Just learned that Baffert has replaced Suthereland on Game on Dude with Bejerano. My estimation of Baffert has just dropped to basement level. This is not my idea of loyalty or recogntion of ability. She and that horse were one unit, they made history together, and were set to go to the BC Classic for another historic moment.
It isn't just the horses who leave the track too early when they promise to become stars and fans are left bereft. This is a serious blow to those of us who have followed Chantal's career for years and admire her ability, courage, and perserverance -- not to mention how she might feel.
Bad move, Baffert. Very bad move. More power to Mucho Macho Man, who will win that Classic.
Sutherland off Game On Dude
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DuncanPatch
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Sutherland off Game On Dude
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karenkarenn
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TJ that is possible but doubt that was the bottom line. It is debatable whether dropping the rein cost the horse anything. I thing Bob might feel that Raphael is a much stronger finisher than Chantal and there is no question that he is. Whether that will translate to a better performance by GOD only time will tell. The horse runs his eyeballs out for Chantal. These are always tough calls.
zinn21 wrote:TJ that is possible but doubt that was the bottom line. It is debatable whether dropping the rein cost the horse anything. I thing Bob might feel that Raphael is a much stronger finisher than Chantal and there is no question that he is. Whether that will translate to a better performance by GOD only time will tell. The horse runs his eyeballs out for Chantal. These are always tough calls.
Hi zinn,
Agreed...possibly it was just an excuse so he could make a clean break such as he did when he severed ties with Martin Garcia. TJ
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bdw0617
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I have to agree with the OP here 10000%.
I mean, i'm not the biggest Chantal fan (actually racing that is) but, i have never had one complaint about anything she has ever done on GOD. some jockeys just get some horses, and Chantal gets G.O.D. they mesh.
What I think happened, is that G.O.D is now 1 out of his last 3, and well someone has to take the fall. it should have been Baffert, the horse had NO business going to Dubai, I said that months before the Dubai world cup. Then the horse returns at Hollywood park, runs his butt off, then goes back to polytrack, i said it on this forum I can even quote it, G.O.D doesn't care for that track.. what happens? loses.
but now, Baffert has to explain why the horse has been off.. well it's defiantly not him picking shitty spots for him to run in it must be the jockey.
I believe in Horse Racing Karma and Baffert definably has his coming in this regard. she did nothing wrong. she rode what she was supposed to ride, even though the horse was spotted very shitty and she did the best she could do, the horse did the best he could do, in those situtations.
if they ran in the San Antinaio/ Big Cap/ Hollywood Gold cup/ Woodward the horse would be undefeated today in 2012. they chased the money and now she is the scapegoat beucase he did not run
I mean, i'm not the biggest Chantal fan (actually racing that is) but, i have never had one complaint about anything she has ever done on GOD. some jockeys just get some horses, and Chantal gets G.O.D. they mesh.
What I think happened, is that G.O.D is now 1 out of his last 3, and well someone has to take the fall. it should have been Baffert, the horse had NO business going to Dubai, I said that months before the Dubai world cup. Then the horse returns at Hollywood park, runs his butt off, then goes back to polytrack, i said it on this forum I can even quote it, G.O.D doesn't care for that track.. what happens? loses.
but now, Baffert has to explain why the horse has been off.. well it's defiantly not him picking shitty spots for him to run in it must be the jockey.
I believe in Horse Racing Karma and Baffert definably has his coming in this regard. she did nothing wrong. she rode what she was supposed to ride, even though the horse was spotted very shitty and she did the best she could do, the horse did the best he could do, in those situtations.
if they ran in the San Antinaio/ Big Cap/ Hollywood Gold cup/ Woodward the horse would be undefeated today in 2012. they chased the money and now she is the scapegoat beucase he did not run
"When the solution is simple, God is answering.”
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karenkarenn
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karenkarenn wrote:I wonder if he is headed towards the B.C. Classic and needed a current win.
Karen
Hi Karen,
Game on Dude is headed for the BC Classic but doesn't need a current win to get in the race...win lose or draw if he opts for a prep..he is in the BC Classic since he won the GR I Hollywood Gold Cup which was a win and you're in race for the BC Classic. I'm sure he will find another race for G.O.D before the BC Classic because he should reacquaint Rafael Bejarano with Game on Dude before the Classic and I wouldn't think Baffert would want to go into the BC Classic off a 2+ month layoff. I would guess his next start will come in the 1 1/8th GR I Awesome Again Stakes at Santa Anita Park on Saturday September 29th allowing him almost 5 weeks rest since his last start (2nd place finish to Dullahan). This scenario would also allow G.O.D another five weeks rest before the BC Classic on November 3rd. TJ
bdw0617 wrote:he doesn't need a win and you are in. he's got too many points in combination wtih so many horses dropping out.
Hi bdw,
Who said G.O.D needs a win and you're in....but he's got one and it also kept a freebie away from someone else that may jump up and get lucky in the Classic. Not to mention they waive the entry fees and the owner's receive a travel allowance of up to 20,000 for shipping. I think they are glad they won it. TJ
Baffert's got to be exhausted. He's had a roller coaster year with some fantastically talented horses, a heart attack and his Dad just passed away. He's just trying to make the team as strong as possible probably because he realizes HE's the weak link right now. Do you think if you forget to mention any tiny detail of instruction to RB that it makes a difference in his ride (win)? Nope. I'm more worried about BB's health than Chantal's hurt feelings.
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stlouiskid
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The only reason she has remained on the horse this long is because the partner who died last year, had wanted her to ride him.
I mean come on, I have a horse running for 3 million bucks, and I can have Rafael Bejerano or Chantal Sutherland. It's a no brainer.
I also heard that Sutherland told people she would not ride at Fairplex because she was a top rider and that was beneath her. Some trainers were not too impressed.
I mean come on, I have a horse running for 3 million bucks, and I can have Rafael Bejerano or Chantal Sutherland. It's a no brainer.
I also heard that Sutherland told people she would not ride at Fairplex because she was a top rider and that was beneath her. Some trainers were not too impressed.