Book Description
With his breathtaking victory in the 2006 Kentucky Derby, Barbaro immediately captured racing fans' hearts and excited hopes of finally seeing a Triple Crown winner. His story was that much more captivating for the real-life heroics of his trainer, former
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful.......2007-07-18
Sean Clancy did a marvelous job with this book. I laughed, I cried (a lot). If anyone followed what happened to Barbaro this book is a must. Thank you Mr. Clancy for writing such a glowing story about this beautiful animal.
A truly wonderful, must-read story.......2007-06-08
This book was beautifully written and I enjoyed every page. Barbaro touched the lives of so many of us and I still feel the sorrow of his tragic injury and ultimate death. What a courageous animal! I also want to give praise to Edgar Prado who wept for Barbaro and probably still does.
This strong, tough as nails jockey has a heart and lots of soul and I admire him tremendously. Barbaro meant much more than a paycheck to Mr. Prado. I am a fan and admirer of this man who felt so much for Barbaro mand who grieved with the rest of the world at his loss.
No praise and no words could pay proper tribute to Dr. Dean Richardson and all the staff who fought so hard to keep Barbaro alive and whose main objective was that he live a life free from pain. What a valient struggle!
It's wonderful knowing there are still professionals who truly care, and human beings who aren't afraid of having a heart and aren't afraid of allowing the world to see it.
Read it Without Crying..........2007-05-13
This is a very well written book of the Barbaro story told with insight and compassion, without being maudlin. Of course when he wrote the book he thought Barbaro would live, as most of us who were rooting for him, did. So the tone is positive and the pictures are worth the price of the book. A great horse and a great story - worth every penny!
Barbaro: A Nation's Love Story.......2007-05-12
What a gift this is. Wonderful pictures and step by step story of this incredible horse. Wouldn't trade it for the world.
A compelling read and especially recommended to horse racing enthusiasts in general.......2007-05-08
Not since the legendary Secretariat has any thoroughbred race horse captured the imagination of the public so swiftly and enthusiastically as Barbaro. His was a story of high achievement over great odds and the promise of a Triple Crown winner - only to suffer a catastrophic racing injury that resulted in the shattering of his right hind leg. "Barbaro: The Horse Who Captured America's Heart" is also the story of a dedicated trainer, Michael Matz, and a veterinary science that brought the cutting edge of medical technology to the service of a badly injured and beloved animal. Profusely illustrated with full color photography throughout, "Barbaro" is a compelling read and especially recommended to horse racing enthusiasts in general, and Barbaro fans in particular.
Book Description
This up-to-minute book follows the story of Barbaro, the Triple Crown contender whose unlikely fight back from almost certain death from a shattered leg and ensuing complications captured the hearts of a nation who responded with a stunning display of love.
In 132 years of derby races, only 11 horses have won the Triple Crown, the last in 1978. Barbaro was a favorite to be the twelfth until May 20, 2006, at the Preakness Stakes, when his jockey, Edgar Prado pulled him up a couple of hundred yards from the starting gate. Subsequent examination revealed that he had virtually exploded bones in his right rear leg so badly that under normal conditions he would have been euthanized right on the track. But his owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, chose another path, one filled with anxiety and tears—but also courageous determination to save his life.
This touching, soaring book—filled with insights from Barbaro's trainers, breeders, caretakers, and owners—follows Barbaro from foal to colt to champion to perfect patient. But In the end it is not just a story of a down-but-not-out champion, but of human beings at their very best.
Customer Reviews:
EXTREMELY Disappointed.......2007-07-11
I waited to buy this book, knowing that I wasn't emotionally ready to read it. I eventually bought it when I bought W. Nack's Ruffian book and the book about Secretariat's groom. I read the other two books first, and then the Barbaro book. The Barbaro book is littered with mistakes. The editors did an extremely poor job. I realize that casual horseracing fans will probably enjoy the book and won't notice the errors, but there is sooo much missing from this book! I was extremely disappointed in this book. It is not a worthy remembrance of Barbaro, his connections and the fans worldwide who followed his story.
Barbaro: A Nation's Love Story.......2007-05-12
The book is a treasure showing many, many photographs of this wonderful horse. It gives great insight as to the challenges he faced and his life prior to his accident.
A heart-warming story.......2007-04-11
Barbaro was an excellent book and one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The authors did a wonderful job in relating the facts and the background about the horse that the world fell in love with. I would recommend it highly not only to all horse lovers, but to everyone who followed the amazing, and unfortunately tragic, career of Barbaro. It is book that you will want to share with your friends and family.
