Transcript of Chat with Caton Brader on 10/19/98
Kellykip: Hello,Caton!!!caton: sorry I'm late!
Cindy: That's OK, thanks for coming!
Kellykip: how is everything???
caton: Everything is very well; just got back from the Meadowlands.
Kellykip: Cindy said she saw you there
BugsBunny: What were you guys talking about?
caton: It was nice to meet her in person! The race was exciting as well.
Kellykip: Miss you down here in Florida on the racing telecasts!!!
Trempolino: Yes, ALOT!!!!
Cindy: Big shock the way it ran though!
caton: I'm still here in FL, just not on tv. But hopefully I'll be back in action for the new year.
Kellykip: Gulfstream??
daisy: Caton, you are now going to be working for fox sports?
caton: Yes, unless there's a conflict with something else, like FOX--if that works out.
caton: Otherwise, I'll likely be back at gulfstream.
Kellykip: what are you doing now??
Trempolino: Caton, what are your thoughts about the way this year's BC is shaping up?
caton: I've been doing quite a lot of freelance work lately--Meadlowands, etc.
daisy: And I want to tell you how much I enjoyed you on all the telecasts... also, I used to love you on those Thoroughbred World shows... I wish the NTRA would revive them
caton: I would, too!
caton: As for the BC, I think this is oging to be one of the most interesting editions ever.
caton: I don't think the Classic is a slam dunk for either Skip or Silver Charm.
Kellykip: Too bad Kelly Kip is out.......
pie: Type HEREany chance of buffalo dan in the sprint
Trempolino: What do you foresee as the top stories?
caton: Yes, but I'm hopeful about Affirmed Success. I think a lot of him.
caton: Some of the best stories, of course, revolve around Baffert and Sonny--the rivalry, all that.
Kellykip: oh,yeah......those two!!!
caton: But I also like the juvenile races--Rick P. and Nick with The Groom is Red--great story, with Nick Z. coming back after losing the MacInvale horses.
Trempolino: and Da Hoss
Kellykip: Have you seen Erlton??
daisy: speaking of rivalries, the Zito-LUkas rivalry- has Tabor gone completely over to Zito now?
caton: The juvnile filly race is interesting--Barry Schwartz purchases a filly and ends up with a BC horse. And Pegrams filly, as well.
Kellykip: you mean Three Ring??
caton: As for Zito, I don't really know that Tabor is completely with Zito. It's possible, but he's still got horses with Pletcher, for sure.
caton: Yes--three Ring. Not as impressive here in the Stallion Stakes, but she should handle a distance, and the connections are fun people. Can't underestimate the Calder 2-year-olds, ever.
Trempolino: What do you think of Favorite Trick in the Mile?
Kellykip: No....I really like her.......A penny Saved dissappointed me/
daisy: What about Lukas's five 2 YO's he is entering in the Juvenille
Cindy: I know his son-in-law and he asked me to add Three Ring to my poll several weeks ago. His company does the NYRA website now.
caton: I think Fav. Trick has a better shot than most people think, but I have a lot of respect for the Europeans, like everyone else.
daisy: is barry schwartz the Team Valor guy?
Cindy: No, that is Barry Irwin
caton: No--Barry Irwin is Team Valor. Barry Schwartz is Calvin Klein.
daisy: that's right! Oh, yeah, the family is Tarnished Crown...
daisy: I am glad to know they are still in racing
caton: Lukas--I like Cat Thief best of all of them. I really don't think any of the others are really cut out for distance classics.
daisy: Yeah, that's how I feel.. particularly about Yes It's True... I wish they would just let the little guy be a sprinter
Trempolino: What of Sharp Cat and Banshee Breeze?
caton: I'm still most impressed with Lemon Drop Kid, to tell the truth. I think you can throw out the Belmont races for the most part, because of the track surface.
