The One Horse Forego Couldn’t Shake
Following up on last week’s column about Jim French we are again focusing on forgotten and unsung warriors of the past, a series we will continue periodically throughout the year. This week’s column is about a horse that in our eyes will forever be linked with the great Forego. ~ Steve Haskin
The One Horse Forego Couldn’t Shake
By Steve Haskin
Arbees Boy with jockey Eddie Maple aboard for the 1974 Metropolitan Mile.
They came and they went. They dared to face the mighty Forego a few times, but even with the big weight advantages they eventually backed off and went their separate way. Forego outlasted them all – Wajima, Big Spruce, True Knight, Honest Pleasure, Stop the Music, and the others who either defeated or came close to defeating the powerful gelding in major stakes.
But there was one horse, an unfashionably bred $11,000 2-year-old purchase from a small stable, who kept coming back for more and never backed down right up to the end of his career. That horse was named Arbees Boy. Those who did have some success against Forego still ran against him no more than two or three times, but this unassuming son of Handsome Boy squared off against him 14 times, even though Forego got the better of him in 11 of those races. But those who witnessed their confrontations will remember Arbees Boy for the races in which he gave Forego fits, especially his shocking 60-1 upset of the mighty gelding in the Met Mile, and also the Woodward Stakes and Suburban Handicap, in which Forego had to gut it out to beat the plucky Arbees Boy by a neck and a head, respectively. On two other occasions, in the Governor Stakes and Marlboro Cup , Arbees Boy finished second, with Forego behind him in fourth and third, respectively.
So just who is this game and resilient colt who the vast majority of racing fans today never even heard of?
Let’s go back to a little-known trainer named George Weckerle, who had aspired to be a jockey until a spill in Ohio resulted in a fractured back and shoulder and forced him to give up riding. He spent the next 21 years working as a groom and exercise rider, and eventually as an assistant to the great Max Hirsch. When Hirsch died in 1969, Weckerle finally was able to break away and start training his own horses.
The trainer who was behind him 100 percent and helped him get started was Allen Jerkens, who sold him one of his Hobeau Farm homebreds named Ghost Train, who Jerkens said had his problems, but assured Weckerle he should “get out in him.”
Ghost Train had enough success to get Weckerle going. A year and a half later he still had a small stable, and that’s when Jerkens stepped in once again and recommended him to new owner Watty Lynch. Jerkens had always been impressed with Wecklerle, having seen him take horses out of town for Hirsch and how well he cared for them. Jerkens even sold Lynch a horse named Osprey, who won a few races. As Weckerle said of Jerkens, “First he get me the owner and then he got me a horse.”
Soon after, a business associate and old friend of Lynch’s named Henry W. Otis decided he wanted to own horses and the two formed Otley Stable, with Otis buying a piece of the four horses Weckerle had with Lynch. They wound up buying a horse together named Blue Fences from, you guessed it, Allen Jerkens, with the plan being to go to the 1972 Florida-bred 2-year-old sale at Hialeah and purchase three horses for a total of $60,000.
After buying a What a Pleasure colt and a Diplomat Way filly, a colt by Handsome Boy came into the ring on the second night who Jerkens told them he liked. One of the horses who had helped Jerkens get his nickname of “The Giant Killer,” was Handsome Boy, with whom Jerkens engineered one of his monumental upsets when the son of Beau Gar crushed the great Buckpasser by eight lengths in the 1967 Brooklyn Handicap.
With Jerkens’ endorsement, they bought the colt, already named Arbees Boy, for $11,000. In June of that year he won his career debut at Aqueduct by 3 ½ lengths at odds of 31-1.
By April of 1973, Arbees Boy had three victories and a second in five career starts, culminating with a dramatic come-from-behind score in the Delaware Valley Handicap at Garden State Park in his two-turn debut.
But his career became sporadic after that. He managed to win only back-to-back allowance races in his next 21 starts, but did finish second in the Dwyer and Jim Dandy, third in the Ohio Derby, and fourth in the Jersey Derby. He was 5-1 in the Travers Stakes with Secretariat sidelined with a virus, but showed little, finishing seventh of eight.
What was significant about those allowance victories, which he won by 4 ½ and five lengths, was that they were at Belmont, a track over which Arbees Boy would later run his best races taking on the mighty Forego.
By the spring of 1974, Arbees Boy’s career had hit rock bottom, with 10 consecutive races finishing out of the money. During that time, Weckerle sent him to Santa Anita for four races and even tried the grass, all to no avail.
But in the best tradition of his mentor, Allen Jerkens, Weckerle made the bold decision to run him against Forego in the Metropolitan Handicap, the first leg of the Handicap Triple Crown, even though the big gelding had already beaten Arbees Boy three times, once in an allowance race, in which they finished one-two, and then in the Roamer and Discovery Handicaps, in which Arbees Boy was beaten 8 ½ and 6 ¾ lengths, respectively.
Allen Jerkens always believed you should never be afraid of one horse, especially on the big stage, and Weckerle certainly wasn’t going to back down with Arbees Boy getting 22 pounds from Forego – 134 to 112. He also had been pointing the colt for the Met Mile all year and felt that Forego may have peaked already. But liittle did he know that Forego’s career would be one peak after another.
Coming off a sensational victory in the seven-furlong Carter Handicap, in which he easily disposed of arguably the two fastest horses in the country, Mr. Prospector and Tartan Stable’s swift Lonetree, while carrying 129 pounds, Forego looked all but unbeatable in the Met Mile. What was most amazing about his Carter victory and how easily he blew by the these two dynamic sprinters on the far turn, was that he was dropping back to a sprint off back-to-back victories in the 1 ¼-mile Gulfstream Park Handicap and Widener Handicap and three 1 1/8-mile stakes before that.
