Steve Haskin

MODERATOR:
Welcome to the first of what we hope will be many informative and entertaining live discussions with Thoroughbred industry leaders, equine veterinary experts, and the stars of the game. Today, we are pleased to have as our featured guest, the senior correspondent for The Blood-Horse, Mr. Steve Haskin.

So, while Steve answers the first few questions from our live audience, let's start by reviewing some of the questions submitted in advance of today's live talk.

Mount Prospect, IL:
Why did you get off the Bandini bandwagon? He appears to be improving off every start and looks to peak come Derby day. Beyers continue higher and should come from off a very good pace.

Haskin:
I've had him ranked either second or third, so I really don't consider myself off his bandwagon. I still believe he is a very talented horse, as he showed in the Blue Grass. I think the top three spots are between him, Bellamy Road, and Afleet Alex. He comes out in the dark every morning, so I haven't gotten a chance to really see him train, and that's what my final picks are based on.

Pennsylvania:
Bellamy Road looked really impressive in his Wood win, and even in his allowance win before that. He continues to impress in the mornings. While he looked impressive, Afleet Alex looked equally impressive in his Arkansas Derby win. What do you think will be the result when the two face off in the Derby? Who has the upper hand?

Haskin:
I think Afleet Alex has a slight upper hand, because he's proven himself to be more versatile, and able to come off the pace. Bellamy Road could be a freak and win by 5 and it wouldn't surprise me at all, but he'll be facing a lot of heat near the lead, and we really don't know how he'll react to it.

To read the complete transcript of this chat, along with many others, check out Best of Talkin’ Horses.

Best of Talkin’ Horses features provocative “chats” with some of Thoroughbred racing’s most prominent names. Adapted from “Talkin’ Horses,” the popular weekly online chat series hosted by Bloodhorse.com, this edited collection provides additional insights by Ron Mitchell, editor and moderator of “Talkin’ Horses."