Kellykip: Cat Thief was impressive Sunday
caton: I LOVE Banshee Breeze, but that's probably more sentimental than anything. But She likes Churchill, will have no problem with distance and has already accomplished so much.
Kellykip: I like Nafzger,too
caton: I have a lot of respect for him with a horse like this.
daisy: I would love for BB to win the distaff!
Trempolino: Carl Nafzger a good BC story too!
Kellykip: me.too!!!
daisy: Caton, I thought you were working for Fox Sports ...
caton: I did a piece on her/Carl/the whole story for the ESPN Oaks show. I thought she should have won that day. And I liked the piece, if I do say so myself.
Kellykip: I saw it!!!......very nice
Trempolino: Yes it was very good!!!
caton: I've worked for FOX net, regionally, on and off throughout the year. I'm still waiting/hoping for a contract for next year.
caton: I think FOX isn't going to make any decisions on talent for the new horse racing series until after the world series, probably around Nov.1
daisy: Yes, you are missed on the ESPN shows... and I remember that you were the one in '96 who picked Grindstone for the Derby... not Editor's Note like the others
caton: And thanks.
daisy: although the others thought cashing a ticket made them right
Kellykip: ESPN is not the same without you & Chris
caton: I've been very fortunate to pick some of the right horses at the right times.
daisy: Caton... this may be a very odd ball question... but haven't you ever thought of being a race caller?
caton: I think Chris misses doing the shows, as I do.
Trempolino: Caton, why does there seem to be an insistence to put unknowledgeable people on these telecasts?? If I was a new fan to the sport, I want to be educated by people in and around the business???
daisy: I think it's time for a race caller
daisy: a female race caller
caton: I leave that to the professionals. Tom, Trevor and the rest seem to be doing a fine job.
daisy: Okay, gossip time,.... is Tom Durkin as nice as he seems to be on television?
caton: Some of the insistence comes from the Networks themselves. But it's a very fine line most shows walk right now, between educating new fans and interesting existing fans.
Cindy: What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
caton: Tom is a fine and upstanding indivudual and I'm fortunate to get to work with him.
daisy: okay, good, I have an A number one super crush on Tom!
caton: Seriously, I think Tom's one of the best racecallers in the game, and I've felt that for a long time. I really enjoy working with him at Gulfstream.
Trempolino: I was referring to some of the new faces, certainly not the elite company you just named--sorry for the confusion
pie: do you have any handicapping tricks?
caton: The part of the job I enjoy the most, besides getting paid to go to and talk about top horses and horse races, is meeting new people.
caton: It sounds corny, but I have a lot of fun going to all these new places and meeting up with people who have a common interest in the game.
caton: I also enjoy trying to teach people something about the sport that they might not know.
Kellykip: That's not corny at all
Cindy: And then they pay you for doing something you like. Can't top that!
caton: It's a great gig, if you can get it!
daisy: no it isn't! I think we all envy you!
caton: Handicapping tricks---a little tougher question. I'm a pretty fair handicapper, but a lousy money manager.
bacon: Hello Caton!!!!!
caton: Hi, Bacon.
daisy: Caton, have you been involved with any equine rescue efforts... I know that TBWORLD had lots of pieces on what to do with ex-racers besides breeding them
caton: My efforts have been primarily personal. When my father trained, we always worked hard to find good homes for every one of our horses (even the ones owned by other owners).
caton: I've also been involved with the Hooved Animal Humane Society, out of Chicago. they do rescue work for all horses--not just Thoroughbreds. But it's a wonderful organization.
caton: Years ago, when I worked at Arlington, there was a farm called "Epsom Downs" where we ended up placing some "rescued" racehorses.
daisy: many of us are involved in trying to help ex-racers... working with UPF, CERF etc... I think the racing industry does need to address this issue
caton: I couldn't agree with you more. Personally, I think it should be NTRA's number one priority, because ultimatly, the image of racing will be determined by how well it takes care of its horses.
caton: ALL horses--not just the really good ones.