Original 1974 Metropolitan Mile track program featuring Secretariat on the cover. (Inqure for availability)
The Met Mile was looking like a repeat of the Carter when Forego circled the field and appeared ready to again engulf the field, despite the 134 pounds. At the eighth pole he put away the Frank Martin-trained Infuriator and set sail for home. He was still in front inside the sixteenth, but here came Arbees Boy with a big late run from the back of the pack, where he had been most of the race along with the powerful closer True Knight, who had tested Forego in all three of his stakes victories in Florida. While True Knight wasn’t suited for a one-turn mile, Arbees Boy kicked in and was flying down the stretch. He collared Forego and quickly drew clear to win by two lengths in a quick 1:34 2/5, paying a whopping $122.
What was most ironic about this upset victory was the fact that among the beaten horses was none other than co-favorite Prove Out, who Allen Jerkens sent out the previous year to upset the legendary Secretariat in the Woodward Stakes. And it was Secretariat who graced the cover of the 1974 Met Mile program. Jerkens was hoping to knock off another superstar, but it was the trainer who he mentored and helped get started that did the job this time. And in the process he took down the master as well.
To show the stark contrast in the wagering, the crowd of 50,656 bet $241,299 on Prove Out, $239,047 on Forego, and $9,208 on Arbees Boy.
Following the Met Mile, a rejuvenated Arbees Boy finished on the board in 16 of his final 18 career starts. In his next start he finished a fast-closing third to Forego in the Brooklyn Handicap, proving the Met Mile was no fluke. And after a fourth in the Haskell Handicap only nine days later, he finished second in four consecutive stakes. He was beaten a nose by Key to the Kingdom, to whom he was giving seven pounds, in the Stymie Handicap, run in a blazing 1:46 1/5; then was second behind Big Spruce in the Governor Stakes and Marlboro Cup, with Forego finishing behind him each time. In the mile and a half Woodward Stakes at equal weights, he and Forego rallied together and hooked up in a furious stretch battle. Arbees Boy was never intimidated by the imposing presence of Forego, and he fought him all he way, with Forego just getting his neck in front at the wire.
Arbees Boy kept running regularly through mid-December and had to be knocked out by all those grueling races from May to September against the best horses in the country. Despite making 18 starts in 1974, with the Met Mile his only victory, he still managed to finish a solid fourth to Forego in the two-mile Jockey Club Gold Cup; closed fast to be beaten a head in the Queens County Handicap, giving 12 pounds to the victorious Free Hand, while finishing ahead of the following year’s Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Group Plan, trained by Allen Jerkens; and closed out the year on December 14 with a third in the Gallant Fox Handicap at 1 5/8 miles.
His 5-year-old campaign began well enough with a fast-closing third in the Donn Handicap, followed by a one-mile allowance victory at Belmont defeating the top-class Loud. But in his next two races he did something he had never done before. He dwelt at the start in a grass allowance race and in the Brooklyn Handicap, finishing fifth to Forego.
Forego, left, defeating Arbees Boy by a head in the 1975 Suburban Handicap.
Then came the 1 ½-mile Suburban Handicap and a return to his former rider Eddie Maple, who had ridden him in 18 of his races and all of his biggest performances. Getting 16 pounds from Forego in their 14th and final meeting, they again hooked up at the eighth pole, and once again Forego could not shake free from his stubborn foe. Arbees Boy, as he had done before, looked the big horse in the eye and battled him every step of the way, with Forego just sticking his head in front at the wire. It was an appropriate conclusion for two horses who collided so many times over a two-year period.
Two weeks later, Arbees Boy dropped back to 1 1/8 miles in the Whitney and rallied from 12 lengths back to finish a fast-closing third behind Ancient Title and Group Plan.
That marked the end of Arbees Boy’s career. He developed ankle problems, perhaps from the wear and tear of 45 career starts and giving so much of himself even in defeat. A month after the Whitney his retirement was announced with no stud plans specified.
Maple remembers Arbees Boy as “one tough dude.” He added, “When he was good he was very good. He ran against the best and gave 110 percent. He was just tough as nails.”
As for Weckerle, he never had a horse as good as Arbees Boy. He died in 2010 at the age of 93.
The 1970s is known as racing’s Golden Age and is remembered for the number of great champions and Triple Crown winners, but it is the little known warriors with unbreakable spirits like Arbees Boy and Jim French who tested the champions and bought out their best that helped define the decade. And it is those forgotten heroes that we hope to continue to write about in the coming months and keep their memory alive.
Photos courtesy of Steve Haskin and New York Racing Association, Bob Coglianese
Racing historian, author, and award-winning retired journalist for the Daily Racing Form and The Blood-Horse, Steve Haskin was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame’s Media Roll of Honor in 2016. Known for his racing knowledge and insightful prose, he has been an exclusive contributor to Secretariat.com since 2020.
Slow times in HASKELL? Beyer gave it 103 BSR. ROGER.
I love these stories, Steve. They hit a chord that those who love horses hear in our souls.
A big salute to Dornoch who again shined to take down his second Gr. I, back to back. What I really admire about Dornoch is his heart….. he keeps trying and re-engages when challenged. Gives me thrills and chills when watching him race.
Dornoch and Forever Young were two 3 yos that I really admired this year as you know that they’re going to go all out to give you a run for your money.
BTW, did anyone notice that Dornoch and Forever Young both have similar colors, maroon and white silks? They are kindred spirits, indeed.
So many who know little threw in the towel on Dornoch long ago. Lol
They sure did!
