Look of Eagles – Eddie Garrison
Greetings race fans and welcome to the Look of Eagles Equinics special radio edition. We have a great broadcast for you today, coming at you live from Vermont home of maple syrup, yes the clichés have started already, as well as the upcoming Eddie Garrison Stakes. If you were busy catching an Oscar nominated movie, and I’m going to stay well away from the slippery slope of commenting on Cowboy movies, and couldn’t catch this broadcast live, you still have this handy transcript. Do I take care of my loyal fans or what? This is going to be a great event; it has all the pageantry of a SIM wide event in which Residencies vie for glory and even a bit of immortality. There will be 32 races today taking place here in Vermont and over across the Ocean and a sea in Italy. Personally, I’d rather be in Italy in February sipping Chianti in Florence with Kate Beckinsale or Rachael McAdams instead of gritting my teeth in the face of this bitter Northeastern US winter wind. Nothing says winter fun like wind chill factors of sub freezing weather! I’ll just have to let the prospect of glory warm my soul. Dreaming of Italian cities like Florence, Venice, Transylvania or Verona. Wait a minute Transylvania isn’t in Italy and what does that have to do with glory anyway? Perhaps I am confused, let’s just move on, I need to cut back on the maple syrup.
You astute listeners or readers may have noticed that Rachael McAdams just got a blurb here in the Look of Eagles. Isn’t this the pinnacle of everything an actress could aspire to achieve? Sure, the red carpet on Oscar night is nice, but getting mentioned here pretty much stamps you as an‘it’ girl. What an ascent for Rachael. In fact Rachael is coming very close to pulling the I stole your career while being part of your movie when I was younger trick. Brittany Murphy in Clueless first pulled off this devious device. At the time everyone thought Alicia Silverstone was destined for stardom and Brittany Murphy was just the stereotypical ugly girl who isn’t really ugly but gets transformed into a cute girl (see She’s All That). Fast forward a few years and Alicia Silverstone has eaten herself out of the industry and Brittany Murphy is busy headlining bad romantic comedies. A similar event is transpiring with Rachael McAdams. You may or may not remember Rachael as the Queen Plastic in Mean Girls, the Lindsey Lohan movie. Well Lindsey proceeded to lose so much weight she can barely hold a script, let alone remain standing long enough to say her lines while Rachael has gone on to semi-A list stardom. Much like racing, you can just never tell how the race is going to unfold at the quarter mile mark. Before we get too far off the topic, let’s take our first caller.
Good morning you’re live with Look of Eagles.
“Good morning Todd, this is Whitehall from Vermont. Just calling to say hello and wondering why you couldn’t think up anything wittier than relating maple syrup with Vermont. I’d also like your thoughts on my horse Laconia Light”
Well Whitehall, to be honest I get confused with all those blue states in the Northeast. Vermont, Delaware, Connecticut, New Hampshire they all blend together for me. They’re pretty much all populated with annoying Red Sox fans that think the rest of the country cares about their over-hyped rivalry with the Yankees. As for Laconia Light I like his chances. I’m a huge fan of a true Look of Eagles horse A.P. Indy. When visiting the horse farms in Kentucky, A.P. Indy certainly had the look of eagles as he stared aloofly off into the distance. I see some of that class in Laconia Light. Your horse has won at 12 furlongs in a stakes race with a nice SF of 105. He’s on his home track, which should certainly prove to be an advantage; I mean look what happened when the Steelers got to play a Super Bowl at home. You’re horse will have a good chance; I would expect a solid run. Thanks for calling in.
How about those Steelers huh? Pretty sneaky of them replacing the referees penalty flags with terrible towels. They also accomplished a feat that will never be topped, winning a Super Bowl with a QB who posted a 22.6 passer rating. That’s like winning the Kentucky Derby in 2:07 and change. A trophy is a trophy however, and I doubt the winner of this 12-furlong Eddie Garrison is going to complain by what time or by how many lengths they win by. Let’s take our next caller.
You’re on Look of Eagles, go.
“Hey Todd, holyghost from Queensland here. Great show and I hope we have a great race. Are we reaching with Turbulance, or do we have a shot?”
