More Trainer Talk, and thoughts on the PGA

[richiebee]

I try to mention this at least once a year when the opportunity presents itself.
On the subject of D Wayne assistants, it is always necessary to mention the one
who had the greatest potential, but was tragically never really able to display
it to any great extent. That would be Jeff Lukas, who may have been able to
accomplish quite a bit if not for his tragic accident with Tabasco Cat.

According to many, Jeff was every bit the horseman his dad was.

Whats up with Jamie Sanders, who the last time I checked was 3 for 160 on the
year, with 2 of the 3 being accounted for by Teuflesberg? Was she allocated
stalls by NYRA, or is she in a private barn? This is a pet peeve with me, as
the extremely low percentage trainers are as fascinating to me as the
supertrainers. Start with the basics, Jamie -- feed, farrier, vet -- and maybe
spend a little more time with that condition book.

PGA picks -- Retief Goosen (won US Open over this course in \'01); Jim Furyk (as
consistent as any recently, question is how extreme heat will affect his back);
Tiger Woods (has turned into a need the lead sort in major tournaments, so
Thursday round may determine his fate); Vijay Singh (might have the most
complete game on the tour when he is focused).

[Bull]

Hey Richie, I agree Vijay has a good shot this weekend at a nice price of 25-1. He does have some elbow problems and he has not performed well in the majors recently, but coming off of a good 2nd in the Canadian Open two weeks back, it looks like his game is rounding into form. He\'s won this tourney twice, and is a prime contender......

That being said, as horseplayers, let\'s go after a huge price this week. This major tends to produce longshot wins, so let\'s look at a few bombs who I think are overlays and could make some noise this week....


KJ Choi (40-1)
 Aside from Hunter Mahan, this guy is the hottest player on tour. Followed up a nice win at the AT&T (tiger\'s tourney) with a solid 8th place finish in the British Open. Last week, he just missed cracking his third straight top 10 by finishing T11 at Firestone. His game is scorching hot right now and is currently 5th on this year\'s money list....has a great shot this week.

Scott Verplank (75-1)
 Not the longest hitter on the tour, but given the heat, the ball should be flying. If anyone knows the heat and humidity, it is this Oklahoma native who played his college golf at Oklahoma State. Playing solid golf right now with five top 10\'s in his last six events. Won the Byron Nelson this year in impressive fashion. He\'s 20th on the tour in driving accuracy and 38th in putting. We\'ve been waiting for him to breakthrough at a major and given the homecooking, this could be the week at a great price.

Jonathan Byrd (150-1)
 Many of those reading this probably have never heard of him, but the guy can play. Won the John Deere two starts back and followed it up with a top 25 effort (T23) at the British Open. Has not had too many shots in majors, but if you\'re looking for a SUPER BOMB to play, look no further. Ranked 2nd on the tour in putting (putts per hole) and leads the tour in Sand Saves. More importantly, he leads the tour in birdies per round at 3.85 per round this year. At a tournament that habitually produces low scores, give me a birdie machine who can flat out putt the golf ball. Not saying he\'s got a monster chance, but christ he\'s 150-1, and has more positives than negatives coming into this week.



Seeing as how this is a horse racing board, i will throw in a horse comment.... How many of you caught Maimonides almost 12 length debut romp today at the Spa?
Ran fractions of 22, 45.3, 57.6 to finish the 5.5 furlongs in 104.4 under a hand ride by Bejerano. Just effortless!!!


Good Luck!!!


-Bull