Exactly!
Did Dornoch go all out for your money in the Blur Grass and KD?
The internal fractions were modest i.e., 48 & 1:12. Any decent horse that is worth its salr should be resolute in the lane.
Dornoch has clearly ascended to the top of the 3yo male division with his 2nd consecutive G1 victory.
The wining time for the 2024 renewal of the Haskell was well below the average of the last20 years. Further. it was the 2nd slowest in the last 10 renewals.
What time would the speedy Nysos and Knightsbridge record, if effective over the distance?
Like many others, I’m hoping that Nysos and Knightsbridge return to racing soon, but I haven’t seen any works, so it doesn’t seem likely that they will return to racing this year. I do wish that these outfits would inform the fans on what is going on with these horses. Why the big secret?
Would be nice wouldn’t it. 80 years ago when purses were a lot smaller and trainers and owners made a lot of their money on betting the race I could see but not in this day and age.
If HISA is there to protect the horse they should also be there to protect the betting public. In this day and age were betting is allowed in major sports, football, basketball, baseball the leagues requires team to release status or injury reports. I same the samething should be required horse racing. The tracks should be required to how many racing horses it has on the grounds. How many trainers (with permitted license) are on the grounds and how many horse are assigned that trainer.
Example:
Saratoga Race Course
1200 horse on the grounds
Trainers : 50
Trainer : Todd Pletcher 50 horses under his care
2 year olds 15 horses ( 10 colts & 5 fillies )
Then give the names and there status
3 year olds 20 horses ( 10 colts & 10 fillies )
Then give the names and status
4 year olds 10 horse ( 5 colts & 5 fillies )
Then give the names and status
5 year old and older 5 horse ( 3 horses & 2 mares )
Then give the names and status
All would be done on their website and weekly and on the same day (let say Monday by 3pm )
Come on HISA you should be here to protect the betting public too !!!
Great post, Downthestretch. This is so needed.
I’m all for transparency. Downthestretch. Workouts are published, so why can’t we get more details on the outfits running at the track. It can only help, giving the fans more information about the horses they follow.
I would like to see something like a complete stable tour for each outfit. A select few are published in Horse Racing Nation and the Saratoga Special, but they are not complete, covering only a few of those horses in the barn. There are many more outfits that are not heard from.
Mr Haskins…. do you have any thoughts on this? Does HISA have any power to get anything done around this?
The track was playing slow – those were good fractions, actually. Glad to help!
Thanks
You’re well aware Counter NUMBERS aren’t usually important in my view. Dornoch is all heart!
The Haskell was a surreal experience. I thought I was watching a replay of the Belmont. Not just the same two horses but the way they ran, especially Mindframe, who again was out in the middle of the track. I don’t think I’ve ever seen two such similar stretch runs with such unusual positions. I was not expecting that.
Great point! Is it still a rivalry when they don’t actually “hook up,” and are closing 6-7 paths away from one another?
Yes, I think it’s still a rivalry. Time will tell if it continues in the Travers.
Does a rivalry require either a team or an opponent to have a recorded at least a win?
In contend there is no rivalry here as Dorenoch has asserted his superiority over Minderman in consecutive meetings.
Dornoch has raced 9 times in a 12 month period. Mindframe has raced 4 times in 4 months.
Superiority. LOL. Let’s wait and see in a few months time. Ha ha ha
OK! Superiority is a strong word and most likely inappropriate. Would you accept dominance?
No, what I say is that when Mindframe has the experience, seasoning that Dornoch has, let’s just see what the outcome brings.
Repeat, Dornoch has raced 9 times over a 12 month period while Mindframe has raced 4 times in 4 months.
Do you understand the difference? A lad in grade 7 can easily overwhelm a lad from grade 3 in the schoolyard – superior/dominant – but when they’re both in their 20s the outcome may be quite the reverse.
This is EXACTLY why I do not take what I hear seriously. Many thought Dornoch was a ‘bust’, etc. A lot of people say alot of things. Lol
I was fearful that Mindframe would regress somewhat, why rush a talented colt but they are so eager to get that Grade 1 to secure a future stud career. With all that extra distance travelled that Mindframe covered you wonder if the horse has certain issues.
Davids,
BTW here was the work out pattern of Timberlake before the Haskell.
Now remember this is a horse that has not raced in over 3 months.
Last four works were all 5 furlongs (notice none were sub 1 minute)
7/13 1:01 (11/41)
7/5 1:00 (8/22)
6/28 1:01.2 (13/27)
6/21 1:00.1 (7/22)
2 previous to that were 4 furlong in the 48 sec range.
To me a horse of his caliber these are “pedestrian” and with the lay off of 3 plus month these kind of works would have worked only if he was a closer.
Now next week Arabian Knight is scheduled to run in the San Diego at Del Mar.
We know he has not run since last Nov Breeders Cup. Check out the way Baffert has brought him up. You will see a much different work out pattern. Baffert is prepping him to win right out of the gate after such a long layoff.
That is why Steve has said time and time again Baffert knows how to put a “BASE” on a horse. Barring any mishaps (breakdown, bleeding , obvious racing interference in the race) I say he will win this race and everyone else is running for second. (JMO)
Baffert’s “base” isn’t natural
Correct!
Thanks for the information, Downthestretch. I agree with you, I was surprised they sent Timberlake to the Haskell as, to my mind, had zero chance of winning. In fact, Timberlake outperformed my expectations. In days gone by, some trainers would send a runner into an impossible task just to prepare the runner for their next outing. I like the cut back in the next race theory of training.
