Calvin Borel
Moderators: Roguelet, hpkingjr, WaveMaster
-
Carlo Algatrensig
- 2yo Maiden
- Posts: 92
- Joined: Mon Jun 02, 2008 2:55 pm
- Location: Birmingham, England
- Contact:
Calvin Borel
After tonight when ever I have a bet on the Kentucky Derby I won't bother looking at the horses form I think I'll just back whichever one has Calvin Borel riding them.
"Best Mate is a Villa fan"
-
KMO_racing
- Allowance Winner
- Posts: 291
- Joined: Wed Jul 23, 2008 3:49 pm
- Location: Suffolk Downs
Calvin Again
And Again, I know who I want to ride one if I ever get one to the Derby!!!! It was a mud puppy day!!!
Congrats to all the connections!!!!
Congrats to all the connections!!!!
Thanks,
Kathy
Kathy
I wasn't there live, only watching it on TV, but was I correct in thinking that the cheers for Calvin were a LOT more diminished this year? Every loves him to win the first two times no matter who you bet on (just because of how great a story it was), but the third time in four years-- hey, now you're cutting into my bets! Especially on a year where the prices were so spread and if you won, you were going to make some nice money. I thought I heard quite a lot of boos mixed in with the cheers this year. Or maybe it was just Gomez coming back with Lucky...
"When I am on my deathbed, I imagine I will say, 'Thank God I did that'" - Arthur Hancock, on buying back Gato del Sol from Europe after Exceller was killed in a slaughterhouse in Sweden.
Those were boos... actually "BOO"... which is Calvin's nickname that he has had forever.
I am so incredibly happy for Calvin. While I haven't seen him in a few years, (about the same time as my departure from the business), I doubt he has changed much. He was always a really fun guy to be around, incredibly respectful, (almost laughably so... his "Yes, sir" and "Yes, maam" isn't an act... he has always been that way, even with people he knows pretty well), but always serious when it came to the horse and race time. We had others ride for us that provided a little more info, (I think the world of Jon Court), but Calvin always took his role seriously... except for the one time he totally ignored our trainers instructions... which cost him a stakes mount and win the next week.
Interestingly, the race he ignored the trainers instructions was at Churchhill... and while he did get the filly beat, it is now very, very hard to argue with his tactics. Seems he knows how to win there better than anyone; since Day. Of course, he kept her on the rail... he just went way too fast, way too early... especially for a 2 yr. old.
Anyway, I didn't get a bet down on the Derby, but won $100 bucks from my friend. After the race I simply said, "Hey, he rode for us and I've got my picture with him in the winner's circle". Friend, who didn't know much about my past dealings in the race business, thought I was lying... and bet me $100 I could not produce said picture. I produced 2 and gave him a spare copy of one.
Calvin sure has made a ton of Cajuns and Razorbacks proud the last few years. I'm neither, but can claim honorary title to both...
With all the real scum, all the shysters, all the self-interest egomaniacs, all the stone cold cheaters, and all the con artists found in this industry, it is good that the current poster boy is one of the good guys.
I am so incredibly happy for Calvin. While I haven't seen him in a few years, (about the same time as my departure from the business), I doubt he has changed much. He was always a really fun guy to be around, incredibly respectful, (almost laughably so... his "Yes, sir" and "Yes, maam" isn't an act... he has always been that way, even with people he knows pretty well), but always serious when it came to the horse and race time. We had others ride for us that provided a little more info, (I think the world of Jon Court), but Calvin always took his role seriously... except for the one time he totally ignored our trainers instructions... which cost him a stakes mount and win the next week.
Interestingly, the race he ignored the trainers instructions was at Churchhill... and while he did get the filly beat, it is now very, very hard to argue with his tactics. Seems he knows how to win there better than anyone; since Day. Of course, he kept her on the rail... he just went way too fast, way too early... especially for a 2 yr. old.
Anyway, I didn't get a bet down on the Derby, but won $100 bucks from my friend. After the race I simply said, "Hey, he rode for us and I've got my picture with him in the winner's circle". Friend, who didn't know much about my past dealings in the race business, thought I was lying... and bet me $100 I could not produce said picture. I produced 2 and gave him a spare copy of one.
Calvin sure has made a ton of Cajuns and Razorbacks proud the last few years. I'm neither, but can claim honorary title to both...
With all the real scum, all the shysters, all the self-interest egomaniacs, all the stone cold cheaters, and all the con artists found in this industry, it is good that the current poster boy is one of the good guys.
[quote="majxmom"]I wasn't there live, only watching it on TV, but was I correct in thinking that the cheers for Calvin were a LOT more diminished this year? Every loves him to win the first two times no matter who you bet on (just because of how great a story it was), but the third time in four years-- hey, now you're cutting into my bets! Especially on a year where the prices were so spread and if you won, you were going to make some nice money. I thought I heard quite a lot of boos mixed in with the cheers this year. Or maybe it was just Gomez coming back with Lucky...[/quote]
Might be due to the first one was a local trainer, the second one was a small time guy and huge longshot. Now he's been picked up by the biggest operation out there and won it for the biggest trainer out there today. I did not like it as well as the first two. Now, will Pletcher give him the time of day the rest of the year? Pletcher owes Calvin more than Calvin owes Pletcher.
Might be due to the first one was a local trainer, the second one was a small time guy and huge longshot. Now he's been picked up by the biggest operation out there and won it for the biggest trainer out there today. I did not like it as well as the first two. Now, will Pletcher give him the time of day the rest of the year? Pletcher owes Calvin more than Calvin owes Pletcher.
-
sarahsull21
- Weanling
- Posts: 41
- Joined: Sun Sep 17, 2006 3:08 pm
- Location: St. Louis, MO
Calvin Borel
Calvin's nickname is "Boo" - seriously. Or "Calvin Bo-Rail" He's very approachable and will talk to anyone. Very talented rider with some quirks.
"And he's all that."
Calvin
Huge fan of Calvin's and his race tactics. Remember a few years ago when he had an "audience" with Queen Elizabeth? What a clash of characters. He really is a breath of fresh air. I think if there were any caustic "boos", it was for Pletcher. The average fan is likely not a fan of Pletcher. I do wish he had not promised a Triple Crown though. A lot to live up to.....and VERY unlikely. I think SS is a much better horse than Mine That Bird but we still have not seen Lookin At Lucky and Sidney's Candy at their best and we know what ICE BOX has left in his tank.
The tactic of going to the rail clearly works. It is not without risk however. More than "going to the rail", I think the main reason that Calvin does so well is that he doesn't use much of the horse in at least the first half of the race. Don't know for sure what his splits were but they were probably something like 26, 52 and 1:17. His horse is just loping along before he asks for anything. When he does, the horse eagerly responds as it his natural instinct to want to go faster.
Pletcher definitely needs Calvin more than Calvin needs Pletcher and thoroughbred horse racing needs Calvin too. Can't wait 'til he goes on Letterman.
The tactic of going to the rail clearly works. It is not without risk however. More than "going to the rail", I think the main reason that Calvin does so well is that he doesn't use much of the horse in at least the first half of the race. Don't know for sure what his splits were but they were probably something like 26, 52 and 1:17. His horse is just loping along before he asks for anything. When he does, the horse eagerly responds as it his natural instinct to want to go faster.
Pletcher definitely needs Calvin more than Calvin needs Pletcher and thoroughbred horse racing needs Calvin too. Can't wait 'til he goes on Letterman.