Nice to hear from you. One of things I always like to take a look at is if a horse can get the distance. Turbulance has won at 12, albeit in Allowance Company. We know he’ll be able to cover the ground, sure he’s going to need to cover 12 furlongs faster than he’s ever done before, but you know he’ll still be running as they turn for home. He’ll be among the many horses sitting in mid-pack making their move at around the mile mark.
This Equinics event should kick off a great year of racing. Already the inevitable buzz around the Triple Crown has started. I don’t know if any of these 3yos will be able to match the exploits of the legendary hero Afleet Alex and his timeless performance in the Preakness, but it will certainly be entertaining to watch them try. It is possible that the Preakness Legend can be duplicated? A couple horses that I’m watching at the moment are Music School, Cause to Believe, Private Vow and Bluegrass Cat.
On to our next caller, a friend of mine from the GR Simsters (Unwavering at the Wire!)
“Nice show Todd, you’re full of (bleep) as usual.”
You know I do my best Brian.
“So what do you think, is Slither going to take this thing for the GR Simsters?”
Slither has a great chance. One of 5 horses that I think has the best shot. Of course the monster in this race is Macho Uno. The biggest worry you should have is Macho Uno running away with this race because this field is populated with closers or mid-pack types like Slither. Fragrant Son and Western Quest are the only ones likely to duel with Macho Uno for the lead. Slither is of course our Residency Champion at 12 furlongs. I also like his win in the DelPen 10 furlong race. Clearly a very classy horse, if things break his way he could pull the upset. Definitely a solid pick for a top 3.
“Any predictions?”
Yes, Michigan won’t go 7-5 next year and I won’t be sober over Kentucky Derby weekend. As for this race, I’m remaining positively Clintonesque. We are in a blue state after all. Thanks for calling Brian, and good luck.
My next caller is from the Minnesota Residency and Vermont must seem like Costa Rica compared to Minnesota this time of year. Do you know you actually need to wear those absurd Russian bearskin hats in Western Minnesota because it’s so cold? Let’s hear from wnrscircle, you’re on the air.
“Hi Todd. Minnesota is sending my horse, Son of Rabbit our Residency Champion at 10 furlongs to this event. Does he bring home the hardware?”
Well, this Miesque’s Son colt has won a stakes at 12 so we know he can get the distance. In addition he won with a 108 SF. His residency championship race was a strong one beating a large field with a solid time. I think he could have one more big race in him. He’ll face the task of running down Macho Uno in the stretch, but Son of Rabbit has been known to come out of the clouds down the stretch before.
I see the freshman sires in the SIM remain a popular commodity. Will one of these stallions one day put a horse into this race? Afleet Alex won at 12, and horses like Eddington and Rock Hard Ten might have the pedigree to get a 12-furlong horse with the right dam. When you can sire a stakes winner at 12, you know you’ve earned your stud fee.
I have a panel of callers up next, the common theme being colts sired by Rainbow Quest. This includes Fun and Friends Stable Club member bumsofbums who will bring Convoy to the Garrison, The CR Racers who bring Western Quest owned by mizunomp14 and Epsom Downs Residency representative Northern Rock owned by gregschilds. Welcome all.
“Thanks Todd…Thanks Todd…Thanks…”
You all chose Rainbow Quest for these breedings, were you attempting to get a 12-furlong horse?
“I was looking for a turf horse who could route. But anytime you can get a stakes horse, you can’t complain” (gregschild)
“I’m a big fan of Tombstone,, I liked the name Western Quest and thought Rainbow Quest would be a good sire for him” (mizunomp14)
Umm..sure. Well, these three horses are intriguing. All have possibilities, but all will need a little help. Northern Rock has won a Stakes race at 13 furlongs. It’s possible he will be a little closer to the pace Saturday than he has been in the past. If he can increase his speed figures a bit, he could make things interesting. Convoy won an allowance race at 14 furlongs with a 104 SF. If he can translate that over to a stakes race he’ll be dangerous. His last time out, Convoy ran in a 12-furlong stakes race and posted a 98 SF. With a little more improvement, he could pull a big upset. Finally, Western Quest will have a huge impact on this race. He is dead speed on the lead and will try and gate to wire the field. One of the biggest things to watch in this race will be how Western Quest, Fragrant Son and Macho Uno come out of the gate. It’s possibly they could open up a 6+ length lead on the field. Western Quest as won a stakes at 13 furlongs so distance won’t be a problem. To win he’ll have to hold off Macho Uno and a cavalry charge of horses down the stretch. Good luck guys, looks like this sire can certainly turn out distance horses.
