Master Command: What happened?
 

I didnt see the race what happened?

just went along for the ride yesterday. never even threatened.

I really like this horse but it sure looked like he was just out there to see the sites. Never in it at all.

Don't know if this had anything to do with it or not but...

I heard on the simulcast that there was a long delay in the paddock because Master Command had to get a new shoe.

Broke poorly and that was that. This is a horse that has NEVER run when failing to get out and into the race early. Velasquez allowed him to settle rather than rush him up... No interest when asked for run leading one to believe that he simply has to be involved from the outset or he pouts.

Has done this now four times in his career with off the board fiascos in the Clark, Oaklawn H. and Cornhusker, as well as Saturday..

I think it was Mr. Umphrey that needed to be reshod.

Really, I wasnt aware of that. Thanks for the info, I know he is a nice horse and for him to run that bad was not good. And I have had quite a few horses pout and refuse to work. And yes it was Mr. Umphrey that had to be reshod.

I thought I heard that both MC and Mr. Umphrey had to be reshod. . .

Even the chart doesn't mention it -- but Master Command got squeezed pretty good going into the first turn. He immediately dropped back a few lengths and that really seemed to take the starch out of him.

TP was there Saturday with Aaron and Marie Jones as well as Frankie Taylor (Taylor Made Fram). They stood right next to us and looked like they had seem a pack of ghosts during the race! I think The Jones' and Taylor were there to see MC get a G1 and get a stallion deal done for him that night. Guess plans change.

Nice horse, nice spot for him...but this was the closest he'll get a chance at a grade I win.

There are a couple of ways to look at his race. Perhaps he simply doesn't like CD. In his last six races he is 4 for 4 at other tracks, and 0 for 2 at CD.
I think the far more likely explanation is that he doesn't like horses in front of him AND his record this year is a bit deceiving. His three wins this year came against fields of six, six, and four respectively. Not only were the fields small, they were not particularly good. He was allowed to lope along in :48 for a half with nobody in front of them. Under those circumstances against small untalented fields, he does fairly well.
When faced with a bigger, faster, and slightly more classy field.....he takes his ball and goes home.

Just read that MC and Mr. Umphrey had to be reshod.

That is how I saw it too. I still rank him #2, but Invasor still needs a challenger. Maybe his stablemate will keep improving. Flashy Bull looks like the real deal. Thought distance would be a problem, but I was wrong.

I think or Master Command as number two as well.

Actually, there is quite a bit of number 2 out there right now. Help with the "Top Five number 2" horses?

I nominate Corinthian and Jazil.

Jazil?

No doubt, there is way too much number two out there.

In honor of the infamous Allen Iverson......Jazil?....you mean JAZIL? Jazil!....we talking bout JAZIL???...J a z i l ........

Jazil, now thats taking a stand.

I thnk Jazil is the ultimate poster child for the "number 2" list.

He won a Grade 1 (The Belmont Stakes for Christmas Sake), while still eligible for a NW1X, and hasn't won since.