Borel off Mine That Bird

[Risen Star]

I'm sure you're all aware of this, but since I didn't see any links posted, I'm providing Ron Mitchell's report from yesterday on bloodhorse.com.

I certainly hope Mine That Bird and "Chip" Woolley get a suitable replacement, who will stay aboard, because a Kentucky Derby winner and his very gracious and classy trainer, deserve nothing less.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/ ... -that-bird

[Masterp]

I've said this on another forum, but you can't blame Borel at all for locking in mounts with Ian Wilkes. He has a full string, Chip Wooley is based in New Mexico. It's a matter of business. MTB will be fine and it just adds to his legacy and story.

[Syncopate]

That's going to be the thing since most of us migrated to other forums, that we're going to end up repeating ourselves. But to paraphrase, the MTB connections are going to always have this problem & ( IMO ) they can do one of two things-

1. Stay with Calvin, enjoy him when they can, but acknowledge he'll be jumping ship when the chance to ride for one of his main clients arises. And then welcome him back with open arms afterwards.

2. Go to a journeyman jock like a Mig that most likely will stick with the horse through all his races.

[Hollywoodmike]

The problem with Mine that Bird is that he does everything workmanlike without much hoopla. He grinds out his victories and obviously has enormous talent.
But compared to Rachel Alexandra, she does everything with exhilarating style and flash and is much more visually pleasing to the general public. Mine That Bird cannot compete with her brilliance and that is hurting him from getting a committed rider for the next three to four races.

[Moonwalker]

I hope MTB and his trainer can find a jockey who isn't promised somewhere else. It seems strange to have to possibly use a pick up jockey at Mountaineer on the Kentucky Derby winner. Seems like the jockeys want to stick with trainers and owners who have larger stables, so they will have more mounts with them in the future.

I'd love if he went with Julien Leparoux, but he might run into the same problem with Julien having to ride for one of his regular trainers or owners down the road. What about Jon Court, now that he's back at Churchill? It could be a "Jockeys" episode.

Mary MMM

[Risen Star]

I don't think Mine That Bird is a grind-it-out, workmanlike horse. His Kentucky Derby romp didn't look like grinding out to me and it was pretty exhilerating. The Preakness, although not as visual, saw him close with a good rush, if I remember correctly.

I don't buy the idea that a Kentucky Derby winning horse should have to enjoy a certain jockey when he can, until that rider goes elsewhere with bigger clients. Mine That Bird is A+++ quality now, and needs someone of that quality. I do admit that keeping someone so high profile will be a problem for Woolley's small stable, but since the Mig was mentioned, I think he'd be a nice choice, and what about Chantal?

Anyway, I didn't mean to start this post to be repetitive, but there are many here whom I didn't see on the other forum, so I thought I'd post Mitchell's report. The thread does seem to have moved along, which is good.

[DegenerationX]

Borel is so over rated and he has already screwed the connections once. Can't say the move is undeserved.

[Classy]

In general I feel bad for MTB. He is a very good horse and just feel bad for the connections no matter where they live.

[Moonwalker]

In general I feel bad for MTB. He is a very good horse and just feel bad for the connections no matter where they live.

I agree, Classy, Mine That Bird is an excellent horse. I hope he can find a good jockey who will stick with him through the rest of the year. Surely there is someone out there who isn't all booked up with other horses and trainers.

I like Calvin Borel but he has too many other commitments. Sorry to say it, but it's a good move to replace him.

Mary MMM

[Masterp]

DX, Borel is the furthest thing from overrated, if anyone has followed the CD meet closely, this guy is unreal and puts every single mount he has in a position to get a piece of, if not win the race, whether it be a cadillac or a rat. How has he exactly screwed the connections?