Very Disappointed With This Book.......2007-04-09
I was deeply disappointed with this book. Having followed Barbaro's recovery avidly on a daily basis, and having fallen in love with him, there is a hole in my heart now which cannot be filled. He will always remain a champion and will be remembered by all of those who loved him.
Therefore, much to my dismay, I was disapointed, not only by the book's appearance and presentation, but the writing, the errors, the apparent haste in which the book was thrown together to be released quickly.
I was looking forward to a really wonderful book, with photographs and a quality of writing and presentation that would be worthy in honoring this horse. I must say that my expectations were not met. I have returned the book to Amazon for a refund.
Nothing special.......2007-03-29
This book is about what I expected-- an overview of things we've already heard. Anyone who remotely followed Barbaro's story through the media already knows everything written in this book. Unless you've been living under a rock for the past year, this isn't worth the read. This book almost seems a sacrilege to Barbaro and to those who loved and cared for him-- the author seems to be willing to paste the horse's name on a mediocre book for the sake of a quick dollar. Do yourself a favor and read 'real' racing literature, like Hillenbrand's "Seabiscuit" or Nack's "Secretariat- The Making of a Champion." A quick internet search on Barbaro will uncover better information by more talented writers.
Average customer rating:
- ***BARBARO***A TRUE GENTLEMAN***
- Barbaro: Head and Shoulders Above the Rest
- Great Book!
- All About Barbaro
- Barbaro: America's Horse
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Barbaro: America's Horse
Shelley Mickle
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Barbaro - A Nation's Horse
ASIN: 1416948651 |
Book Description
He was bred to be a champion. He was born to run. Everyone said he would be one of the greatest racehorses of all time. Everyone said he would take a place in history next to Triple Crown winners like the fabled Secretariat.
Then, in one sickening, heart-stopping moment, everything changed. Suddenly he was no longer racing for glory; he was fighting for his life. And the horse bred to be a champion became much more.
He became a symbol of hope and courage for an entire nation.
Customer Reviews:
***BARBARO***A TRUE GENTLEMAN***.......2007-10-01
BARBARO is a true GENTLEMAN-CHAMPION. The way he won all of his races,
with all that integrity & class, was a wonder to behold.
Get this book, you will love it. The ONLY complaint I have is: NOT
enough pictures of BARBARO were included. I could easily have wanted
at least dozens more. Maybe my words here, will inspire some one to make
my wishes come true. ***GO***BARBARO !!!***
Barbaro: Head and Shoulders Above the Rest.......2007-04-17
This book touched me in a special way! I smiled, laughed, and cried as I read it. Ms Mickle's presentation of Barbaro's life, much of it from the horse's-eye-view, endeared me even more to Barbaro. I hope his full brothers are being nurtured and brought along in identical fashion. Great reading! NOTE: The Preakness Stakes is 1 3/16 miles long; it was not the longest race he was being asked to complete at the time. The Kentucky Derby was longer--at 1 1/4 miles (1/16th of a mile further than the Preakness). Long live the memory and legacy of Barbaro! My compliments and respect go out to those who helped make him a champion.
Great Book!.......2007-04-12
I absolutely loved this book....loved seeing a "baby" picture of Barbaro too! I really felt like I was right there with Barbaro as he was growing up! I'm sure I will re-read this book many times.
All About Barbaro.......2007-04-11
As a Barbaro lover, I enjoyed this book. It's simple, great for children, and talks about the best of this fabulous horse and his tremenous courage.
Barbaro: America's Horse.......2007-03-23
Although this book was written for children, I as an adult found it a very good read with great photos and explanations. I especially liked the personality of Barbaro threaded throughout the book which in turn provides children with the understanding that horses and other animals individually have character and intrinsic value. I would gladly recommend this book to both children and adults.
Book Description
Breeding the ultimate racehorse has challenged the minds of breeders and theorists for more than 200 years. Now, for the first time, students of bloodstock breeding have an opportunity to examine the theories of genetics, biomechanics, nicking, dosage, inbreeding, outcrossing, statistical methods, female family lines and heart score. The works of Bruce Lowe, Federico Tesio, Harry Laughlin, Joe Estes and many more are examined and evaluated.
