Quote:
|
Originally Posted by pgardn
Now, what would have impressed you in an early prep race at Tampa against a weak field with the idea that you might want the horse to run in a big race in May? Just curious.
|
To be honest I don't really think that way, but I suppose a more authoritative victory against today's hopelessly overmatched and weak field would have been more meaningful. However, it's 2 1/2 months until the Derby, and surely one thing Pletcher seems to be learning is that blowout early wins by 3YOs don't necessarily aid their development. I guess with the few legitimate Derby contenders he has he will at least try to be patient.
If I actually cared about the Derby at this time, which I honestly don't, he would probably still be in the top ten or so likely contenders. But I certainly wouldn't move him up based on his performance today. Maybe it was just what he needed. Maybe it will set him up perfectly for the future. However, none of that elevates his specific performance today. It simply was nothing to get worked up about. If he wasn't on anybody's Top Ten Derby List, or trained by Todd Pletcher, he would have barely raised a whisper with today's effort.