Yes, when Baffert has a runner entered in a stakes race you know the horse is prepared to run and win. I’m not sure the modern US racehorse are best suited to Baffert’s regimen these days, that’s why they don’t last but that’s just a perceived observation which may be totally incorrect.
Blue Larkspur please explain your comment.
And David’s, they don’t last because the owners see $$$ in the breeding shed.
So pleased Dornoch won! I love it when he gets that gleam in his eye!
So were we! I guess my kid knew a good one when she picked him earlier in the year. I counted three times he was looked in the eye or just had a nose poked in front of him. I have never seen one that operates like this, but I love a horse that will fight to get up in a race. Saez has been riding him like he won’t lose, and Dornoch doesn’t disappoint.
He sure didn’t, Katy. And he now has the two biggest wins of any 3 year old.
The wait for Tapit Trice’s return was well worth it. Tapit Trice zooms to the top of the older horse division in style.
I wondered what had become of him. I never really got excited about him as a three-year-old, but he impressed me today. I hope he continues to run like that.
Jiffy, Tapit Trice was entered in the Alysheba Stakes in May, and then the Blame Stakes in June but both times the tracks came up wet so he was scratched. There were foot issues so the risk was too great.
Finally, Tapit Trice has made his return. He did it with style as he raced wide most all the way and was never threatened in the stretch. Welcome back, big fella! The older division needs you.
Yes, Dewey, triumphant!! I had a giggle watching him dismantle his opponents. Remember last year when some experts classified him as a ‘slow grinder’ well, ‘revenge is a dish best served cold’. Eat it up. Ha ha
“Revenge is a dish best served cold”. I love that line, Davids. Being a movie buff, I wonder if you ever saw the movie, ‘Dinner Rush’? It is a little gem of an independent film starring the late Danny Aiello as a restauranteur/bookie who has to deal with a couple of mob guys trying to muzzle in for a share of his business. He takes care of them and in the final scene utters the phrase “revenge is a dish best served cold”. Surprising, yet perfect, ending.
I think that you would enjoy this film, Davids. It takes place almost entirely in a restaurant in New Yorks’ Little Italy and what keeps your attention is a wonderful myriad of characters. The film has great production values and the cast is excellent. Check out ‘Dinner Rush’.
I thought he was better at the break than at any point 2023.
Yes, Katy, but Tapit Trice doesn’t have agility to ever rocket out from the gate. He was more focused this time.
Who is Charge It?
Hooray for Thorpedo Anna!
What a performance. We haven’t seen a 3 y/o filly quite like her in a while. My favorite thing about her is that she doesn’t have to have things her way, from trip to track. (Except maybe Brian up. They operate like a true team!)
First of all I did not bet on the Haskell as it didn’t not look like a good betting race as to me it looked like it would be a 3 ( Dornoch, Mindframe , & Timberlake) horse race. I figured Pletcher would scratch Fierceness for the easier route (no Dornoch) in the Jim Dandy. But as in the Arkansas Derby I am extremely upset with ride Prat gave Timberlake. Cox said he thought the horse was too close to the front in that race and was looking for a better ride. So what does Prat do he puts him right on the pace with Dornoch. If I am Cox I would get Prat off that horse he is an absolute IMBECILE. I have seen horses ruin because jockeys put the horse in unwinnable positions. Prat should have given Timberlake the ride that Mindframe got. Timberlake was shortening stride badly at the end of the race.
Otherwise congratulations to Dornoch he deserved the win as Mindframe is just not good enough as he (Mindframe) looked to have a pretty clean trip from what I saw just a slight bobble a the start.
Perhaps Cox should have stuck to his earlier assessment, Timberlake is a miler. The Monmouth track is what it is.
I don’t agree. Timberlake can be rated. He just needs a jockey that will do that. Example. Remember when Gargan experimented with rating Dornoch in the Blue Grass Stake…. failed experiment. Kentucky Derby he broke badly from the inside and couldn’t get to the lead horse quit trying. Goes to Belmont he lets the horse goes to the lead and wallah he wires the field. Lesson learned the horse wants the lead.
Example 2. Remember when Johnny V tried to rate Arabian Knight in the Haskell. Arabian Knight sulked and quit during the race. Next race Arabian Knight rider is Prat who let him run freely on the lead and he wins and at 1 1/4 mile.
Example 3 …. Game on Dude truly a front runner.and did not want to rate… usually lost because of being pushed to unreal fractions.
Example 4 Fierceness very competitive and loves the front end but may at this point have distance limitations beyond 1 1/8 mile. I expect him to win the Jim Dandy. But will question his ability win the Travers at 1 1/4 mile.
Prat will jockey Arabian Knight next week in the San Diego. He can carry his speed and wants no part of rating in that race it is only 1 1/16 and I expect him to win easily unless he has a mishap. or unless he runs into a very superior horse which I don’t see.
As far as a miler for Timberlake. If conditions are right he can win but there are faster horses ( perhaps Track Phantom) than him at that distance.
Supposing you are correct, which I’m not disagreeing with, don’t you think it was too ambitious sending Timberlake to the Haskell without a prep and hasn’t completed since March 30?
As for Mindframe, I see Dunkirk all over again, too much too soon. At least Tapit Trice finally got a descent break and comes back spitting fire on a track that was against him last year.
David’s,
For the race that Timberlake was asked to run today it was absolutely too ambitious. But the way Cox was talking before the race it did not sound like he would be near the pace at the beginning of the race. He would have needed a one mile work and one solid prep race or two 1 mile works in 1:38 to 1:39 range with emphasis on the last 3/8 of the work.
That’s what I thought originally prior to the race. Perhaps the track was too bias so they had to go anyway. I only watched replays so I’m only guessing.