Here, in one volume, is a wide and varied assessment of the major breeding systems and theories, as well as the history and background of each. The writers give readers all the necessary information they need to implement the theory and make it part of a breeding program. They also verify the relative scientific validity of the theories and various approaches to breeding. This, more than any other factor, sets this book apart from other attempts to offer breeding theory to owners and breeders. The authors ask, "Does this really work and, if so, how often has it been proven or disproven?"
By studing the varied breeding approaches and theories, modern breeders can use the information that best fits their breeding program.
Amazon.com's Best of 2001
He didn't look like much. With his smallish stature, knobby knees, and slightly crooked forelegs, he looked more like a cow pony than a thoroughbred. But looks aren't everything; his quality, an admirer once wrote, "was mostly in his heart." Laura Hillenbrand tells the story of the horse who became a cultural icon in Seabiscuit: An American Legend.
Seabiscuit rose to prominence with the help of an unlikely triumvirate: owner Charles Howard, an automobile baron who once declared that "the day of the horse is past"; trainer Tom Smith, a man who "had cultivated an almost mystical communication with horses"; and jockey Red Pollard, who was down on his luck when he charmed a then-surly horse with his calm demeanor and a sugar cube. Hillenbrand details the ups and downs of "team Seabiscuit," from early training sessions to record-breaking victories, and from serious injury to "Horse of the Year"--as well as the Biscuit's fabled rivalry with War Admiral. She also describes the world of horseracing in the 1930s, from the snobbery of Eastern journalists regarding Western horses and public fascination with the great thoroughbreds to the jockeys' torturous weight-loss regimens, including saunas in rubber suits, strong purgatives, even tapeworms.
Along the way, Hillenbrand paints wonderful images: tears in Tom Smith's eyes as his hero, legendary trainer James Fitzsimmons, asked to hold Seabiscuit's bridle while the horse was saddled; critically injured Red Pollard, whose chest was crushed in a racing accident a few weeks before, listening to the San Antonio Handicap from his hospital bed, cheering "Get going, Biscuit! Get 'em, you old devil!"; Seabiscuit happily posing for photographers for several minutes on end; other horses refusing to work out with Seabiscuit because he teased and taunted them with his blistering speed.
Though sometimes her prose takes on a distinctly purple hue ("His history had the ethereal quality of hoofprints in windblown snow"; "The California sunlight had the pewter cast of a declining season"), Hillenbrand has crafted a delightful book. Wire to wire, Seabiscuit is a winner. Highly recommended. --Sunny Delaney
Book Description
Seabiscuit was one of the most electrifying and popular attractions in sports history and the single biggest newsmaker in the world in 1938, receiving more coverage than FDR, Hitler, or Mussolini. But his success was a surprise to the racing establishment, which had written off the crooked-legged racehorse with the sad tail. Three men changed Seabiscuit’s fortunes:
Charles Howard was a onetime bicycle repairman who introduced the automobile to the western United States and became an overnight millionaire. When he needed a trainer for his new racehorses, he hired Tom Smith, a mysterious mustang breaker from the Colorado plains. Smith urged Howard to buy Seabiscuit for a bargain-basement price, then hired as his jockey Red Pollard, a failed boxer who was blind in one eye, half-crippled, and prone to quoting passages from Ralph Waldo Emerson. Over four years, these unlikely partners survived a phenomenal run of bad fortune, conspiracy, and severe injury to transform Seabiscuit from a neurotic, pathologically indolent also-ran into an American sports icon.
Author Laura Hillenbrand brilliantly re-creates a universal underdog story, one that proves life is a horse race.
From the Hardcover edition.
Download Description
Seabiscuit was one of the most electrifying and popular attractions in sports history and the single biggest newsmaker in the world in 1938, receiving more coverage than FDR, Hitler, or Mussolini. But his success was a surprise to the racing establishment, which had written off the crooked-legged racehorse with the sad tail. Three men changed Seabiscuit's fortunes: Charles Howard was a onetime bicycle repairman who introduced the automobile to the western United States and became an overnight millionaire. When he needed a trainer for his new racehorses, he hired Tom Smith, a mysterious mustang breaker from the Colorado plains. Smith urged Howard to buy Seabiscuit for a bargain-basement price, then hired as his jockey Red Pollard, a failed boxer who was blind in one eye, half-crippled, and prone to quoting passages from Ralph Waldo Emerson. Over four years, these unlikely partners survived a phenomenal run of bad fortune, conspiracy, and severe injury to transform Seabiscuit from a neurotic, pathologically indolent also-ran into an American sports icon. Author Laura Hillenbrand brilliantly re-creates a universal underdog story, one that proves that life is a horse race.
