Robby blames Curlin
 

Interesting:

"He shuffled back and checked himself a few times. He really didn't level off. He'd never had that experience before to be behind like that. But turning for home he came running."

—jockey Robby Albarado on CURLIN (Smart Strike), who suffered the first loss of his career when third in the Derby

Why did the horse "check himself"? Maybe because Robby was bouncing him off other horses? "Checked himself" when Robby chose to run up on the back of a wall of horses instead of taking the rail?

Sad when a jock blames the horse. The horse is just an animal. And before this wreck of a ride Robby was saying how Curlin was a "push button horse that you could do anything with". Now it's the horses fault.

It's lucky that Curlin even lived through that ride.

Wouldn't be surprise with a jockey change for him down the road.

I think that horse did kind of put himself in a bad spot. I dont like Robby at all, infact hes one of my least favorite big names. It goes without saying Curlin was going to get covered by at least 7 horses, being as green as he is its not surprising to hear he checked himself and didnt level off. Not that Robby helped any.

If I were the owners I would take Albarado off after such a studpid statement. Albarado's ride left a lot to be desired, it did seem like he was pushing the horse into a wall of horses. I would get Johnny V, Gomez or Prado to ride this horse, all of whom I am sure would be interested.

you guys need to understand that a horse CAN check himself...especially one as unexperienced and green ad Curlin is. I really like Curlin and like his upside, but he is not the second coming and I am not a Robby A. apologist, BUT that horse was washy and rank in the parade and certainly could have put himself in spots Robby didn't want to go. Plus that horse could have had a clear trip the entire way around CD and NEVER gotten witin 4 lengths of SS at the wire.

Don't be surprised to see Asmussen replace Albarado with Bridgmohan, who's probably better anyways.

No way is SB better than Robby, NO WAY. But, I do agree with you and think a change is in order, but going to go with Gomez who rides for him alot in KY.

If, and yes I said "if", there is a jock change -- it won't be to Bridge.

Eric

Hah! Choosing between those two reminds of the douche and turd south park episode.

Exactly, Robby didn't really do anything "wrong", this is why horses that don't race at 2 don't win the Derby. Just can't get that kind of experience in 3 races, especially 3 he had go all his way.

Great episode, and very close to the choice in discussion...

ALostTexan

Bridgmohan has been Asmussen's main guy the past few years. I can't see him putting Luis Quinonez up for the Preakness.

Bridge got himself into a good spot and was getting first call for Assmusen in Chicago, KY, and other circuits. It started when Bridge left NY and made the move to Chicago. They did well together. That's a far cry from getting the call on a horse like this, owned by Jackson, Sanan and Bolton. Maybe if Assmusen wants to give him the call, he can get the owners to say OK, if they have anything to say about it. I am not sure of the protocol there. On the other hand, if the owners have a say, I am not sure that they would be looking to give Bridge the call. The owners are West Coast based so maybe that plays into it being that Assmusen runs a East/Mid-West operation. Who knows.

After the Derby, there is always some musical chairs. There are plenty of jocks available so it's not like a short list the week of the Derby.

Eric

jockey or trainer screwed up.

The horse is in the 2 slot , you have to figure they will get him out of the gate and THEN settle. Curlin has got all the tactical speed in the world.

Jockey or Trainer decide they are going to just let the horse run his race.... Curlin isn't a quick starter but he can move quickly when asked to get into position.
As it happens a big Dream-Trip pocket opens up (the one that Leparoux and Sedgefield settle in for a good trip) and Curlin is still not asked at all early!

I have to hope it was the trainer because if the jockey wasn't given specific stern instructions to save everything for a late run and not try to get him out of the gate in decent position, and did that on his own, then that was a horrible decision by Alabarado. Would have to be the worst ride in the race along with Desormeaux.

Would Robby make those comments if he already knew he was gonna lose the mount? If a switch comes in the next couple of days here, I get the feeling Robby knew the switch was coming, and he wanted to get his words in before that. But then again, maybe not... would you really wanna jeopardize a ton of good Steve Asmussen mounts by talkin ****?

Curlin had no problem in traffic in his prior races -- take a look at the Arkansas Derby replay. The horse ran professionally. And he ran professionally in the Derby too given the poor ride he was handed.

That was a piss poor ride from gate to wire.

Robby talked about Curlin as a "push button horse" prior to the Derby. He must have pushed the wrong buttons that day.

To blame the horse is pathetic. That horse wasn't checking himself. He was trying to roll but Robby kept putting him in bad spots. Watch the replay of the overhead. That horse had nowhere to go because the jockey lost his head.

Curlin with a new pilot, especially with all the speed that looks to be gunning for the Preakness, could be very dangerous at Pimlico.

NT

Agreed. I personally think Curlin got a terrible ride -- and could easily turn the tables at Pimlico. But that is if they even decide to run him. Big group of owners, Derby's already over...it would be a pity if they decide not to, but chances are good we won't see the rematch, no?

There's certainly a great chance they decide to pass the Preakness. For racing's sake I hope Curlin's in the Preakness because beyond the 1-2-3 finishers in the Derby there isn't much.

NT