Baffert wins the Haskell often because he has the colts ready for that type of race. I hope they ease up on Mindframe and let him progress naturally but that seems unrealistic.
Agree Davids.
Arbees Boy sired 58 named foals between 1976 and 1985, 35 fillies and 23 colts.
8 are listed as unraced (6 mares, 2 colts), 2 mares raced but unplaced; 24 with no racing history (9 colts,1 gelding and 14 mares).
Highest earner was a colt named Fletcher with $239,433 in earnings and a record of 146: 22-27-23. Bred by Woodside Stud in NY out of Forwardly (Native Charger). Forwardly produced a total of 3 foals by Arbees Boy, Ravenly (bred in Virginia by Otley Stable, sold for $5,200 in 1980 at Maryland Mixed Sale, did not race and no progeny), Wench (mare unraced, no progeny). Fletcher sired two fillies, one raced and one unraced.
One gelding was bred in Venezuala, raced one time.
22 of the remaining progeny raced and had earnings ranging from a low of $ 500 to a high of $60,318. Most in this grouping raced from 8 times to 76 times. Tristan B raced for 7 years, a mare named Dananeer had 60 starts, Play Dress Up, 49 starts and In A Bind (colt), 58 starts.
Most of the entries were for claiming and allowance races at smaller racetracks.
Most of the progeny were born in Virginia and the Northeast. The breeders mentioned most often were Otley and Viking farms.
The mares that were bred to Arbees Boy were relative unknowns as were their dam sires other than Arts and Letters.
Both Arbees Boy and his sire Handsome Boy are in the Netkieba database. Handsome Boy was the sire of two foals born in Japan. No progeny listed for Arbees Boy in Japan.
The one interesting thing I did find was Arbees Boy in the pedigrees of a couple of Appendix horses (Thoroughbred-Quarter Horse cross) and in the pedigrees of several Dutch Warmbloods, both on sport horse websites. These outcross breeding were and are used for cross country and eventing.
It would seem that though Arbees Boy did not sire stakes winners, his progeny did have stamina that is a desired quality in a sport horse.
Tried looking everywhere for the farm where Arbees Boy stood but no success.
Thank you Steve for telling his story. So many really good horses from years ago that seem to have vanished into obscurity.
Awesome, Lynda! Hope you are well!
I tried to make a post based on allbreedpedigree results I saw, but this website hates me, and it got lost. I am ready to give up! Not to mention, I had nothing as good as what you dug up.
I saw that one of the Arbee’s Boy daughters produced at least one registered Appy baby, so I love the sport horse theory.
Leave it to Lynda to find the breeding history of Steve’s subject horse , Arbee’s Boy. You’re a wonder Lynda and thanks for all your diligent research. You have come thru once again.
Lynda, I agree with Katy and Downthestretch. Wonderful info on Atbee’s Boy boys and girls. Am at a wedding tonight. When did DJs start morphing from one song to the next. Had to take a break. My hips are killing me!
The Paradise Garage or “the Garage” the birthplace of New York House – DJ Larry Levan. One could argue that ‘the Garage’ replicated David Mancuso’s DJ parties at the “The Loft.” From the beginning of the 1970s onwards.
The history of House Music is fascinating to read Detroit House, Chicago House etc.
Davids, trust you to know something obscure like that! I must not have done too much dancing back then.
I changed into my Birkenstocks at my coworker’s wedding last fall. I love to dance (terribly), but can’t handle it in heels anymore! Full disclosure- Glenlivet also helped my foot pain at that event. Have fun, Ms Blacktype!!
Thanks, Katy. If I had had Glenlivet, I’d still be there dancing.
Move over, Inspector Cousseau and Sherlock Holmes, Lynda King is on the case. Great job of research, Lynda. When it comes to pedigree, you’re the best.
It appears that Arbees Boy was not a popular stallion. 58 foals is a pittance compared to today’s breeding. It’s a shame, he had such heart and he deserved a better legacy.
Hope that all is well and that you’re back to full health, Lynda.
Thank you all for the kind words.
My knee is better but not healed, 4-6 months. No longer wearing compression wraps and knee braces.
…and Idiomatic again, digs in and gets the nod…..his rider stayed down against the rail, which allowed for Irad to get up alongside the big mare, and nearly get the win—the best jockey came 2nd, the best mare came into the winners circle….
She and Dornoch both ran what are becoming their signature races today. For Idiomatic, having a bit of a coarse head (and loooong face), is working out well! She ain’t purty, but she IS beautiful.
I haven’t seen many comments here about the Haskell, which I think may be the most interesting race so far this year. I’m a die-hard fan of Fierceness, and no matter how bad he runs, I’m going to be backing him whenever he gets around to showing us again how good he can be. But I’m hearing that there’s a good chance he’ll skip the Haskell and go for the Jim Dandy instead. If that happens, I like Mindframe. He impressed me in the Belmont, even though he was all over the track, and I think he’s ready for a good effort this time. But however it goes, this is a race to look forward to, and I’m anxious.
Jiffy, Mindframe would have to had regressed a lot not to win the Haskell Stakes but, with that said, the Haskell often throws up a surprise. I realise this will only add to your anxiety. Sorry.
I’ve heard a lot of chatter about Timberlake’s chances on the internet which seems surprising all things considered. The weather looks good so that’s something, it’s pretty miserable here in Melbourne. Cold, grey, wet, and windy – 46F.