Customer Reviews:
Wow. Finally........2007-10-02
I was so annoyed after reading "Water for Elephants" that my wife recommended this book. Wow. Really wow. The writing was like eating a great dessert, page after page.
There are so many best sellers out there now that are terrible it's refreshing to read someone who can really tell a great story.
Kudos to the author. Thanks for renewing my faith in the craft.
Read this book.
from the depths of being burned out and washed-up to becoming a champion..........2007-09-29
I really like horse racing, but I only go to the races one or two times a year because I'm not good at picking winners. It is an exciting sport that features some of the most beautiful animals you'll ever see. Then there is also the thrill and the adrenelin rush you get during every race.
This book will give you a good insight into many "behind-the-scenes" aspects of horse racing. It is the story of an incredible horse who managed to capture a nation's imagination, but also a trainer, an owner, and a jockey who helped bring Seabiscuit from the depths of being burned out and washed-up to becoming a champion.
This is a great book for racing fans and also for people who never thought twice about horse racing.
Writing Skills.......2007-08-08
This is a worthwhile book even if you have zero interest in horses or racing. It is one of the five best written books I've ever read regardless of topic.
Seabiscuit.......2007-07-29
Very insightful, this is a summer reading project for my youngest daughter, who is 15, and this book although the basis for the movie, goes into more facts, and gives the reader a feel for all of the characters, providing descriptions, and allows for descriptions of their thoughts and emotions. I highly recommend this book for the complete and accurate story behind Seabiscuit well well well beyond the movie
"Seabiscuit".......2007-06-09
I loved this story.....The characters were dynamic, and the story was well written. Lots of impact, held your interest to the end. I bought the audio book, and listened to it while exercising.
Book Description
Thoroughbred trainer Carl Nafzger took 84 year-old Frances Genter's gawky yearling, Unbridled, and turned him into a Kentucky Derby winner and Breeders' Cup Champion. Millions of television viewers were touched as Nafzger hugged the frail first lady of the turf and declared, "You've won the Kentucky Derby! I love you!" Now Nafzger gives you his methods for developing champion Thoroughbreds in his book, Traits of a Winner: The Formula for Developing Thoroughbred Racehorses. In it he explains the four traits every champion racehorse must have and how to find those traits and develop them. Nafzger explains the key elements in successful Thoroughbred ownership. He tells you what to look for in a racing prospect, how much you should spend and how to bid during an auction. Nafzger gives you the key elements to breaking young horses so they reach the racetrack fit and ready to go to work. Once at the track, Nafzger tells you how to get "inside the horse's mind" and design a training program specifically for the individual. Nafzger shares his secrets for winning. He tells you when you should hire the best jockey and when you shouldn't, how to shoe your horses so they remain sound, and how to feed for optimum performance. You will learn how to ship into races so your horse arrives ready to race, how to campaign the Derby prospect, allowance runners, older horses and claimers.
Customer Reviews:
Carl Nafzger strikes again with Street Sense!.......2007-05-14
Carl's treatise on Thoroughbred training deserves another look now that he has won the Kentucky Derby again (2007) with Street Sense.
Carl and Wanda are a class act, he isn't desparately entering horses in the Kentucky Derby so his owners can have cocktail party conversation like so many of the his contemporaries seem to be doing now.
Carl lets the horse bring them to the Derby, if he's worthy.
Inspiring real life .......2007-01-05
Carl and Wanda Nafzger set goals and attained them in the highest manner in a horse business that often takes advantage of newcomers. The writer also gives a very clear picture of how horses attain the rarified status of "Stakes Horses" or continue on to the best of their abilities as "claimers" or in other endeavors. We bought and gave as holiday gifts five copies of this valuable story.
Great.......2000-08-05
this book is so awesome. carl nafzger is a well renowen trainer who can do wonders with a horse. this book tells just how good he really is. i recomend this book to other horsemen and horse racing fans all over the world!!
worthwhile.......2000-05-02
This is a book by a very conventional trainer about the training and care of Unbridled to win the Derby and Breeder's Cup. Mr. Nafzger sets out the training program of Unbridled, and for his stable, and as such the book gives a valuable insight into the methods of one successful trainer. I think Mr.Nafzger is to be congratulated and thanked for putting all this in writing. If you want to know how the majority of your trainers at the race track operate, this book is most instructive.