Kellykip: Like Zippy Chippy
bacon: Don't know how much ground has been covered, but what is it with owners who look at these horses as only an investment. They are adults and know horses need lifetime care.
daisy: that and starting a jockey school ... and insuring the jockeys and other help against injuries
Trempolino: Does the NTRA have a tracking system for retired racers to monitor thier whereabouts?
Kellykip: there is a jockey school
caton: All good causes, but I think the horses have to be number one because they can't take care of themselve.
daisy: that's true..
caton: In fairness to some owners, though, I don't really think they all do understand the level of commitment. And I think some trainers (not most) do a bad job of educating them, or assuming some responsibility as well.
daisy: I think some of the big purse money... like 1% of it could go toward helping finding productive post-race lives for non-breedable race horses
bacon: Maybe consideration for the well-being of the horse after it finishes races should be made a contract clause.
caton: I don't even think it would take that much. It's really more an organizational problem than anything. There are so many things these horses can do, and so many people and organizations looking for horses.
daisy: There are so many programs that could help people and we could use ex-racers in them...
caton: The problem is knowing how to find them--putting the right people together with the right programs, etc.
daisy: well, caton, when you are the number racing analyst on tv would you help us with this cause? :-)
caton: I'll help whenever I can, even if I'm not the number one racing analyst.
daisy: thanks!
Kellykip: you are in our minds!!!
bacon: Making people aware is of great importance. When I read of what happened to Exceller I really woke up.
Cindy: That one was really sad because it was so unnecessary!
daisy: Caton, one thing that has always bothered my about TV ratings for racing shows is that lots of people are at the races for the big days like Derby and BC... are the networks aware of that?
Kellykip: I think Exceller was the exception to the rule.......
caton: just let me know. Seriously, this is something I've felt very strongly about for a long time. The latest thing about El Bakan really frosted me, But even though I thought the Exceller situation was abominable, I can't completely blame the owner on that. The industry should have been able to step in, or somehow keep the situation from every getting to that point.
caton: In a perfect world, no one would own race horses that couldn't afford them and didn't love them. But the same would be true for children, too, in a perfect world.
Kellykip: what happened to El Bakan??
daisy: but El Bakan was saved.. by John Harrell and some writers at TB Times
Kellykip: oh yeah......I remember now
Trempolino: Caton, remember Bankers Jet a few years back.....another who was luckily rescued
caton: because they happened to find out about him. But given the horse's original connections, it never should have come to that. It's a story with a happy ending, but still illustrates a lousy situation.
daisy: yes, like TURF found out about Known Ranger and Key Spirit
bacon: The general public has to be made aware of the problems.
daisy: Caton, sensitive question feel free not to answer... do you think women are more concerned than the men about this issue
Kellykip: the general public could care less......
caton: By nature, probably more women are horse "lovers" rather than serious gamblers. So maybe that's true. But I know a lot of men who feel just as strongly as I do about this.
bacon: KK, I would consider myself as having been part of the not caring general public, but awareness made a difference for me.
bacon: I simply did not know!
Kellykip: you have been a racing fan for how long,bacon??
bacon: I really got into racing during Cigar's carerr--before that just an occasional trip to Rockingham.
caton: someone asked me about ratings--the 20-something generation doesn't watch as much tv as the older generation. And with the proliferation of cable tv, ratings are never going to be what they used to be. They're still a good guage for advertisers, but the fact that so many are on-track isn't really as much of a factor as making racing a viable entertainment option attractive to advertisers and sponsers.
Kellykip: when I say "general public" I mean the person who Never watches racing, or could give a damn!!!
caton: I think you're right about the general public, to a point. But my experience is that once people are given a chance to care about something, they usually do.
Kellykip: which is the majority of the population!!!
caton: So, letting people now about the problem is an important part in solving it.
bacon: Thanks, Caton, you said what I was trying to say.
daisy: Caton, I think you would make a good spokeswoman for the NTRA ads.. I mean being in them...