We have Valentine’s Day coming up and here is your friendly reminder to buy your gift before Monday Night. I know you might think that since Monday Night football isn’t on anymore you may have plenty of time, but that’s probably not the best course to take. As profitable as it is, don’t you think the businesses would come up with other ways to gouge prices? I mean how much does it really cost to grow and harvest a dozen roses? $3-$5 maybe? It can’t be more than that but good luck getting those delivered next Tuesday for less than $75. The Super Bowl is a holiday in some circles, and businesses in Detroit took full advantage charging about $20 for a pitcher of beer. I’m in the wrong business. Next caller.
“Good Morning Todd. Epcotlen here, and I have a horse Delere that I think is going to make a strong showing. GSR for life!!”
Let’s leave the advertising for our sponsors (GR Simsters, unwavering at the wire!) but you’re right, you’ve brought a good horse to this fight. Lot of bullets in his case. In fact he’s almost like El Mariachi in the Desperado movies with a guitar case full of weapons. Delere is out of Deputy Minister and is a multiple stakes winner at 10 furlongs. He’s never run 12, which may set him up for a good race or may prove to be an obstacle. As long as the 2 extra furlongs aren’t a bridge too far, then he can be a contender.
Our next caller is from the Great Plains Residency and brings a veteran to this fight. Welcome hbomb.
“Thanks Todd. I’m bringing Coral Luck to the Garrison. I’m hoping he has one of those late Garrison finishes. Any chance?”
Well hbomb, no one thought Billy Chapel would have one more day of Summer but he did when he no-hit the Yankees. Of course for you readers who are unfamiliar with the Look of Eagles we freely mix reality with fantasy here. Proceed at your own caution and as always, satisfaction is guaranteed or you money back! Coral Luck has gone as far as 16 furlongs and has won at 13 furlongs in Allowance Company. He’ll need a no-hitter type of effort to hit the board, but this veteran knows a trick or two that might help him out.
Our next caller is a long way from home, bartfarg3 from Down Under Racing.
“Yes, it’s about a 35 hour flight from the land of Oz to Vermont. G’Day Todd, what do you like about Monaro Kinda Guy?”
Like a couple other horses in this race that haven’t scored stakes wins, I like his ability to get the distance. Monaro Kinda Guy has won an allowance race at 14 furlongs so you should feel confident he’d still be moving forward when they turn for home. A long sustained stalking trip could leave you pleased with his effort. Let’s take our next caller.
“Hey Todd, what’s up? Its Lana Lang remember me from our trip in the GR Simster Escalade as we carried the Equinics torch?”
Well of course Lana, who could forget about you. What have you been up to?
“It’s been a rough year since we talked last. I’m about to disappoint millions of fans by flirting around with Clark Kent’s nemesis Lex Luthor. This will no doubt end up badly for Lex because you know what happens to guys I date.”
Yes, they turn evil and die. I guess that’s why we never hooked up.
“No, you’re much funnier with that slightly disheveled Ethan Hawke from Reality Bites look.”
Good to know. Now Lana I hear you are going to present the trophy to the winner of this event.
“That’s right Todd! I’m so excited. I can’t wait to go down to the winner’s circle and bestow the trophy on the lucky owner.”
I’m sure the winning owner can’t wait either. Thanks for participating in the event Lana and I’ll see you after the race. Pretty great stuff huh race fans? The winning owners get a trophy presentation from Smallville’s lovely Lana Lang. This should ensure everyone brings his or her ‘A’ game.
Speaking of A games, here is one of those speedballs to watch, kevoman4 calling in with thoughts on his horse, Fragrant Son.
“Hey Todd, I really want to get into that winner’s circle with Lana. EAAA Racing is proud to send Fragrant Son to the Equinics. Are you as excited about his chances as I am?”
I do like his chances. What’s not to like? A 3-time stakes winner at 12 furlongs, a stakes winner at 13 furlongs he is pretty consistent in his winning times. Fragrant son likes to take the lead in his longer races and he’ll certainly be right up there in speed duel Saturday. For a horse that has proven he can win at this distance so many times, I think he’ll be there and won’t fade out of the picture. Let’s take the next caller.
