[CSC]

Originally Posted by ELA

I also always felt Alex was one of the best riders in the US. He was often overlooked when people would talk about "the best" and there doesn't seem to be too many people these days who like what he's doing on track. I don't direct my comments toward the poster who I quoted above of course, but I think there is a lot more to this discusssion.

So, you know what, I am going to be accused to defending Alex because he's my friend, I like him, think he's a nice guy, etc. So be it. The critics will say that Alex is older, getting older or what have you. Yes, so are we all, LOL. They will also say he's not the same rider he was after his horrific accident, which should have ended his career. So here's the deal that most people don't understand -- No, he's not the same rider. He's not supposed to be. Not for a period of time at least. Every jock for the most part comes back from a bad accident, one that could have killed you, a little bit gun-shy. It's human nature. It's all back out, around and go wide -- rather than shoot the rail, get in tight, etc. The exception of course was Cordero, LOL.

Anyway, I am not going to get into names, but look at every jock in this type of situation. There are plenty of others, who were in their 20's and 30's and came back very hesitant and were for quite some time. The older you are, the more cautious and longer the recovery time is.

To me, as an owner, I would have no problem putting Alex on a stakes horse, regardless of the surface, purse, stake, etc. When the money is down you are still talking about a strong, knowledgable, versatile jock -- who many qualified opinions thought was one of the best in the game -- who CAN and WILL shoot the rail and get in tight when neccessary. I also think he rode well this past meet, making the most of the opportunities he was dealt. Maybe he's entering the late "Jerry Bailey" stage of his career as some might see it. Richard Migliore talked about this a lot and riding 10 claimers.

Anyway, Alex will keep riding, I think you will see him get back a bit more to what people would call his old self.

Eric

You make a great point Eric, it's easy to nitpick why a Jockey would go outside rather than save ground and go inside sitting from where we are sitting. The fact is these guys have very difficult jobs, one that I would be the 1st to admit one couldn't pay me enough to risk my life of being trampled by a 1000lb animal. I don't know if many ever make it all the way back. Nakatani prior to his horrific spill to a horse named Candice in Spring I think at Delmar I would have rated as one-two-three at the time as the best Jockey in NA. I don't think he is near the level as he once was also. To be honest I don't blame these guys one bit. Sometimes we take for granted these guys risk their lives out there on a daily basis.