Kellykip: Oh,I agree, in principle
caton: So, what would you guys like to see on tv? Not the adds--the coverage, I mean.
daisy: Well, the post parades are important... and I like to see the horse's pedigree ... race record...
GreatCommunicator: I have a few questions
Kellykip: yeah...I like seeing pedigrees
bacon: I miss the replay of the day's New York races that use to be shown.
caton: The Harvey Pack show?
bacon: Yes!!
caton: Fire away, Great Communicator.
Trempolino: Nooooooobody picked 6!
bacon: I'd have to tape it, but still got to SEE and races.
Kellykip: May the horse be with you!!!
daisy: Also when we had Prime Sports, Remington, Oaklawn, and LA Downs all had nice weekly shows... I would like to see those again
bacon: I remember Harvey Pack would warn the viewer if there had been a breakdown in a race and give you the chance not to watch.
GreatCommunicator: What's your opinion of Sharp Cat's chances in the BC? I personally think she will be a huge underlay and I also feel that she hasn't ran against a quality GR1 horse this year. Also, she is very suspect at a 1 1/8 around two turns. This will be my first question
Trempolino: Change Racing Digest back to Thoroughbred Digest. What have the ratings been for the show since the change?
Kellykip: NO!!!
Kellykip: I like the QH races......
daisy: me too! Orbit: I agree with Tremp
caton: I can't argue with your opinion of Sharp Cat.
GreatCommunicator: I also think that the handling of Fiji this year has been horrible and they are one race away from single handily ruining her Eclipse award chances. Any opinions on that?
Kellykip: i can do without the Arabs, but keep the QH's. besides, AQHA is one of the major sponsors
Trempolino: QH should have their own program. I like to see all racing covered, but if Thoroughbred's are more popular, they should have preference. Too much was cut away from the show--and it jumps around too much
caton: As for the digest, it's not a question of ratings. it's a question of money. The thoroughbred industry alone wasn't willing to finance the show on its own. Quarter horse and standarbred industries were willing and able to step in and fill the bill.
daisy: well I think the equine racing folks should all stick together... we all have the same interests..
caton: It's tough to guage the handling of Fiji without knowing the extent (if any) of any possible physical setbacks throughout the year. At one point, I did think she was the best turf filly in the nation, and I don't think she's ever gotten a chance to prove that. But then again, the year's not oever yet.
daisy: Caton, do you have any feel about who writers are leaning toward in the Jockey Eclipse award category
daisy: I really feel Gary Stevens was robbed last year
Trempolino: the last three years
bacon: Caton, what is your opinion of the importance of the Dubai World Cup?
GreatCommunicator: I also want you to comment on the prospect of Silver Charm probably getting the HOY with a win over Skip Away in the BC. I knew three months ago that no matter how big of a lead Skip Away had that he didn't have HOY locked up and now that scenario is being playing out to a T. The BC plays a huge influence in voting and Silver Charm had to win on Saturday to have a chance, he did and now he's one race away from getting HOY. By BC time NBC and all of the press (they already a
GreatCommunicator: I also think that the supposed "injury" Skip Away had after the Jockey Club Gold Cup was not a injury at all, instead it was from the normal wear and tear of a race, many horses get what he had after a hard race and it's never reported and I think this was just publicity to create a excuse and sympathy. Any comments?
caton: World Cup first--very important from a financial perspective. Somewhat important from a professional standpoint. I don't think that one race alone can win a championship, however, and it can really wreck a horse's rest of the year.
caton: Except, of course, for the Breeders' Cup.
caton: I think you're probably right about normal wear and tear being the same as what Skip Away suffered, but as to whether that makes a difference in how he runs next time--he's continued to amaze me throughout his career.