“Hey Todd, KJ here, I know you like a pint of Guinness or five and we’ve certainly been tipping back a few of those in our Ireland Residency. Have I had too many, or does our entrant King Robbery have a chance Saturday?”
King’s Robbery is a stakes winner at 14 furlongs who posted an impressive time of 104 in that event. He can get the distance and will be one of the cavalry charge moving on the leaders at the end of the race. Give the old boy some Guinness in his oats the day of the race and let’s see what the luck of the Irish can do.
King’s Robbery is by King of Kings and this brings me to a European Sire spotlight segment. I want to take a look at two graded winners by Euro sires whose owners couldn’t make it to the show today. Both horses have lots of class and could be big factors in this big field. Pharao’s Tornado is the first, out of Doyoun and he wears the colors of Benelux and owner stars1. A deep closer, the Tornado hopes to be flying deep. His graded win came at 14 furlongs and he posted a 105 SF in that race. As long as the jockey doesn’t wait too long, the Tornado could be another who storms forward and gets a Garrison finish.
The Sadler’s Wells colt Parker is one of three millionaires in this race. I spoke with owner be1stfarms early yesterday and she had this to say, ”The Nexis Residency likes our chances with Parker. He has a strong fluid gate. He will make his run and be flying when the final turn looms. He’s a graded winner at 10 furlongs and a stakes winner at 12 and 13. Lots of class here.” I agree with be1stfarms assessment, a classy horse from a classy sire. I look for Parker to make a big impact on the race and of all the closers in here; I think he’ll be the one flying the fastest at the end.
I’ve got a couple more callers that have been waiting patiently on the line. First up is Viking Racing’s bobo. Viking Racing brings Kepler Alzao into the gate. Bobo, nice name for the residency, what’s going on?
“Hey Todd, thanks. We want our horses to compete with the speed and fury of the Vikings. Kepler Alzao hasn’t won a stakes race at 12, but he’s been competitive in them. Will that trend continue Saturday?”
I see Kepler Alzao as a very honest horse. He’s won at 12 in Allowance Company and he has been around the board in a few stakes races as you pointed out. I can’t recommend putting a win bet down, but any horse who has proven he can run the distance could put it all together and give you a run you can be proud of. While not a Viking saying, the Spartans used to send their sons off to battle by telling them to come back with your shield or upon it. I think Kepler Alzao will give it his all this race. Thanks for calling in.
Before we take the next caller, I want to mention briefly this Viking theme. As you know, I rarely steer you wrong when recommending items to you my faithful listeners and readers. Two Viking media items I want to recommend here, the movie The 13th Warrior which is an updated Beowulf tale and The Last Kingdom, a book by Bernard Cornwell which is probably the best Viking book I’ve read. It covers the Viking Invasion of England. Cornwell is one of the best writers of historical fiction out there. Before reading the Last Kingdom you might want to build up to the historical period by first reading the Warlord Trilogy, The Winter King, Enemy of God and Excalibur. The trilogy is about Arthur and is a realistic, gritty, Dark Age depiction of the mythical hero. Very good stuff. Redflag1 from Ohio Thoroughbred Racing, sorry to keep you waiting, you’re on the air.
“Are you sure you didn’t keep me waiting because I’m from Ohio?”
Well redflag1, you know I’m born and bred Maize and Blue and I don’t associate too much with that state down South, but we’re friends here in the Equinics festival (wink wink). What’s on your mind today?
“Skunkanisi. I’m thinking big time upset potential.”
Perhaps, but much like the Buckeyes against Texas, I think he’ll give it a good run but come up a little short down the stretch. Skunkanisi has talent being a stakes winner at 12 and 13 furlongs. He is a closer that will have to contend with a lot of traffic. I think he’s going to need a jockey who can navigate those pitfalls. As Jerry Jones likes to say, why not the Cowboys, why not Skunkanisi? A closer can win this race, but he’ll need a lot of things to align right if those front horses open up too large of a gap. Good luck with your run.