We’re having a hot summer in Vermont–high 80’s almost every day–and I love it. I like summer to be summer. My anxiety about the Haskell is more the eager kind of anxiety. I’m looking forward to it. If Fierceness runs, you never know what to expect, and his unpredictability makes him one of the most interesting horses I’ve ever seen. But I think there’s a lot of talent here, and there are several horses that wouldn’t surprise me. It will be fun to see what happens.
High 80s is quite pleasant so enjoy the beautiful weather. It’s the coldest winter in two decades here but most of the days are clear skies and .beautiful The weather is not like a Northern Hemisphere winter, which is disappointing- I miss the snow.
From a consensus, it is expected that Fierceness is going to be scratched from the Haskell. Confirmation being that Johnny V is booked solid at Saratoga while only the Fierceness mount at Monmouth.
Constitution is a favorite sire in the US, so I’m hoping for a Mindframe triumph. Best of luck.
“Constitution is a favorite sire in the US”
Can you provide evidence to support the above claim?
Counterpoint, I could be wrong, but I think Davids is expressing a personal opinion, not positing a country-wide sentiment. Davids may tell you why he is of this opinion, but I don’t think it’s strictly necessary.
Yes, Katy, but the sales results also confirm that statement as well.
My response was based strictly on what was written. Despite my struggles with the English Language. I think I can distinguish between a personal opinion and declaration of fact.
How could the statement below be regard as a personal opinion when there is the absence any personal pronoun denoting it as same?
‘Constitution is a favorite sire in the US’
My reason for posing the question was largely due to popularity of prodigies of Gun Runner. Without any research he would be a USA favorite over Constitution.
In successive years Curlin was represented by 3 Breeders Cup Winners. Into Mischief still maintains a very high fee and he continues to sire top class performers.
If David has some information to share that influenced his conclusion, I am all eyes.
Knowledge is Power,
Constitution is my favorite sire right now also….
Yes Matthew, Constitution is getting the best broodmares now and his progeny perform admirably on dirt and turf.
Matt,
I am confident you will share the reasons for your decision to make Constitution your favorite sire.
I am all eyes!
Progenies of Gun Runner
Ha ha My personal opinion as well as the premier yearling sales results confirm his status. Watch the Saratoga Yearling Sales and Keeneland’s September Sales.
Do you agree both Dornoch with 3 graded stakes wins and Timberlake with 2 are more accomplished than Mindframe?
Why would a Mindframe defeated be continent on regression given has two more accomplished opponents?
Yes they both are more accomplished than the morning line favorite—if Nysos were in the race I’m sure he’d go off heavily favored…..Mindframe ran his eyeballs out, at Saratoga, I think he’s deservedly favored today…
This is after the results, but this would have been my response.
Your logic escapes me. The winner of the Belmont with 3 graded stakes wins and far more starts should be denied assigned the ML favorite due the fact that a last out allowance winner ran it eyeballs out in the Belmont.
Is that how MLs are determined?
Even it was determined that Mindfame would move forwards off his Belmont performance. Does it also mean that Dornoch wouldn’t. Both are 3YOs.
Breaking news that Churchill Downs has reinstated Bob Baffert immediately. Apparently all he had to do was admit he was responsible for any substance found in any of the horses he trains.
I think the lawyers on both sides must have made a pile of money on either side to come up with that one.
Ms Blacktype, a battle of futility ends. Kiss and make-up, all is forgiven. .
It’s the best news I’ve had in months!
Name one win BB’s lawyers got him in a three year time prriod?
And suddenly the Kentucky derby gets even more exciting again !!
So, only when BB has entrants the KD is exciting.
Come on man!
You’re joking,right? The Derby doesn’t revolve around him. Lol
Please!
Steve, I have to admit I was not familiar with Jim French or Arbees Boy but I’ll never forget them now after reading your articles about these great iron horses. We may never see the like of these warriors again and I thank you for bringing their stories to life for us. Great reads from great writing!
Idiomatic runs Saturday at Monmouth….this is the top dirt filly in US Racing….she’s not great—but Idiomatic has great heart! Every race she runs her determination is on full display—her will to win—maybe not always feeling her best…maybe not the best trip…..but always she comes hard, down the lane..
Another great one, Steve! Arbees Boy was another horse I didn’t know about. I like how these grand old handicappers went at so many different distances, and often tried turf and dirt. We are so used to specialists now, the schedules they undertook seem crazy.
Any idea where Arbee’s Boy ended up in retirement?
Thanks Katy. I couldnt find anything on him in the short time period I had. But I think he may have stood in New Jersey. Not positive.
Steve, how good was Slew o’Gold? I was reading up on his career – when he was good, it seems he was outstanding. It’s such a shame he wasn’t 100% for the BC Classic
He had 6 G1 winners in his first two crops – such a shame he got ill
And I can’t help thinking about Swale, who we lost so tragically …and Landaluce. She must have been something…
Slew o Gold was a terrific horse and underrated.
I was reading l an article that suggested his losing the Classic really hurt him
…didn’t get HOY, and was just kind of forgotten
If I remember correctly he lost HOY by one vote.
I think John Henry won his last seven in a row that year….
That’s right Steve. Slew O’ Gold was more than unlucky not winning Horse of the Year having won the Fall Championship Series for older horses – Marlboro Cup, Woodward Stakes, Jockey Club Gold Cup = as well as the Whitney Handicap.
A US turf horse would have to have won the Arc to beat that record these days. lol
Ouch..😢
Betsy, Slew O’Gold’s progeny weren’t favorable for the prominent yearling sales. Usually, slow developing, tall gangly types which was disappointing especially considering he had 3 Grade 1s + 1 Group 1 winner in his first crop.