GreatCommunicator: I personally would love to see Silver Charm to get HOY just to shut Hine up and all of the Skip Away fans, to compare him or even put in him the same sentence as Cigar is a joke.
daisy: Caton... the Jockey Eclipses?
caton: I don't get to vote for HOY. The writers I've talked to down here have indicated that win, lose or draw at the BCup, Skip will have their vote. But they are a fickle group.
Kellykip: Hine has done a MASTERFUL job of training Skip away with NO major layoffs, & no injuries!!!
GreatCommunicator: I find it hard to understand why people think what he's done is amazing, he's lost 20 races on the dirt for God's sake!!! He's won 18 which is great but still.... I think you could keep many horses in training that were good at three or four and they could do what Skip Away has done.
caton: Jockey Eclipse is wide open, but I agree with Gary Stevens, and the way this stuff works out, they'll probably give it to him to make up for not giving it to him last year, when he deserved it.
daisy: Caton, do you find that Eclipse voters tend to consider setting track records and carrying weight when they are judging horses?
Kellykip: A horse cannot win every time in the gate, but to run consistantly IN THE MONEY is an achievement!
Kellykip: something Cigar did not do
caton: I think winning races and the popularity of the connections are still the biggest criteria. And generally, the East has more weight than the West, no matter what anyone tells you.
GreatCommunicator: As far as the voters are concerned Caton, I have two horses for you..... Ajina and Chief Bearheart. Those two weren't even in the top three in their division last year and they got the Eclipse mostly because of their BC wins. The same will happen this year with Silver Charm if he wins and he will also have many other things weighing in his favor, namely his connections which I think weigh huge when the voters look at Silver Charm.
bacon: Thanks Caton! Good night everyone.
caton: Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup races always count more than anything else, and then it becomes what have they done for us lately.
GreatCommunicator: I agree
GreatCommunicator: That's why Real Quiet is a lock for the Eclipse
Trempolino: I agree Caton, there is a bias towsrds the east--especially when the majority of media concentration is east of the Mississippi
Exceller: Fortunately it did not matter in case of Skip Away last year.
GreatCommunicator: Actually I don't think there is a Bias towards the East at all
Trempolino: is that right?
Exceller: GC, how about voting the Eclipse for best jockey?
caton: Not towards the East, necessarily. Just from the East. In other words, more East coast voters, and the midwest voters generally vote East coast, because they're more familiar with it. But that doesn't mean West can't win.
GreatCommunicator: I agree Caton
daisy: Caton, do you see any new trends emerging in racing in any of the areas?
Kellykip: what about turf sprints??? I think they are cool!!!
daisy: and also what is your opinion Caton of Churchill running their own KY Derby Future book bets?
caton: Not a lot of changes with the live product, but with simulcasting, everyone is trying something differect. As for turf sprints, some tracks go to them in desperation to get full fields, but they tend to really tear up a turf course, so a lot of tracks still stay away from them.
GreatCommunicator: I have another question. How did you end up in here tonight?
Cindy: I asked her to come GC.
caton: I still don't completely know how Churchill's book is going to work. My understanding is that there will be three different pools, and that odds are still pari-mutually determined, but I think it could be a cool idea.
GreatCommunicator: I also want to know if you ever read the Vinery Racing Forum and do you know of others within the industry that read it?
GreatCommunicator: They could get a lot of good ideas by reading it
caton: Cindy invited me. And I try to read the Forum periodically, although I rarely get to participate in chats because I'm on the road. i agree, there are some good ideas.
GreatCommunicator: Hey Cindy, I could get Mandella in here or RD Hubbard if you want
Kellykip: sure.....
Cindy: Would be glad to have them if they would come!
caton: Back to Churchill, I've always enjoyed playing a little through the Vegas future books on the Cup or Derby, so anything racing can do to duplicate that, I think is great. I'd rather give them my business than the casinos.
GreatCommunicator: I told them about it at the JCGC when we were next to them in our box
daisy: Caton, do you find that the different tracks have distinct ambiances?
