Sunriver
 

is racing tomorrow at Aqueduct.


Race: 3 Distance: One Mile Surface: Dirt Age: 4 Sex: Colt
Race Type: Allowance Optional Claiming Purse: $50000
Jockey: Ramon A. Dominguez
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Race conditions: (UP TO $9,500 NYSBFOA) FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, OR RESTRICTED OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES OR OPTIONAL CLAIMING PRICE OF $75,000. Weight, 123 lbs. Non-winners of $22,000 at a mile or over since February 15 Allowed 3 lbs. Non-winners of a race since then Allowed 5 lbs. (Races where entered for $65,000 or less not considered in allowances).
Last Raced: 07/29/2006 at SARATOGA in Race 9
Finish Position: 6th


Will he improve as a four year old?

I doubt it.

for some reason i didnt think he was trained by pletcher? I must have missed something in the last few months

I think he was always trained by Pletcher. I am hoping he will improve and become a great miler.

You are right always under Pletcher's care

oh i thought it was Ward or Bond or someone... must have been wrong... not the first time!

Was he that bad last year? His two worst races were over sloppy tracks as far as I can remember and he ran a credible race in the Belmont. I agree that he might not improve that much, I'm just thinking that in the handicap division he might not have to in order to make an impact.

As annoying as Pletcher's 3YO loaded hand is, take a look at what he's holding in the handicap division: Master Command, Magna Graduate, Lawyer Ron, and potentially Sunriver. While all of those have faults, the guy is still loaded.

NT

I just don't see him improving over last year... especially after being injured. I'd love to see him run well this year, but I don't feel very strongly about him being any better than last year.

A horse NOT trained by Todd Pletcher? What were you thinking?

The race tommorow has Diamond Stripes in it who is 3 for 3 lifetime and
has not run since winning the Pegasus Hand. last October at the Meadowlands.
The gray gelding has been working well for Dutrow Jr.. Very tough opponent
for Sunriver in his first start back.

Looks like you've spent a day or two in the POINTGIVEN1985 school of strong opinions.;)

NT

Actually, I think that Harlington is still working out too (even though he hasn't been heard from in a year). And you can throw Half Ours into the mix, even though he'll probably keep him running 7F to a mile and not stretch him out.

Sunriver is classic placed and well bred. They gave him plenty of time and if he has totally healed, he could be a decent horse. I was never convinced that he was a "star in the making" but he looks like a pretty good one.

The Jones' were very high on him last summer and were devastated when he was hurt.

Well... Buffy asked for an opinion and I gave mine. If I was such a good student in PG's school of strong opinions, I would have added... I GUARANTEE he won't improve. :D

You are entitled to your opinion. :)

Exactly...and you probably would have said that if all of Pletcher's handicap horses ran in the BC Classic none would be in the super.

NT

Thank you. Why a thread about the overrated and unaccomplished Sunriver with nary a mention of the real story of this race? Diamond Stripes was the most exciting and promising late running 3YO in the country last fall. His race at the Meadowlands was exceptional ( I recommend watching the replay ) and if he comes back to his form from last year Sunriver better have a jet pack on.

Plus, the horse who received the worst ride of all time in his last start is also returning in this race.

Sunriver is, at best, the third most interesting horse in this race.

Half Hours? You mean the horse that missed both the Carter and Commonwealth? See him finishing up the track in maybe one more start.

BTW justed watched the replay very impressive and his maiden victory was outstanding. He could do some damage this year if he stays healthy. This is the horse we should get excited about.

Are you talking about Raceland last race?

I agree. Everyone stresses the relation to Ashado, yet Sunriver has a full brother - Saint Stephen, who has proven himself to be a solid useful horse.
Also can run on polytrack.