- Home
- DRF Bets
- Handicapping & PPsHorsemen's ProductsReports
- DRF Gameplan
- The Wizard
- Quick Sheets
- DRF Picks
- Today's Racing Digest
- Key Race Report
- Positive ROI Report
- Moss Pace Figure Reports
- Debut Reports
- BreezeFigs
Access past performances- DRF EasyForm PPs
- DRF Classic PDF PPs
- DRF Formulator PPs
- DRF HarnessEye PPs
- DRF Daily Harness Program PPs
Racing and Wagering InformationToolsHorse Racing Links- Race Tracks
- Casinos
- Account Wagering
- Breeding
- Racing and Charitable
- Contests/Games
- Regional/Free
- Radio Shows
Get the most out of
DRF's online PPs with
Learn more. - Entries
- Results
- NewsCategoriesTrack ReportsTriple Crown Special Events
Exclusive content available only with a DRF Plus Plan. See Plan Pricing. - Blogs
- Video
- Learn
- StorePast Performances
- Preakness Store
- Compare all DRF PPs
- DRF Formulator PPs
- DRF Classic PPs
- DRF EasyForm PPs
- See all Pricing/Plans
REPORTS PICKS Harness PPs - Events
- Sports Odds
Email
The definition of "redux": Brought back; revived
Last year I wrote in a Laurel Park photo essay, "If you're a racing fan, and you probably are if you're reading this, go to Laurel Park." Well, this year I'll say it again: go to Laurel. But this time I'll be more specific: if you can get there, go to Laurel on Wednesday to see Rapid Redux go for his 22nd consecutive victory.
During the afternoon of December 13, the day Rapid Redux won his 21st straight, the infield tote board featured wonderful videos about famous campaigners of yesteryear - 'Laurel legends' - like All Along and local favorite Little Bold John. Diehard fans like myself just love the tip-o'-the-hat to what came before, and I imagine many of us will some day look back and say, "Remember when Rapid Redux was racing at Laurel?"
A truly enthusiastic crowd cheered for Rapid Redux when he returned to the winner's circle. They packed the background of Rapid Redux's win picture. They snapped cell phone pictures and tucked winning tickets in their pockets for souvenirs. Here's hoping that even more fans will cheer him on Wednesday (and don't forget to say hi to Billy Barton, the statue at the front entrance).
Above/below: Rapid Redux heading to the paddock on December 13, above, and in the paddock, below, trainer David Wells converses with jockey J.D. Acosta.
Above: Rapid Redux heads from the Laurel paddock to the track.
Above and below: Rapid Redux breaks from the gate...on his way to victory #21 (Tamara Faulkner photos)
Above/below: Rapid Redux wins his 21st straight race - an incredible feat - and, below, J.D. Acosta stops the son of Pleasantly Perfect for the crowd.
Above: David Wells with his record-winning star on the way to the winner's circle.
Above: An appreciative pat for the winner.
Above/below: David Wells, above, and owner Robert Cole, below.
Above: J.D. Acosta and his daughter Jdianez in the winner's circle. Acosta has ridden Rapid Redux in seven races during the win streak and will be back aboard on Wednesday.
Above: Fans love a good racing story, a tough competitor, a winner. Go to Laurel and see one run on Wednesday.
* * * * * *
February 2011 photo blog about Laurel Park: http://www.drf.com/blogs/visiting-laurel-park
Laurel Park's website, for more information about the track and the race: http://www.laurelpark.com/
 |
I have owned race horses for 5 years now and can tell you how hard it is to win ONE race. For example, I have a very game Speightstown filly that I claimed in Oct 2009 at the Meadowlands and she has run 15 times for me. A couple weeks ago she finally won her first race for me after many game efforts over the past two years. Riders don't always listen to instructions and that can cost a horse a race. We finally got a rider on her that listened and took her back early in her races and she progressed beautifully, running 3rd, 2nd, 2nd, 1st. I can't imagine winning 3 or 4 races in a row with her, never mind 22! It doesn't matter what level Rapid Redux is running at. All it takes is a stumble, bad ride, wide trip, hot horse running against him, etc. There aren't many ways to win a race but there are a ton of ways to lose one. It is hard as Hell, believe me. So give the horse his due. He is all heart and a real competitor.