Very informative and easy to understand.......1999-06-06
Carl Nafzger goes a great job going over the aspects of race horse training in a manor even a person not involved in racing can follow. Great Book for all horseman and wanna be horseman
Book Description
The training secrets of Hall-of-Fame trainer, Preston Burch, are once again available in his classic book, Training Thoroughbred Horses. In it he explains how to select, train and campaign horses of all aptitudes to become tough, competitive winners. Burch will teach you how to select yearlings with potential, break and train impressionable young horses, select training regimens to condition horses as individuals, select races which will improve the horse, and how to pick the jockey which is best suited for the animal. You will learn how to feed simple rations that turn into strength and stamina, manage your racing stable so horses remain calm yet fit and how to win more races by understanding the condition book.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Start to Understanding The Basics of Training...........2006-12-18
The author writes from legendary experience as a thoroughbred trainer. Of course with any knowledge presented it can not possibly include every little detail regarding the subject but certain it can only enhance the experience one can acquire as a trainer.
Be that as it may, my motive behind purchasing this material was not that of becoming a trainer, but rather to become an outstanding horseplayer. To me, the more a horseplayer can learn about the horses including important details about how thoroughbreds are trained, the better.
This book offers exactly the information desired about training. I truly recommend others reviewing this material and also let me know what you think about the information, perhaps we can dialogue about the sport of training thoroughbreds. All the best! --- Stanley Pall
Superb.......2000-11-26
Impossible that present day horses would beat any horse trained by Preston Burch. Just read the exercise prescriptions in this book and be blown away. I certainly was. Here is carefully controlled training by a trainer understanding that his horses are participating in an athletic event. This is a book about conditioning equine athletes and also contains every other aspect of training and caring for thoroughbred race horses in a well written book by an individual who apparently understood the great care required. I held off reading this fearing it was dated, but what a pleasant surprise to find the extreme if succinct comprehensiveness here, every aspect is covered by a fellow who tried to do everything correctly. This is Ivers before Ivers, and one does wonder whatever happened to trainers like Max Hirsch and Preston Burch.
Preston Burch, where are you?.......1999-12-03
If every owner had a trainer like Preston Burch, there would be a lot more owners.
This is a cornerstone book for a racing library. There is a large amount of fundamental training information in this simply written little book.
The sections on conditioning schedules are invaluable. The degree of conditioning Burch afforded his horses is probably unmatched today.
Read this book, and then end it to your trainer (if he can read).
If you are just starting in this business...read this book........1999-02-20
If you are just starting out in this business, you should read this book. Preston Burch gives you a simple, direct and enlightening understanding of thoroughbred horses. This book may have been published almost 50 years ago but in every advancement man has made we constantly find ourselves going back to old knowledge and wisdom.
Book Description
On July 6, 1975, a 3-year-old filly named Ruffian was loaded into the starting gate at Belmont Park for a televised match race against Kentucky Derby winner colt Foolish Pleasure. Since winning her first race a little more than a year earlier, the unbeaten, unflappable Ruffian had literally raced her way into the hearts of a nation. One of those hearts belonged to Newsday turf reporter William Nack.As a boy in Illinois, Nack had carried in his pocket a trading card of his hero, Swaps, the winner of the 1955 Kentucky Derby. As a young soldier in Vietnam, Nack tuned out the midnight bomb blasts by listening to racetrack broadcasts from Santa Anita. Now, fresh off the publication of his astonishing biography of Secretariat -- described by Seabiscuit author Laura Hillenbrand as "the gold standard of horse books" -- he found himself smitten once again.But tragedy struck that summer's day at Belmont Park. After charging from the gate, Ruffian stumbled and shattered her right foreleg. She had to be put down. Nack's heartbreaking run with thoroughbred racing's most famous filly will soon be immortalized in a made-for-TV movie to be broadcast on ESPN and ABC. In this moving, lyrical memoir, he relives the afternoon that forever changed his love affair with the track.
Customer Reviews:
Nack's Romance.......2007-07-12
This short but intimate biography is a mini-version in style of Bill Nack's larger work on Secretariat. Like that great accomplishment, Bill explores both the animal and human pedigrees in Ruffian's life and meditates on the privilege of being able to witness in his lifetime not only the greatest colt ever to run but also the greatest filly ever to grace a track. His description of Ruffian's last hours puts readers right in the midst of the chaos and tragedy that followed her breakdown and reminds us of the dangers involved in this sport. There is no questioning the space Ruffian holds in Nack's heart. An excellent read.