We have a few moments here because we had owner Highstable on the line but he had to go to tend to his horse. Highstable is a member of the NorthWest Racing Circuit and they have a large, temperamental Point Given in this race, Ancesttry. Ancesttry looks like he’s ready to run now and the Highstable connections are doing their utmost to keep him honed for the race. A stakes winner at 10, 12 furlongs has proven a bit too far for Ancesttry in his previous attempts. Highstable has tried out a new training method these last few weeks in an effort to get a final push down the stretch out of this big horse. He certainly looks impressive and I hope he has a good trip Saturday.
Well we are running out of time and we’re down to three callers left, a couple big guns and a scrappy horse looking to score a big upset. Projectx, tell me about Asilomar, the entry for Alpine Turf Club. I like the sire Smart Strike, very under-rated.
“Thanks Todd. We are looking for a big run. I know Asilomar hasn’t excelled at this distance, but he’s been training great and I hope he has a good run.”
He’s a stakes winner at 9.5 furlongs and as you say he hasn’t run as well longer. He’s tried 12 once and didn’t like it, but you’ve had plenty of time to put some stamina into him. I hope he runs a good race for you.
Project X reminds me of the X-Files, which they finally dropped in price on DVD. Every other non-HBO (another scam) TV series that comes out on DVD is priced from $30-$50, yet the X-Files was sitting up there at $90+ dollars. What gives? Who is doing your marketing, Gordon Gecko? Finally last week, the X-Files season 1-3 was re-released for $35 or less at Best Buy. Some of my favorite X-Files episodes were Ice, Darkness Falls, Anasazi, Bad Blood, and Detour. I must also say that the greatest technological invention in the last 5 years has been the mass release of TV series on DVD at affordable prices. I can’t even think of anything that comes close.
Reflect on that while listening to this, here come some big horses listeners, representing DelPenn who is slowly rebounding from the Smackdown they received from the GR Simsters is sdmforlife who has been playing Danzig in the stall to motivate his horse One Bold Rush. A Residency Equinics gold medal would be a sweet way to kick off the year for DelPen and One Bold Rush could certainly help further that cause.
“He really came on at the end of the year. Reminds me of Flower Alley a little. If he can get the distance, I like his chances. He also seems to get really motivated by loud guitar riffs. We had to pad his stall door because he started banging his head to Quiet Riot.”
2nd in the Travers (to Macho Uno) and 2nd in the Haskell, a millionaire and a stakes winner at 12 the credentials are impressive. One Bold Rush needs to improve on his time of a 99 SF at 12 to win this race, but he exudes class and he certainly seems capable of running faster than that. One Bold Rush is a stalker by nature and how close he lingers near the leaders will give you a good idea of how fast the front-runners are going. Come on feel the noise, One Bold Rush might just have that Garrison rush at the end of this race.
Finally, our last caller of the day is Louisville, proud owner of Belmont Stakes winner Macho Niner who is the clear favorite in this race and looks to take home the glory, the trophy, and a winner’s circle appearance with Lana Lang for The Kentucky Horseman. Louisville, are you worried, who is your biggest competition in this race?
“You’re always worried I think. So much can go wrong in a horse race. Obviously you always ask for a good trip and then hope it’s your horses day. We’ve been fortunate; Macho Niner has been a great horse for us. Its almost too much to ask for another big win here after winning the Belmont Stakes and the Travers but wow, it would be great.”
Indeed it would. Already $2.5 million in earnings, you have to be thinking $3 million.
“It has crossed my mind.”
You held off One Bold Rush in the Travers. Can you do it again, and who else can win Saturday?
“I think a lot of horses could win. Obviously One Bold Rush is a great horse. Both he and Slither come from pretty strong residencies so you know if they are representing them they have to be good. Fragrant Son has been so strong on the lead. I think we’ll run with him because we don’t want him to wire the field. Without giving away too much of our strategy I think the key to the race will be at the mile mark, we’d like to put away a lot of horses at the mile mark and make the closers run a monster time coming home to catch us.”
Thanks for taking the time to talk to us here today Louisville, I know you have a lot of other engagements. Good luck Saturday.
“Thanks Todd, see you at the track.”
Well that’s it listeners, our time is up. I hope this broadcast gave you some insight into the horses running in the Eddie Garrison here in Vermont. Just running in an Equinics race is quite an honor and every horse in there should be proud. Congrats to all the owners who brought them here, and may the best horse, and residency, triumph. Until next time….