|
|
GM: Why don't you just stay behind a slot machine to make your money. Sounds like you are a gambler, not a fan of the horse. Rapiid Redux, safe trip and best of luck to you.
|
|
Take nothing away from this great horse. Its an exceptional accomplishment for any horse at any level to win this many races let alone in a row. These horses give their lives to us on the track whenever they workout or race. He deserves the Horse-of-the-Year title for this accomplishment (forget about the humans behind him) -- especially in a year of mediocrity.
Rapid Redux for 2011 Horse of the Year!!!
|
|
Lovely photos as usual Barbara.
|
|
It's nice that RR has won a bunch of races as long as he stays in his "level" and takes advantage of a "fluke" in the conditions. However, they have every right to take advantage....since he is a gelding you would think they would keep racing hime....BUT.... if they run claimers he's "gone" and if the run Allowances he'll be quickly beaten. SO....take it for what it is a nice run and a bit a relief at tracks that run a menu of lower end races.
|
|
GM- They didn't exploit the cond. book so much as had friends enter just to make the races go. Everyone knew early in the day on the backside that 2 horses weren't going to run in the CT race. Surprise- 'van trouble' kept them from making the race.
i won't even get into my thoughts about the trainer, owner, and things that make miracles happen.
BUT, i admire this horse for what he's accomplished. After all, he has no control over his race conditions, or what is done to him.
|
|
GM- They didn't exploit the cond. book so much as had friends enter just to make the races go. Everyone knew early in the day on the backside that 2 horses weren't going to run in the CT race. Surprise- 'van trouble' kept them from making the race.
i won't even get into my thoughts about the trainer, owner, and things that make miracles happen.
BUT, i admire this horse for what he's accomplished. After all, he has no control over his race conditions, or what is done to him.
|
|
We own 1/2 sister to his dam and have been cheering him since his initial start - faithfully following his every accomplishment and celebrating the family ties! Pitched an idea to Peb for TDN Sketch of the Week..... "Blue Collar Boy" (lunch box in hand as he heads off to work (setting / breaking records!) - background filled with the elite record holders (Zenyatta, Pepper's Pride, Cigar, Citation) looking on. Guess it needs to be sponsored / commissioned. Prayers that Kentucky Horse Park / Old Friends will step up and provide forever home / fan access when retirement approaches... thil then, rock on Rapid Redux. Thank you Barbara for capturing this hard knocking gelding, recognizing what these guys do for the sport....... as ever, your work is first rate!
|
|
Oh how I love this set of pictures. The first picture just radiates off the page. How happy I am for his racing connections. Thanks for capturing a very important part of racing history. Shamefully, his last two historic wins were not covered live by our two racing television "networks" and fans had to hustle to watch the races live on line. I understand preexisting contracts, etc... but it still makes me sad that our racing history can not be covered live when it is happening. Great set of pictures Barbara and staff. Thank you!
|
|
If people actually could win once in a while then the public would care. But racing has destroyed its fan base through greed and corruption. 20 years ago, the streak woulda been a big deal.
|
|
The story is nice; however, optional claiming races compared to Citation? Not much to compare here, and the trainer has a suspect past... did he abuse Steph Beattie? as he was accused of doing? He' doesn't seem to be a very nice person. We'd like to see more class from this guy before we nominate him for the Hall of Fame... just not too sure about his character. I'm only going by the Federal Grand Jury report....