GreatCommunicator: Arlington is the best, Santa Anita is next
daisy: and I mean differences that just aren't based on their geographic region
Kellykip: Arlington is DEAD
daisy: GC, I asked Caton
GreatCommunicator: Arlington will be racing next fall
caton: Okay, ambiance. Arlington, if it ever comes back, will definitely be best. I happen to like Del Mar an awful lot--not for the racing, but for the ambiance. Keeneland can also be very special, if the weather isn't lousy.
GreatCommunicator: Thank you, I agree
Cindy: Del Mar is a very nice place! I loved it there.
daisy: Well, that place is just fun fun fun all day long...
daisy: Caton, what about Hialeah? what do you think will happen to it? if Brunetti were to leave, could some one make a premier track again?
caton: Somehow, I don't think it's ever going to happen. But I do think it could be a premier track again, but it would take a lot of money, promotion, physical improvements, all that stuff.
Cindy: It is a shame to see such a historic place get run down though.
Cindy: Any more questions for Caton?
daisy: Caton, are there any handicapping gurus in your life?
caton: hate to do this to you guys, but I've got to go in about ten minutes or so.
Cindy: We really appreciate you coming here and talking to us.
caton: As for the gurus--I've learned a lot from a lot of people, and don't subscribe to any one person or theory completely.
daisy: we appreciate the time you have spent with us...
Kellykip: Caton....thanks for coming in to chat with us. Please come back anytime!!!!!
GreatCommunicator: Yeah thanks
caton: I know that sounds evasive, but it's true. I actually learned a lot working with Brad Thomas at the Meadowlands--he's a very good handicapper, and a smart money manager.
daisy: Yes, just drop in and be one of the group...
Kellykip: please do!!!
daisy: And I do hope that you get a good job on some national racing show!
caton: If you're curious about what I "use"--I do use Thoro-graph, as well as Beyers, Tomlinson turf numbers, and then what i pick up watching horses and races.
Trempolino: Caton, you mentioned earlier the piece on Banshee Breeze, what other stories and/or racing moments(on or off the telecasts) are special to you??
caton: Sandpit won the first race I ever did on national tv and I picked him (not that that was hard), and then followed hiim throughout most of his career. He was a special horse to me, and I have so much respect for his trainer.
GreatCommunicator: I agree, Sandpit was all heart and last year he showed me more heart then in any of his years
Trempolino: cool!
Glenners: Caton who's the Horse of the Decade, in your opinion
daisy: Do you have any guilty secret favorites... some horse that wasn't famous but you loved too much anyway?
caton: Shane Sellers started riding at Arlington the same time I started doing tv work, and we kind of came up together, so he's been kind of an important person to me. He says everything he knows about doing interviews he learned from me, and I've enjoyed watching him grow as a rider. he's a tempermental person, but a tough competitor.
caton: So far, I would vote with Cigar for Horse of the Decade, just because it is so difficult to do what he did, and because, even in defeat, he showed heart. Also, his connections were superb.
GreatCommunicator: You could line up the best horse in the world and map out a schedule of 16 races over a 20 months period against allowance horses he not only wouldl not win them all but I doubt he'd make them all.
Trempolino: Before you go Caton, if you had to pick the BC winners as it stands now, what are your predictions?
caton: As for personal favorties, right now, I really like Gentlemen, even though he doesn't win. I just like the horse. I liked Fiji an awful lot, too.
daisy: thanks for answering Caton
Glenners: that's cool
Glenners: yeah, thanks
caton: And I own a horse running in Illinois--an Illinois-bred maiden by Turkoman out of a mare my Dad raced--of course, he's my favorite if he never wins a race.
Cindy: Gentlemen is a gorgeous animal!
GreatCommunicator: I agree aboyut Gentlemen, he's showed more heart this year then last year and proved many of his skeptics wrong when they said he couldn't handle a full racing schedule
Kellykip: OK.....NAME???
