemate before galloping out a half-length to the good in 50.59.
Have Mercy! This news is really so very, very sad. His form appears to have totally fallen off a cliff for sure. I think Brooklyn Cowgirl, who posted the following on the TBC Forum yesterday (on Birdie's behalf), sums this ENTIRE YEAR up pretty well. I hope she doesn't mind my re-posting it here ... she about sums up my feelings on this whole fiasco with our precious Birdie:
* * * * * * * * * *
Hey, everybody. Mine That Bird here. In case anybody hasn't noticed, I'm fed up!
I'm a freakin' Kentucky Derby winner. Ran the last quarter of the Derby in the fastest time since Secretariat. You'd think they'd get it. I'm a distance horse, but NOOOO. Mr. Hall of Fame Trainer seems to have it in his mind that I'm really a sprinter so now he want me in the Freakin' Mile. Not the mile and a quarter classic where I might have a chance at running some tired horses down, (although unfortunately the only horse closing as fast or faster than me would be Zenyatta and let me tell you, as a 15.2 hand geliding looking up at that big girl that is a scary prospect) but still, I'd have a shot--especially if it rained.
Brooklyn Cowgirls dad said never bet a California horse to run in the mud.
But I'm not going in the Classic, NOOOO. I'm not going in the Marathon where as long as I get the slightest bit of help from my jockey I could seriously run down those bozos, NOOOO. Real Man of Genius, Mr. Hall of Fame Trainer wants me in the freakin' Dirt Mile.
Y'know back when I was winning I was doing these long slow gallops and pretty slow works. Now Im working bullets. Now don't get me wrong, I like working fast but somehow this regimen doesn't seem to be doing the job for me. Mr. Hall of Fame Trainer and of course my owners just don't seem to get it, though.
So I'm folding my front hooves and saying. Yeah make my day. F this bull@#*#. Send me back to Chip or someone who understand ME and doesn't want to make me into some horse I'm not.
I want to be a racehorse but at this point I'd settle for walking around one of those pony ride thingies. At least the kids appreciate your efforts.
Your pretty damn fed up pal
Birdie
* * * * * * * * * *
FYI:
ReplyDeleteHere's the link to the DRF (Clocker's) Workout Report (referenced above) from Churchill on 10-31-10.
Love the last post from Birdie. It says it all right there. Save MTB!!! before it's too late, if it isn't already!!! Give the horse what he needs...TLC !!! Let him be the horse he is ,not what others what him to be. What a DISASTER this whole thing has turned out for this beautiful talented horse. NEW trainer and start back where he was last year!!
ReplyDeleteThis has really been a blow to all his fans as well . SHAME on all his connections for what they've done !!!
Will always love and respect you MTB.
OUR CHAMPION!!!!!
I'm just rooting for the bird with jockey mike smith. I'm not ready to throw in the towel yet. Maybe his best race is yet ahead. Let's give him a chance. I'll keep you in my prayers MTB.
ReplyDeleteDuh! Sorry, forgot to post the actual link to the clocker's report for those interested.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.drf.com/news/work-tab-fills-breeders-cup-hopefuls. I did see part of The Works on TVG on the 1st when they showed MTB's work. The whole crew (Schrupp, Amoss, Bray, Donna Brothers) couldn't come up with any explanation for any of it! Mercy me! I LOVE MTB! I haven’t thrown in the towel on HIM either, but seeing what happened in his last work, it’s not too encouraging with what will happen on Saturday when he goes out to the track and “sees” for the first time yet ANOTHER NEW RACE DAY SCENARIO his connections have THROWN HIM INTO -- running in a one mile, ONE TURN race as a sprinter! I’m keeping you in my prayers, too, and will be rooting for you on Saturday. Just remember, you’ve done nothing wrong and none of what’s happened this year is your fault.
I think we’ll all agree this year’s campaign for MTB has been an utter and complete disaster. It all started when the owners not only decided to change trainers, but also decided it was necessary to “change MTB’s running style this year” BEFORE he even ran his first race! It was well documented this brilliant “decision” originated with Doc Blach in articles dating back in June! And Doc’s good, long-time friend, Wayne Lukas, however great a trainer he is (or has been), must have agreed that not only was this feat possible, but he could do this for the owners. My only question is at what point do the owners decide they made the wrong decision? Before or after their horse is truly ruined or soured on racing forever? Oh, silly me! Of course, this would require that the owners realize that they screwed up and make the decision to do what they can to salvage their horse's career. Ooops! I forgot. They’ve already given up on him and made their decision … if he doesn’t do well in the Dirt Mile they are going to retire a physically sound gelding at four years old! Wow! What a way to manage a race horse! Truly brilliant, don't you think?!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say I also love how Brooklyn Cowgirl spoke out on MTB's behalf -- I agree 1000%! And I LOVE that Mike Smith will be riding MTB in the Dirt Mile because I'm a HUGE Zenyatta fan too. Mike "knew" and rode MTB when he was still a TRUE CLOSER in the Preakness and BTW almost caught Rachel (while Calvin was whipping the daylights out of her)! MTB came in second by a NECK that day! I’m praying with all my heart that Mike will light a spark within our special Derby Champion and can encourage and guide him to do well in his race on Saturday.
ReplyDeleteThe nightmare is over for MTB. He's going home where be belongs. You showed them Birdie!! Do it your way!!!! YOU ARE A CHAMPION!!! Love you Birdie
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