|
|
We should all be so lucky to have a cheap claimer that can actually win. To win so many in a row is a great feat. Proves his heart and skill are the real things. Proves his trainer has kept on the ball. Proves his groom has done a terrific job. Give credit where credit is due. Get off your high horse
|
|
We should all be so lucky to have a cheap claimer that can actually win. To win so many in a row is a great feat. Proves his heart and skill are the real things. Proves his trainer has kept on the ball. Proves his groom has done a terrific job. Give credit where credit is due. Get off your high horse
|
|
in regards to the comments of GM... that's why handle and attendance is down at tracks, not because of horses like rapid redux, but it's because new people going to the track sit around bitter old men like you and say "gee this was a fun day at the track, but who wants to come back again and be with all these old guys running their pie-holes all day long.
love your work barbara and good luck rapid redux.
|
|
Good horse, reminds me of the old times at laurel like Encaustic, In The Navy, and other cheaper horses who got hot. They should at least try a stakes race. You never know. Taking Risks won a big race once.
|
|
Good horse, reminds me of the old times at laurel like Encaustic, In The Navy, and other cheaper horses who got hot. They should at least try a stakes race. You never know. Taking Risks won a big race once.
|
|
I hate it when work gets in the way! Will see it after the fact. Love all the photos, never a bad post from you Barbara! Take care.
|
|
21 in a row is an awesome accomplishment. RAPID REDUX has been nothing but GOOD for our failing game.
Thank you Robert and David. you are cool guys.
How many race horses retire without breaking their maiden or winning even 2 in a row when you think of all the things that can go wrong in a race.
I was there for #19 at CT, #20 at MTR, and #21 LRL and I'll be there Wednesday wearing my yellow RAPID REDUX hat.
Thanks for the great pics, Barbara. See you Wednesday.
|
|
.
. .. UMMMmmm ..? I've been playing horses for 50+ years .. IMO the horse is anything but a cheap-claimer .. name another one that's won 21 straight.. The horse don't know who trains him or what races he run in .. You want to trash his trainer and his possible sins .. knock yourself out..
. .. Rapid Redux .. is everything a race horse is suppose to be .. runs his heart out every time..
. .. Is his trainer .. the only trainer that exploits the "conditions book" .. hell no ..!
. .. Rip on the connections all you want .. just don't dis the horse for doing what he's suppose to do .. and doing it better that any other horse that's been entered against him .. at least for the last 21 starts..
... Thanks Ms Barb .. for terrific photos and a nice article about a small track warrior .. love him or not he's still King of the B&C-Tracks..
|
|
Irrespective of the obvious that citation was one of the greats of all time and rr is no citation and irrespective of the allegations against the connections it's still a remarkable feat and rr is a remarkable horse. I'm so glad he will be retired soon and live a good life. I remember a grand claimer in ny many years ago creme de la fête -- those kind of gallant geldings should be as appreciated and treated just like stake horses-- rr would be welcome in my barn any day of the week
|
|
To GM: Better horses accomplished their winning streaks against their peers. Rapid Redux accomplished his winning streak against HIS peers. So sit back and enjoy the show and stop being a sourpus. That's what happens sometimes to a guy who has been betting horses for 40+ years.
|
|
Barbara, I so wish I could go to Laurel and see my old carrot eating friend at Laurel. Take lots of photos of this wonderful son of Pleasantly Perfect ( he is out of an Affirmed mare) and God bless. Lisa in NJ
|
|
RR's wins and accomplishments are exactly what this sport needs, a winner who begs you to go to the track and be a part of history. Horse racing doesn't need more runners who race 5-6 times, then retire to the Breeding Shed.
Rapid Redux wins again here.
|
|
Hi
I kinda think he might loose this time since last time he had
a hard time only winning by half length and the jockey said he heard the horse making
noise's after the race '' this was in drf Im not making this up
Im rooting for him and hope he keeps winning but this time its a big field
|
|
I think Rapid Redux's winning streak is great,how many more times does he have to win before they will let him retire. There is a lot to be said for going out on top.
|
|
We who love racing for the HORSES, think Rapid Redux is a wonderful horse.
American horses rarely have 20 races in a career these days.
