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Originally Posted by ninetoone
When you lose by the length of the stretch, the jockey's decision making and the intricacies of the ride are a moot point. It's different when it's a head bob. Despite what some people think, it's not all horse. The jockeys decisions can win or lose a race, it's a fact. I don't think people are out to "blame" anyone per se...I think it's just natural curiousity after such a compelling race, and it's human nature to monday morning QB. I was on CQ, so I consider myself neutral, but as I said, if I had been on Street Sense, I'd certainly rather not have CB looking back...what about you?
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I would rather not either, but not because it might cost me in a close finish, I'd be afraid (with my luck) the jock would fall off. Certainly in a perfect world, you want the jock to be all business...even after the finish line (I've seen horses take a bad step after a race...I'd want my jock paying attention until the dismount. Most of a jock's work is finished by the stretch, particularly if his horse is in front...I don't care how strong a jock is, the horse runs the race...a jock can encourage but the horse runs. Even the use of the whip is controversial, England has had big debates whether a whip should be allowed at all and a lot of data has been collected that seems to support the fact that whipping a horse seldom makes it run faster. If Calvin pulled back on the reigns or stood up (ala The Shoe and Kent D) you'd have a story but turning his head? Maybe if you collect wind tunnel data, you could prove that wind resistence slowed the horse to some minute extent but otherwise, I see no evidence to support a claim that merely turning his head slowed the horse.