Gorgeous, Tactile, Awe Inspiring + Golden Opinion. I watched Golden Opinion win the Coronation Stakes at Ascot – brilliant!! She was Champion filly in France, 1989.
Gorgeous was unlucky not to win a championship and Awe Inspiring was up against Sunday Silence and Easy Goer – tough year.
David, I LOVED Golden Opinion ! It was hard to follow overseas racing back then – I remember refreshing DRF site to see how she did, lol
Yes, Gorgeous really was. She battled Bayakoa in 1989, and finished 2nd in the Distaff to that one off of a 4 month layoff
OMG, thank you for reminding me of Awe Inspiring – I almost forgot about him, and I loved him so. He was ignored because of Easy Goer, but what a good horse he was
Steve, perfect!! Dredging up the history of the forgotten horses who, at times, shone as bright as the glittering stars of an era, warms the heart and moistens the eyes. I had forgotten Arbees Boy’s triumphs all together. Without the ‘little horses’ the glamour runner’s names wouldn’t be remembered either.
I’ve just been rereading your “Journey with the Greats” + photos. Wonderful.
Thanks so much David. I appreciate it. It makes me feel good to see people give a horse .most people never heard of his well deserved recognition
Beckman did the right thing. HM was telling him me needed a break – no wonder after his brutal trips in the Derby & Belmont.
I don’t know who Skinner is, but I don’t agree that HM is a hanger; he keeps getting rough trips and keeps on coming.
Hopefully all goes well, but if he can’t make the Travers, Beckman still did right by his horse.
My only issue is the jock. I’m not sure why he’s looking for a new one…Curtis and Geroux both gave good rides
Neither Honor Marie nor Sierra Leon had any excuse in the Belmont. They both disappointed. Iam of the opinion Honor Marie isn’t effective over 10F. He might just be at his limit over 9F.
As for Sierra Leon, instead of changing riders for the Belmont, Cham Brown should have removed the blinkers.
Well Honor Marie got bumped back, after the start in The Belmont, and was several more lengths back than he would have been….I did think he hung late—he has yet to show the close he had in his November Churchill Downs race, and I am in agreement with you about his (possible) distance limitations….But I’m still going to play him, and I intend to play the Honor Code filly in Saturday’s San Clemente Stakes….
I tend to agree with you, Matthew. Honor Marie ‘possibly’ looses the flashing ‘home kick’ being stretched to 10f.
Honor Code’s Met Mile was brilliant, and he won the Whitney at 4.years so maturity will help Honor Marie as well.
I honestly don’t agree. He had absolutely no chance in the Derby – and he was taken out of the Belmont early.
Honor Code was a completely different kind of horse
But I agree that HM will be even better next year. At some point they could try him on turf – he has a fantastic turf pedigree
Betsy, Dame Marie’s pedigree is littered with classy sprinter/milers and she herself was best represented on the track in coming second in the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes Grade 2.
There is no shame in being a crack miler, they make the best sires.
David, his dam is a half to the winner of the St. Leger, among other notable results.
In any case, I never said there was anything wrong with being a miler…I just don’t agree that HM is one or has distance limitations, especially based on two races where he had issues, one of which was ridiculous.
And, just to note, not every miler makes a good sire
Betsy, not many of any of them make good sires. Ha ha Yes, Rule of Law won the St Leger Stakes in 2004 but it wasn’t the stamina test it was 30 or so years previously.
So Honor Marie got a two week turnout, and won’t get a Travers prep….another 10 furlongs…..oh well I’ve come this far with him so I’m not getting off now—but I stuck with Skinner, as well—big kick but would hang, late…Honor Marie has been like that, while enduring bad starts. ..but Skinner came closer to winning—both are not large framed horses, for ten furlongs I like size…not so much heavy– but length in the frame….but Whit is standing by his horse and so am I….
For some reason, my response to you posted as a separate post
Two weeks is hardly a turnout.
Honor Marie and Sierra Leon possess a similar running style. But based on RR, SL is the better late closer. If both are fit and well entering a race only a bad trip by SL will result in HM finishing ahead.
You’re correct it’s certainly no turnout …but it is SOMETHING, and I thought Honor Marie looked pretty good in his recent :48 3/5 work….
I was just wondering…. does anyone know what happened to TUSCAN GOLD? He was considered a potential entry for the Belmont but did not enter. He last worked on June 1st and has not been seen since??? Curious.
Don’t you just love the transparency of horse racing. Miss the likes of Joe Hirsch. You would think somebody at DRF would have a weekly updates on what is happening to the top horses around the country. John Q and Ms John Q Public only hear crickets !!!
I agree, Downthestretch, but even the crickets aren’t telling us much, except for how hot it is. lol
Did BB provide a reason for Arrogate’s transition from world beater to plodder. None reported! Many times, trainers are at a loss as to why horses go MIA. A check of their enhancement program could provide some answers.
Arrogate was working well ahead of his losses. Sometimes trainers are reluctant to provided information. If the information provided is positive and the subsequent performance in negative. They are likely to get a vote of no confidence going forwards.
Bob was as perplexed as any of us, about Arrogate’s “mortality” at Del Mar…..my friend was there, he said Bob walked into the winners circle with Collected— with a concerned look…..
I really love these back stories, Steve. You bring back to life those unsung iron horses who gamely battled the big names of their era.
As mentioned by others, sportsmanship was displayed by the connections of these warriors who did not back down when facing the headliners in the big races. Sadly, this doesn’t appear to be the case these days when, more often than not, the big outfits meticulously avoid each other and we fans are left with 5 or 6 horse fields with a 4-5 heavy favorite to bet on. Not appealing from my perspective.
Keep these stories coming, Steve. They rekindle some great memories. Thanks!