Winning 20 plus races in a row is an incredible feat, regardless of the conditions of the races in which he is placed.
GIVE THE HORSE CREDIT, HE IS A SUPERSTAR, ALL HEART
He does not fill out the entries, only goes out and tries his best every race.
Appreciate him for the gameness in his heart and the will to win.
No NFL team had 16 straight wins this year!!!
|
|
This horse is an enigma. We have long been treated to the "New American Horse." Fragile, lazy, bred to run from the front door to the end of the drive way 5-6 times a year, then "rest". Pls folks, In this day and age, the fact he has actually run 17-18 this year is as impressive as the fact he won them all. For all those who criticize, post your personal resume and let's see what you have accomplished in your life and how many folks you have rooting for you. Where are you records in the record book. Neither man or beast needs to have been born with a silver spoon in their mouth to be considered a hero. In a world where we should all strive to "Do the best we can with what we have," This horse has achieved great status.
|
|
I have been playing the horses for 40+ years and find this whole Rapid Redux expose disgraceful. The horse is nothing more that a cheap claimer with a trainer and owner who have done nothing more than exploit racing conditions to establish a winning streak. It is little wonder that the sport has fallen to its current level. Instead of highlighting the horse's accomplishments, the situation and all involved should be exposed for the farce that it it is!
|
|
If I lived in the East, hell or high water ( or wild horses for that matter LOL) would not keep me from going to Laurel to see Rapid Redux. I was a groom for four years before I went to college. I had one filly , an Arkansas bred named Jay's Sue, that won five straight races at Arlington Park -from $10K claiming to Allowance-which was a tremendous accomplishment. She ended up winning 17 lifetime including multiple stakes. I only wish she would have run in this electronic age and would have gotten the respect she deserved. I only had a handful of others that won 2 in a row. Winning 21 times is a rarity and if it were so easy, then all the horses in his class range would be doing the same thing. Pick up a Form and just browse it and see how many horses you can identify that have won even three straight. Bravo, Rapid Redux!!
|
|
"Winning isn't everything, but the will to win is everything" - Vince Lombardi .
Seems Rapid Redux has quite the will, as he just keeps on winning in a very restricted class. Not that anything but the winning really matters all that much.
A win is a win, right?
Should be a great day and say "Hi" to Billy Barton, IF you are lucky enough to attend. And then there was...
"I suppose that if I were more perfectly adjusted, I would toss off defeat, but my name is on this ball club" - Vince Lombardi .
|
|
Hi Barbara livingston thanks so much for taking ur time to write and post all this pictures everything is really nice I appreciate it very much but the little girl is my daughter and her name is jdianez that's also the name that I have on my pants thanks again.
|
|
Thank you Barbara. That wonderful photo of Rapid Redux seemingly leaping into the air reminds me of a famous old red horse.
You have to love his competitive spirit, and his petulant antics at the gate.
Rapid Redux is very special, no matter what those who try to abase his achievement say; kudos to those who care for him, and keep him sound each day.
|
|
beautiful pictures barbara but hasnt that horse done enough its his time now to get a permanent rest!
|
|
I was at Laurel for #19 and #21. I will be there on Wednesday. See you at the wire !!!! Thanks for the beautiful photos Barbara !!!
|
|
Gee,
Can't get there from here, but will look forward to your report.
As always, and Happy New Year.
H
|
Best Bets
MUTINY was claimed from seventh straight loss, and returned eight weeks later to beat a dozen rivals in best effort since last July; back to dirt and back with Rosie Napravnik after turf try on short rest. RUFFINO probably won't match 92 Beyer earned last time on this track last fall, but grizzled old pro got back in win column recently, when claimed by savvy owner-trainer; second in '09 Empire Classic over sloppy going here. HILL CROSSING has been freshened since Mar. 18 score second off the claim that earned best figure since daylight win here last summer; needs fast footing.
Most Popular
- 1.
- 2.
- 3.
- 4.
- 5.
