Metaboss: The Little Horse with the Big Heart

48 hours from the running of the $550,000 Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park, I had the chance to sit down with Michael Arndt. Michael is a proud member of Facebook's Homeless Handicappers, and one of the owners of Metaboss. The son of Street Boss figures to be a major player in the Spiral, and is my personal choice in the race.

The winner of the El Camino Real Derby in his last start, Metaboss has come a long way in a short amount of time under the care of trainer, Jeff Bonde. A win on Saturday would elevate Metaboss to a serious contender for the 2015 Kentucky Derby. Michael and I talk about the horse, Saturday’s test, his ability to handle dirt, and of course, the chances of seeing him in the Derby...

Metaboss seems to be getting better with every start. When did you first realize you might have something special?

The Little Horse with the Big Heart was unraced when I bought into him, and yes, he is getting better with every start. Metaboss has become Street Boss' # 1 earner, which is pretty good since he only has had two starts this year.

Can you tell us what you were thinking when you saw him powering home to victory in the El Camino Real Derby?

Uh...I didn't see it. Tons of folks stood up in front of us, and Golden Gate's video board rivals several bowling alley TV's I have seen over the years, so it was no help. I saw the last 4 strides, and no other horse near him and I started yelling "OMG!! OMG!! GROUP HUG!! GROUP HUG!!"

How was Turfway Park’s Spiral Stakes decided upon as the next step for Metaboss?

Easy, a $550k and we can keep him in Kentucky til the Derby. We have no concerns about our colt on any surface, and we know many of the big names won't come to face our colt here. The spacing works great for us, and it's great for the next race, if we are lucky enough to make the cut.

As a handicapper, who do you expect to be the toughest competition for Metaboss on Saturday?

I expect Conquest Typhoon, Royal Son and Dubai Sky are the three runners we will be dealing with down the stretch but the horse from the 7 1/2 furlong race at Fair Grounds [Another Lemon Drop] could be a factor as well.

He drew an outside post position in the field of eleven for the Spiral, any concerns from breaking from there?

We are totally thrilled with the draw. The outside speed can pin Royal Son to the rail, and Metaboss can pick his spot. If we could have done the draw ourselves, this is where we would have placed him. It couldn't have worked out better.

Where would you like to see Alex [Solis] have him positioned early? Where do you expect to see him at the finish?

I would like it to play out as close to how the El Camino Real Derby did as possible. If we are within 4 lengths at the three-eighths pole, we are in good shape. A replay of the El Camino Real Derby at the finish is also - what I’d like to see!

Both the El Camino Real Derby and the Spiral are on synthetic surfaces, is there any thought to getting your stable star a prep on dirt before the Derby?

He ran on dirt BC day. He's fine on dirt. Danza is a Street Boss, he ran third in the Derby last year, but paid $100 at Arkansas because folks get caught up in the synthetic/dirt thing. That's the best part of my style of handicapping. I look for the horse who's the boss out there when they warm up. Our horse thinks he is The Boss right now, regardless of surface.

How well does trainer Jeff Bonde fit Metaboss?  

I really want everyone who handicaps to start paying attention to the whole team at the barns they favor. Jeff has been doing a super job for decades. And it's as close to hay, oats and water as it gets. Our vet bills would fit on a post it note. Chaco, his assistant trainer, that guy is a miracle man, he must be half horse. Mario, the groom, he and Metaboss are so sympatico it's a huge edge for us. And Tony has taught Meta so much in his time at Santa Anita, as his exercise rider. He tipped us early on - hey, this one's tiny, but something special is going on here. And now that the others' growth has slowed, our little late May foal is still blooming daily. We love how he is doing.

I’m guessing if all goes well on Saturday at Turfway Park, the Kentucky Derby will be his next stop?

Only if he trains well at Churchill Downs. We’ll let the horse tell us. We have a horse that we want happy and healthy for years to come. If he is entered, you know he is doing well. We are not Derby crazy.

Could there be anything better in racing than winning the Kentucky Derby?

Yes, seeing both our horses race for three years each and retire totally sound. It's about the horses. Mersad Metanovic says it all the time, the barn team does, we do. Hell yes, we'd love to win the Derby, but we will only be there if he is 100% and we can win.

Do you allow yourself to dream about what it would be like to see Metaboss being draped in roses on the first Saturday in May?

Not yet. I spent the first five months telling everyone "This is NOT a Derby horse!" Just wanted folks to appreciate each step and I truly thought he was too small. But he's kept growing and running his last 3/8ths faster than other horses run in the middle of the race while going 1 1/8th. He destroyed a strong field last out, without really showing his top effort. So yeah, he's a Derby horse, and we can win it if we get there, but I can say for now at least, I don't have Derby fever, I have Derby headache - try figuring out Derby arrangements for 20-40 folks... lol!