Cindy: Yeah, they always say don't fall in love with your race horses, but I always love all of mine!
opie: do remember working Atlantic City a few years ago Caton?
caton: Turk Or Treat. He's run out of grass, but maybe he'll handle the dirt okay. We'll see. Oh, and I almost forgot--I worked for Ben Perkins, Sr. for a couple years and galloped a horse named Clever Doctor, who has never won a race except when I've been on him. So he's a favorite, too. And I fall in love with a lot of horses.
caton: I'll never forget working at AC. It's how I got in with ESPN. A great place to spend the summer, too.
opie: Do you remember a grass horse there named Carnival Knight?
daisy: Well, here's hoping that you get a great job on a national racing show!
Kellykip: speaking of ben Perkins.......what do you think of ERLTON??
caton: Not for the racing, but just fun to be on the Jersey Shore. Although it'll never be the San Diego shore.
caton: Erlton will be a very nice sprinter. i don't think he wants to go long, but he's a nice horse. He's also very handsome.
Kellykip: I really like him!!!
caton: I vaguely remember Carnival Knight. But I can't remember much.
Kellykip: He'a gonna be my kelly Kip for next year!!!
RockSand: caton, why are they putting less emphasis on a horse's breeding. I live in the sticks and don't have easy access to a racing form.
caton: they, meaning tv and media? Partly because they don't know it themselves, partly because some people have convinced themselves that it's not interesting to the general public--not good tv.
RockSand: But you can't understand the game unless you do understand breeding
caton: I don't agree, but you sometimes have to let people in on the significance of the breeding--why it's important to know that such and such is by such and such.
caton: I agree with you--not with them. But I think the biggest problem is their own ignorance of breeding.
daisy: Caton, would you suggest some people you think might be willing to participate in chats with us? Chris Lincoln? Tom Durkin?
caton: Okay, here's my BCup early pix, subject to change...sprint--Affirmed Success; juv.--Lemon Drop Kid; juv.filly--Silverbulletday; distaff--banshee breeze; mile--Desert Prince; turf--Swain (if he runs, but he'll likely be in Classic); Classic--Touch Gold.
Kellykip: any jockeys
Kellykip: you gotta be kidding in the Classic!!
Salish: Caton, I heard that you were a big success at Del Mar's America's Day at the Races (site handicapping in the pre-race show)
caton: Durkin, as far as I know, doesn't do a lot on line. But Chris would probably be happy to do it.
Kellykip: would LOVE to have Chris here!!!
daisy: yeah, has Byrne been setting up a betting coup with TG in the Classic?
Kellykip: Any jockeys??
caton: Pat Byrne--second time off the layoff, Churchill Downs, the Breeders' Cup; talented, proven horse--there's a lot ot like, except for the fact that he'll be coupled with Awesome Again and you won't get as good a price.
GreatCommunicator: Touch Gold??????????? Are you okay? This horse will never win another Stakes race again!!!! He shouldn't even be in the race and could get hurt when the others pass him. Orbit: Who is your other choice for the turf since more than likely Swain is going in the Classic?
GreatCommunicator: He will never get over the mental aspect of his fiasco at the end of last year
caton: They say Silver Charm is training great--if he runs his race, he'll trounce them. But I do think there's a shot that the last race could take a little something out.
GreatCommunicator: I'd be shocked if Touch Gold finished anywhere above last place
RockSand: Arch will surely beat him
Salish: Does this mean Skippy won't go in the BC, or that you think he'll be beaten if he does?
caton: Royal Anthem was very impressive yesterday; I give him a big shot. Orbit: Thank You Orbit: Also, what do you think of Swain's chances in the Classic?
caton: I've been wrong every time I've made a prediction about Skippy, with the exception of the Woodward. I just can't bet him in this one, especially at a short price.
