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Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS
It's the same thing at Saratoga - but the timing is obviously different.
In the winter - a lot of newly turned 3yo's with an eye on the Classic races in May and June probably aren't ready for a two-turn 9 furlong race....but aren't exactly looking for a one-turn mile either.
It has upgraded races like the Sam F. Davis and Tampa Derby over the last few years - races that have siphoned Todd Pletcher's best prospects.
Some people forget - but had Curlin not been sold after his maiden win - he was nominated to take on Any Given Saturday in Sam Davis - and his trainer seemed intent on doing so by all quotes in the press. The top four finishers in the Tampa Derby all won Graded Stakes later on in the year.
Curlin eventually went to Oaklawn for a two-turn race at less than 9 furlongs in the Rebel for career start #2.
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is the run-up to the turn as short at Saratoga as it is at Gulfstream? It seems really disadvantageous to have an outside post at GS.
I agree that Tampa Bay has been elevated in stature the last few years in terms of 3yo preps. I don't expect that will change either given the recent success of those who prepped there.