2f and 4f baby races
 

These races are no more rhan paid workouts.In the long run I think they even contribute to the fragility of the colts. So much presure to win early.Establishing foundation and giving a colt time to mature before cranking them up is lost while trying to win purses for insignafant reasons at distances more suited for 1/4 horses.

What's even worse, anyone who has written any code to pull data out of charts probably didn't account for these ATYPICAL races (and 4.5F and races > 12F as well). And, it's definitely alot of fun, when you're dealing with a few thousand lines of code, to make on the fly adjustments.

Personally, I IGNORE THEM. If a horse can't run at least 5F, it shouldn't be in a BETTING race.

To me, I never understand why they have that stakes race for 2 year olds the week of the derby (Three Chimneys I believe..., I think Half Ours won it a few years back)
There's such a small number of horses who can even participate, it just seems a little forced, but I get why they do it.

Grade III nevertheless....It is Thursday before the Derby this year

Colonel Klink's debut?

That would be awesome if you weren't yanking my chain...

At least the about 4.5 furlong races at Keeneland are partially around a gentle turn but the 2 furlong races run completely straight at Santa Anita are absolutely ridiculous for thoroughbreds. Good God, even a 3 furlong work is around a turn.

That post really came full circle.

I meant that because it's a few days before the Derby, they market the race as it it's supposed to be a preview of next years derby contenders. I understand the logic they use, even though I think it's a little ridiculous.

I agree pops. Let the horse mature. IMO it gives the horse a better opportunity to have a career in the sport vs a quick win.

2yos today have it easy compared to their ancestors of a few decades past. When I started going racing, 2yos started racing 4-4.5f(around a turn) at places like Hialeah and Fair Grounds in March, and by the time they got to Keeneland and Churchill, they had a few starts under their belts before facing stakes company. Lafayette S for 2yo was closing day (Friday) and the Bashford Manor was the feature at CD two weekends later. The Debutante was the Derby week race, for fillies, who tend to mature faster,

What is bad for 2yos is sending them around two turns starting in AUGUST!
Count Fleet never ran around 2 turns at 2, Affirmed didn't either, and Secretariat didn't until November. That sprint to the first turn at most tracks for 8f and 8.5f races is far worse than a 2f straight race, then add double the turns on young knees and ankles....,

I was thinking we'd go more like an Ill-bred turf race in August at Arlington but hey, why not?

He was kidding

I had to check though

They usually start those in like June, so it could be sooner, and they start them at a mile, should hit him square in the eyes.

Plus, they start running at like 6f right the end of May also on the poly so it should be ALL GOOD for you guys.

First year ever I have seen a 2f baby race at Arlington, opening day, I wish I could be there to see how hilarious that is going to look.

It would be cool to have a starter @ CD during Derby week though :cool: get home ok?

I'm not sure he's going to be that early. In fact I hope he ISN'T ready that early. We're not trying to earn any stud deals with him! LOL

[quote=philcski]It would be cool to have a starter @ CD during Derby week though :cool: get home ok?

Still here...home tonight
At Ruby's last night with 10 others...looked for you to rescue me, but notta'

was at home by 6, sick, but would have bailed you out even though i hate oysters!