GreatCommunicator: If Swain couldn't beat Silver Charm while wintering in Dubai he sure as hell won't beat him here in this country
caton: GC, we've agreed on an awful lot, but if you want to make a wager on Touch Gold finishing last in the Classic (provided he runs), I'd take that wager.
Kellykip: Don't ask!!!
RockSand: There you go GC!!!!!!
Kellykip: oh god...here we go!!!
RockSand: caton, GC loves that kind of talk
GreatCommunicator: Ha, I'll make a wager with you that Touch Gold finishes last as long as the field is 10 and under.
GreatCommunicator: I actually think he might get huirt running in this race, it's way over his head and he was beaten by a unproven three year old who gace him 8 punds, not that weight means anything though...
daisy: yeah, Caton, here come all the ifs! this guy has more conditions to his bets
Salish: Caton, do you have suggestions for the small owner and breeder?
caton: No, no. It's all in good fun. Stuff like this is what racing is all about. Although usually it's for the win! I'll take the wager--field size ten and under, provided he starts. But I'm not currently working steadily, so the wager has to be extremely reasonable.
GreatCommunicator: I'm not surprised we agreed a lot by the way Caton, you obviously know your stuff so that's the reason
daisy: I am sure that she has lived all her life to hear you say that oh Great Capon!
caton: Suggestions for small owner and breeder--most important, find a trainer that you like and trust and can talk to, up front, to discuss finances and expectations.
Cindy: Very good advice Caton!
caton: set some realistic goals--are you looking to win a race? Win a specific race? Win at a specific track? Make money?
GreatCommunicator: I'll tell you what Caton, we'll just make it a friendly wager if you'd like (although I would bet anything if you wanted to), if I win you come back here and agree with most of what I say and if you win you can name the price...
BRYCE: caton, what do you think about arch's chances in the classic.
GreatCommunicator: Arch is a duplicate of Formal Gold who ran in the '96 Classic
Salish: Thanks Caton. We have met those goals. Do you have advice for the small breeder? We live in WA but race in CA. I just can't get too existed about sending our mares to *stay* in CA in spite of the good bonus structure. (a lot of the fun is watching those babies grow up)
caton: Basically, this is braggin rights--but I'll take that wager. And I think Arch is really an interesting horse, but I haven't seen a single one of his races, nor have I seen him in person, so I'm waiting until I get to Churchill to form an opinion.
GreatCommunicator: Okay, good. Don't forget this.
RockSand: NO, GC, I saw fire in his eyes at Super Derby - He won't win, but I think he'll be in the money
GreatCommunicator: No way Rock, he raced against no one down there
caton: We have a lot of witnesses.
Cindy: And a transcript. :>
GreatCommunicator: Yes we do, but I have to know when you will come back after I win
Cindy: She can email me and I can tell you.
GreatCommunicator: She won't forget this bet because it's with me though
GreatCommunicator: Hey Cindy, is she going to the BC? Tell her about the gathering?
daisy: Thanks so much for coming Caton....I really appreciate your doing this?
daisy: didn't mean that to be a question ... meant it to be emphatic
caton: I'll come back on-line after the Breeders' Cup, either to collect or to agree with you, GC.
Trempolino: Caton, it's been a pleasure chatting with you. Thanks for dropping by and best of luck with all future endeavors--I'm confident we will see you back in broadcasting in the near future--true talent does not go unnoticed for long.
caton: thanks for everything, guys. I'll see some of you at the Breeders' Cup, I'm sure, and I'll talk to you again afterwards. Thanks for having me.
GreatCommunicator: Okay, I have to be here when you do come back though so someone has to give me advance notice because I plan on taking full advantage of this. I have a great weight ( and it's supposed importance in racing) theory that you will love to agree with...
caton: Good night, everyone.
Salish: okay, have a great time there!
Salish: Thanks for your attendance!
Kellykip: GOOD NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Orbit: night caton
Cindy: Thanks again for coming! You are welcome back anytime.