Wonderfully Written, Intimate Account of Ruffian and the Horseracing Industry.......2007-06-13
Nack's personal account of his life in the horseracing industry is a perfect backdrop for this intimate, well-written account of Ruffian. Nack's insight and research is top-notch given his perspective as a reporter covering horseracing for Newsday in the early 70's; we meet his friends and experience first-hand the people who surround these wonderful animals - from Alfred Vanderbilt to Frank Whiteley, from Andy Beyer to Jacinto Vasquez. Nack's prose is rich - one of my favorite lines, "I had been around racehorses and racetracks for twenty years, and I had never seen a two-year-old do what she was doing - and with an insouciance that bordered on the downright cavalier, moving as she pleased with a restrained grace and power and at velocities rarely seen in animals so young. She was in my experience sui generis."
This is the best book I have read in the last year. This is the best book I have ever read on horseracing - perhaps even eclipsing Nack's first book, "Secretariat".
Read Jane Schwartz's book!.......2007-06-11
I think this book was dashed off as a tie-in to the most disappointing ESPN-produced
docudrama on Ruffian. Nash insinuates himself into the story to the detriment of the
narrative, which should be Ruffian-centered.
Jane Schwartz's Ruffian: Burning from the Start was so satisfying because it delved into
the background of all the principals surrounding Ruffian during her ascent and her
tragic demise. It's psychologically acute without sacrificing an ounce of the energy and
excitement surrounding this historically unique filly.
A racing must-read.......2007-06-04
Nack's new book is as much a personal memoir as a recounting of Ruffian's story. It weaves together Ruffian's story with his own thoughts on racing and his experiences as a journalist covering the sport. Nack's writing is, as always, beautiful and only occasionally over-the-top. I would not consider this to be the definitive book on Ruffian (that honor belongs to Jane Schwartz' book), but it is still a must-read for racing fans. Nack has managed to create a thoughtful reflection on the meaning of racing, and the brilliance of that lovely, amazing filly that was Ruffian.
Nack has the knack for writing about horses!.......2007-05-29
I have read both Nack's Secretariat and Jane Schwartz's Ruffian book. I am always a fan of Nack and always look forward to reading anything he writes on horse racing in Sports Illustrated. I was thrilled to learn he was writing a book on my favorite racehorse . I was a little disappointed that Nack's version of Ruffian's life was so short, but since Schwartz's book already covered Ruffian's life beautifully, it was interesting to read Nack's take on this magnificent filly. He actually brought something new to the table in his tale, and that is saying a lot since I have read every article and book on Ruffian that I could get my hands on. I like how the book, was also about his life and what he was doing during the best decade for thoroughbred racing. He clearly shows his passion for the sport, and it is nice to see his isn't just from the gambling aspect of it. He sees the thoroughbred's majesty and gets what lures all types of people to the sport, not just the hard core gambler. Even the casual racing fan will enjoy this book. I look forward to the movie (as it is long overdue), and I would also suggest that Nack write a story about his life as it follows all decades of thoroughbred racing he was alive for. Thank you Mr. Nack for all bringing this star filly back to life again. There will never be another one like her!
Book Description
Based on interviews, race histories and Woolfe's writings, Secretariat is a behind the scenes look at the famous horse.
Customer Reviews:
photos.......2007-10-09
I bought this book as a Secretariat and general thoroughbred racing fan. I discovered it in a book store in St. Petersburg, FL a couple of years ago, and just recently purchased it for my very own through Amazon. At that time, I remember seeing it on the shelf and with wide-eyes, removing it to sit on the floor cross-legged and look at the beautiful array of photographs. I couldn't believe that a coffee table book had been put together about my favorite champion.
And that's still how I feel. If one is looking for photos and photos and more photos of this red legend, this book is the one to own. I am just now getting around to the text, as I have read two Secretariat biographies already, but that is also well written and captures major and interesting details about this horse's life.
Thank you Raymond G. Woolfe Jr. for composing a book that is worthy of our 1973 hero.