Thank you very much Dewey
I always thoroughly enjoy reading your stories about all the great horses I missed out on as I didn’t become a horse racing enthusiast until ’92 or ’93. Even today I LOVE horses that always show up. Going by racing today, it boggles the mind the weight horses would carry and be successful running at so many different distances. Several times I caught myself saying “wow!” while reading this story. Wish I had a time machine and could go back and experience those times myself but your writing is a good substitute.
It’s been my pleasure to introduce people to these tough old horses whose careers went unnoticed. Thank you.
On a sad note, Louis Albertrani just passed away from a heart attack at the age of 67. He trained the great Artax, the champion sprinter of 1999. My heart goes out to his wife and everyone who loved him.
Another great piece on another remarkable, nearly forgotten horse of the 1970s. I’m so glad you got in that bit about his sire, Handsome Boy, walloping Buckpasser in the Brooklyn. That’s the first thing tht popped into my mind when I read Handsome Boy’s name. I guess the best part of my memory is back there in the golden days of racing. Arbee’s Boy would sure clean up against today’s older horses.
Thank you for the wonderful story about Arbees Boy. I remembered being miffed when he beat Forego in the Met Mile, back when the handicap triple crown mattered and I wanted Forego to win it, but I didn’t recall what a fine career Arbees Boy had. What a great story!
Arbees Boy is exactly the kind of horse I’ve always admired. How have I not heard of this gallant warrior until today? Thank you, Steve, for giving us another fantastic piece of horse-racing history.
I’m so happy you got to know him. Thank you.
When I first saw the article heading I thought it was a story about Wajima–who missed the 1975 Triple Crown but didn’t miss the 1975 Fall stakes, not by a long shot! Forego, Wajima, Foolish Pleasure, Group Plan, Arbees Boy and Ancient Title did battles in New York that Fall…Terrific battles, and Wajima stood up to Mighty Forego, I think he beat him twice, before ‘Ol Number Ten outlasted him, in the 12 furlong Jockey Club Gold Cup….
And the regally bred Avatar..
Steve,
Thank you for bring to light the story of Arbee’s Boy , truly a “Hero” horse. To be honest I never heard of or remember him until today article. I lived on the west coast at that time and of course way before the internet. News traveled pretty slow back then though I did see several of Forego’s races on TV just didn’t pay much attention to the other horse unless it was Forego or one of the other name horses. George Weckerle what a feel good story you told about him. He was so fortunate to be tudorred under the Great Max Hirsch and Allen Jerkens.
I really am happy that you once again bring the story behind the story in these articles as it gives credit to people who have helped make horse racing the “Great” sport it is.
Have a great week Steve !!!
It is very gratifying to introduce these old horses to people that did not know anything about them. Thank you very much.
Steve I love your old and new stories. Thank you and kept up the good work. ROGER
Thanks very much, Roger.
This was a great story, Steve. I’m familiar with Arbees Boy’s name, but that was pretty much the extent of my knowledge of him. I have all 24 volumes of the Thoroughbred Legends books (of course including your two!). I haven’t read them in a while, so I pulled the book on Forego and I intend to sit down with it this afternoon, just to dig a little deeper. I’m really grateful that you bring us these stories about some of the forgotten horses of the past and shine a light on them again. I hope you continue to dig into your file cabinet for more.
Thanks Beth. Glad you enjoyed it. Btw I wrote 3 Legends books. Lol
Sorry, Steve – I stand corrected!
Another great account Steve. I have a really good memory but yours ASTOUNDS me. Yogi was right when he said “You can observe a lot just by watching” You have expanded the view and understanding of what I witnessed back then. We lucky few did see and took part in that Golden Age and we are better for it. All I feel is I miss Handicap racing and owners who were sportsmen first and investment speculators second!
Thanks Derek. It’s easy to remember special times and get the full story behind these horses. I try to intoduce them to today’s racing fan, but to no avail.
They don’t have Yogi’s wisdom like we did
I could read these stories all day. Since I was around 12 years old at the time, I was walking around oblivious to the admirable horses and their stories from that era. I had heard the name Arbees Boy, but now I feel I can see him. I know some readers disappear after the Triple Crown, but for me, this is prime time.
I appreciate it Todd. Unfortunately youre in the vast minority. I write these because I enjoy it and for people like you. Hardly anyone cares about these horses from the past and their story.
Steve I was a 16 year old weekend groupie at the Keith Stuki barn! I got to feed Ancient Title sugar cubes, once with Charlue Whittingham! 1975! He had a tough year, winning The Whitney pulling high weight, a scorching hot day…Pincay got hurt and Pincay fit that big guy–Hawley kept him wide and barely in front of Group Plan the whole way around, like a match race— Arbees Boy was trucking late! Then he was right there with Foolish Pleasure, Wagima and Forego in The Governors Cup…a race at that time that “needed to go” but in the Marlboro Ancient was beaten badly by Forego and Wajima and I (correctly) predicted he was a bet-against in that short lived “National Championship” race— $250 K 9 furlongs dirt— Ancient Title was a tired horse, but at age five there were many good races to come, for the thick son of Gummo….I got to feed him sugar cubes and very few were allowed that honor….because Ancient Title could head butt you across the room!
By the way I intended to erase “race that needed to go” because The Governors Cup was a prestigious race—except by then The Marlboro Cup had sort of taken its place…
Matthew W., you seem to have nearly as many good racetrack stories as Steve! I was thinking that Ancient Title was a grass horse because of the race named after him, but he really cleaned up on the California tracks back in 1970s. Another amazing horse in a decade full of amazing horses.