Mig had a curious take on a possible scenario, which andy termed a conspiracy rheory . Espinosa did his number on Shared Belief so SB would havesometning taken out of him, so California Chrome would have a better chance in BC, after what happened to CC in the PA derby. Migs theory is that you would like to have an easy race before the big one,not a hard one, ie when working a horse have the big piece of work two out and aneasy work as the last one.
As far as rabbits go,didn't Dutrow multiple rabbits in one race a few years ago, the Woodward in 2005, Saint Liam and Commentator, after Commentator won the Whitney at Saratoga,as lone spead.
" After Saint Liam lost the Whitney Handicap at Saratoga, the trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. decided to take no chances yesterday in the Woodward at Belmont Park.
Dutrow triple-teamed Commentator, the Whitney winner, and his three horses proved to be far more than Commentator could handle. With an assist from his colony of so-called rabbits, Saint Liam dominated, winning by two lengths.
On Aug. 6, Commentator sneaked away to an easy early lead on his way to the Whitney victory over Saint Liam. Dutrow's answer yesterday was to control the pace with two speed horses.
Crafty Player and Show Boot did their job as rabbits, ganging up on the Nick Zito-trained Commentator, hounding him for as long as they could. Commentator zipped through an opening six furlongs i..............."
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpag...5AC0A9639C8B63
Here are the trip notes, couldnot find a replay,
Race Comments: SAINT LIAM came away in good order, raced close up outside while in hand, cruised up three wide on the turn, galloped to a clear lead entering the stretch and remained safely clear while wrapped up, winning in handy fashion. SIR SHACKLETON was outrun early, rallied three wide on the turn and finished gamely while no serious threat to the winner.
COMMENTATOR broke well and argued the pace while under attack from both sides, disposed of his assailants after three quarters but was in no shape to handle the winner and gave way in the final furlong. SHOW BOOT contested the pace along the inside, quit on the turn, dropped far back and was distanced. CRAFTY PLAYER contested the pace from the outside, quit after five furlongs, dropped far back and was distanced despite being kept to the task.