[jpops757]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Hard Spun was plenty impressive Saturday despite again having trouble off the turn with his lead change. This WASN'T the identical race he ran in the Southwest.. it was the identical race he ran in the LeComte, a race people seem to have forgotten, and one in which he did exactly what he did at Turfway.

As I said all week, when Steve Asmussen stated he was bringing Curlin back to Kentucky because he didn't like how his horses have been getting over the Oaklawn surface, it was independent confirmation that what Larry Jones had said after the Southwest had credibility. Personally, as a Jones fan (Hello Liberty, Wildcat Bettie B, Gasia, et al..), I loved yesterday's result as a "GFY" to the racing press that was so quick to deride Jones and scoff at the Danzig colt.

What made the effort impressive was his being used early to gain position (:22.4) and his subsequent ability to run on... :22.4, :24.3 (:47.2), :24.1 (:48.4), :25.0 (:49.1), :12.4 (:37.4), 1:49.2. What he showed today was that he is a handy colt. Demonstrating tractability, he did it entirely on his own while under steady restraint by Pino.

I don't know why anyone would doubt his viability as a classic runner moving forward.

We all like to second guess trainers. Jones was proven right this time even if some think he went to the softest spot to get the earnings. His tactical speed, to obtain position out of the gate, because of post position is a good trait. Even his slowing down after using his speed early is good and having a moderate if not overwhelming finish sets him up a a strong contender with the best. In retrospect dosent this win make the Ark bunch look better? Im not saying Hard Spun is my selection but how can anyone not think this was a positive move by him and his connections.