I Have My Derby "Hunch Horse"!

[ZiaLand]

Every year I include a horse in my Derby list that's based merely on how the name intrigues me. This year...it's Saint Augustus.

I'm a huge Lonesome Dove fan, so the name literally LEAPED out at me. "I wonder if he's named for Augustus McRae?" I thought.

One look at his pedigree confirmed my suspicions. By Saint Ballado out of Lorie Darlin. And his half-brother is named...what else...Woodrow (he's by Giant's Causeway)! LOL

The fact that he's yet another promising competitor from what I affectionately call "Team Halo" (all those talented kids of the Halo tail-male line especially those by Saint Ballado, Devil's Bag, Sunday Silence and Southern Halo) didn't hurt either.

So...GO Saint Augustus!

By the way, last year my hunch horse was Better Than Bonds. That gives you an idea of how reliable a system "Hunch Horse" is for me. It will be fun to see how my Hunch Horse does this year.

Anyone else have a hunch?

Laurie

[Sam]

cough

Oaklawn Park

Bob Holtus (sp?)

Polarity

noddin

[Pete]

Hi Zia,

I like Lonesome Dove too. Well written and a wonderful mini-series with special performances.

Regards,

Pete

[Sheikh]

The book would bring a tear to a glass eye

[ZiaLand]

cough

Oaklawn Park

Bob Holtus (sp?)

Polarity

noddin

I love those short concise names. They just roll off the tongue....Secretariat, Citation....Polarity.

His pedigree is really interesting. Nice linebreeding on this guy. Some diversity in his genetics for a change (beyond the usual Nearco/Neartic/Nasrullah domination.)

And of course, I just knew Kissin Kris had to be there in a generation or two.

Laurie

[roving boy]

Interesting....Mr. Holthus has a pretty good 3 year old running Saturday in the Risen Star, LAWYER RON. Do you think Polarity is better? Has anyone asked Bob?

Loved the mini-series (Lonesome Dove) - Captains Call & McRae are great characters!

[Sam]

Interesting....Mr. Holthus has a pretty good 3 year old running Saturday in the Risen Star, LAWYER RON. Do you think Polarity is better? Has anyone asked Bob?

I haven't seen Lawyer Ron yet, but since he's in a stake and Polarity hasn't even sniffed stakes level yet, I'd say Mr. Holthus thinks LR is better.

I see potential in Polarity and from what I can tell, Holthus is just patient enough to let him develop on his own -- even if it means no Derby (which I'd be fine with. I'm thinking this colt annexes the Super Derby later this year).

The colt's first 3 starts have all been at Keeneland/Churchill in $50k MSW at 6.5f/7f ... TOO short. Big good looking colt from what I can tell (looks a LOT like Northern Afleet actually), but he was all leg in his first race and couldn't get out of his own way. Got beat by a really nice Concerto colt (Regent Spirit) owned by Kinsman Stable. Second time out he was 4th to another Kinsman horse by Wekiva Springs. I don't think he liked Keeneland (he was training great over CD, but didn't seem to like Keeneland to run on). I'm hoping the switch to Oaklawn makes a difference.

He just worked day before yesterday -- 4f in 49:80 for the 8th fastest of 34. Went 3f on the 5th in 36:60 for 2nd of 14. Prior to that was a 3f 36:80 breeze on the 30th. He'd been on a break prior to that. I'm not so much concerned with time however so long as he does it easy.

[Derring]

Hi Zia,

I like Lonesome Dove too. Well written and a wonderful mini-series with special performances.

Regards,

Pete

One of my all time favotites! Both the book and the movie. Favorite quote when Call gets in a fight in the street and everyone is staring at him:

'Can't stand rudeness in a man; won't tolerate it.'

[ZiaLand]

ACK! Saint Augustus got beaten BADLY in the Risen Star. A dismal 5th.

Roving Boy....Lawyer Ron looked impressive in his win!

Anyone hear about the horse that got pulled up? Looked pretty bad.

Laurie

[elviswastheking]

What do you think will be next by that owner?????

Wedontrentpigs?

[Pete]

Hi Roving Boy,

Nice call! THis may be a lawyer that you can trust!

Pete

[ZiaLand]

What do you think will be next by that owner?????

Wedontrentpigs?

[Pete]

Hi Derring,

I love that line too.....

'Can't stand rudeness in a man; won't tolerate it.'

--Captain McCall, Lonesome Dove

I was stunned by the wonderful reaction of Augustus McRae (Duvall) when Jake Spooner spurs his own horse and his own execution. Duvall had a body spasm that seemed so brilliant.

Years later, in an interview, Duvall said that Augustus McRae was his best work and that he couldn't explain the spasm - 'just happened' he said.

Regards,

Pete

[ZiaLand]

Hi Derring,

I love that line too.....

'Can't stand rudeness in a man; won't tolerate it.'

--Captain McCall, Lonesome Dove

I was stunned by the wonderful reaction of Augustus McRae (Duvall) when Jake Spooner spurs his own horse and his own execution. Duvall had a body spasm that seemed so brilliant.

Years later, in an interview, Duvall said that Augustus McRae was his best work and that he couldn't explain the spasm - 'just happened' he said.

That was a very poignant scene and an illustration of the "Code of the West". Jake Spoon (played by the late Robert Urich) was the former Texas Ranger colleage of August and Woodrow who "crossed the line" with them.

I think Tommy Lee Jones also said his portrayal of Woodrow F. Call was one of his favorite roles.

The entire series was beautifully and brilliantly done. It holds a special place in my heart because much of it was filmed right in my "neighborhood". In fact, I drive through one of the old sets on the way to my work everyday.

Now....if Saint Augustus would only take on the "winning personality" of the character he was named for.

Laurie

[Secretariat73]

Anyone hear about the horse that got pulled up? Looked pretty bad.
Laurie

According to someone on the TBC forum, DRF reported Red Bordeaux was euthanized.

BTW, agree with everyone about Lonesome Dove and Duvall's performance. Brilliant! The fact that that performance did not get an Emmy proves how silly the whole awards thing is.