He wasn't just another great horse.......2007-09-10
On Oct. 4, 1989 the evening news shows carried the story that Secretariat had been euthanized. I cried my heart out. Called in sick to work the next day. My personal hero had left us. The current generation of Barbaro-worshippers can't understand what it was like to watch The Red run. You knew you were watching history unfold, as much as when Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon. Secretariat lifted up an entire nation, kissed it and put it back down. We were sick of Vietnam, sick of Watergate, sick of being the trashcan the world kicks down the street. Secretariat, the most magnificent assemblage of bone, muscle, brain and heart walked out in front of us and said, "watch me." Simple and to the point. Bred in America. Homegrown and hardworking. And setting the gold standard for perfection. This book simply reminds everyone how he was and how he made us feel. Nearly 20 years later I still cry my heart out on October 4th. But I look at his photos and read the stories about him and I am grateful to have been a witness to something that defies description.
STUNNING!.......2007-02-06
This is an absolutely beautiful book about the greatest racehorse of all-time. Exquisitely done, this is a perfect book for you to just happen to leave laying on the coffee table.
Secretariat.......2006-08-29
Great book for everyone. Gives good insight into backgound on Secretariat before, during and after his races. Great insight into how he was handles, media pressure and everything around this great horse. Would highly recommend for everyone. Could not put down.
GREATEST HORSE OF ALL.......2005-12-27
I love this horse and this book. The pictures are just great. If you have any interest in horses, this is one that you cannot miss. The book is full of information and pictures that show Secretariat in all his powerful glory. This is one to keep.
Book Description
Analyzes and documents the impact of early frontrunning ability, and how it can transform into huge paydays for todays modern handicapper.
Customer Reviews:
The Power of Early Speed (Elements of Handicapping) .......2007-09-30
I can only half-finished but will not continue the book. If the people believe or love statistic records, the book is for them. Half of the book is stats records for USA dirt track ( unfortunately I am living in Australia ). I cannot enjoy the book.
Interesting presentation.......2006-08-24
The title says it all in that early speed is the ultimate bias. It's like in the movie Top Gun where Tom Cruise says "I feel the need, the need for speed." The stats of the sucess of early speed don't lie, & this book presents an interesting way of compiling them with an emphasis that includes field size. And a large part of the book presents charts on trainers, jockeys, etc. But concentrating on the 1st call only without the all important 2nd call & no use of fractions means that this work as providing raw numbers is only a starting point for further research. The books of Ainslie, Beyer, Davidowitz & Brohammer should be studied first, as while this effort presents a formula for early speed points, the best system is that one that compiles information & experiances using the most complex computer, the one above the shoulders.
Speed Kills.......2006-08-21
I liked the book mostly for the Klein speed figures, I have applied them with some success. I was disappointed though when I figured out that it was pretty uneccessary to figure them myself, TVG for example has speed figures that almost exactly mirror what I came up with using the formula from the book. But it did give me a new respect for early speed that I will continue to use in my handicapping.
Early speed is important. However, what is the meaning of the formulas in this book?.......2006-07-22
I agree that early speed is important in horse racing and in particular horse racing on dirt. Klein Speed Points and Klein Track Bias Numbers as mentioned in this book give the horse racing fans some kinds of objective measurement and idea on how the speed of a race will look like and the likelihood that a horse will perform better because of the favourable change in the pace of a race as well as track bias. However, the author of this book does not explain how the formulas used to derive Klein Speed Points and Klein Trace Bias Numbers are created.
Once again, I would like to stress that just knowing early speed is not enough. This is only one part of horse racing. Moreover, if everyone focuses on early speed evaluation, the inefficieny in the "horse racing market" will disappear and the profit will also disappear.
This book is OK to read, but as an experienced horse racing fans who have read many books on handicapping I found no surprise in this book.
A fabulous piece of research.......2006-04-12
Handicappers and writers have long talked about the importance of early speed, but now Klein brings a massive research project to the table to show exactly how powerful this factor is. Most handicapping books bring select examples or limited samples of a few hundred races results to the table, but Klein calls on the Daily Racing Form database to inclued over 1.6 million starters. He then details by track, condition, and class to provide more insight into return on investment for each. The idea isn't revolutionary, but the data that backs up his ideas leave no doubt as to the "Power of Early Speed." Klein's speed points appear on the surface to be better than Quirin's technique that he developed 20+ years ago.
I wish Klein had given his point technique somewhat of a test run and provided results of his test. It's easy to look back and talk about return on investment for early leads after the race is run, but I would like some proof of how effective the Klein points are at identifying leaders because that is what will produce results.
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