It seems to me that the Poly surface is much different that the other synthetics. From what I've seen, the transition from dirt to Poly is much more difficult than from dirt to "Cushion", "Tapeta" or "Pro-Ride". Many horses just don't seem to take to the Poly and don't run their true race. I think the other synthetic surfaces are closer to dirt, and a greater percentage of them will run "their race". I agree that synthetic to dirt seems to be an easier transition.
I will forgive Pyro for his Poly blunder. I saw so many horses at Del Mar last summer that did not run a step on the stuff, and others that were Poly freaks. In my opionion, Pyro will be a major player in the derby. Like Colonel John, he will need racing luck, but I believe they will run their races at Churchill. I still have some work to do on the race, but they are my top 2 contenders at the moment.
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