[cakes44]

Originally Posted by the_fat_man

I don't think this is indicative of the ability of the handicappers out there. The problem with cutbacks is that most trainers don't know how to properly instruct the jocks to ride these races. A horse cutting back is supposed to put in the best late run, as such, all other things being equal, the only time it's supposed to lose a stretch run is to a loose lead. What happens, more often than not, is that the horse is kept too close to the pace and has its kick nullified.

For a very recent example of this, though not on the turf, check out today's 7th at PHA. The 1 horse is cutting back from 8F to 6.5F. She's a lock if ridden properly; i.e. not used too early. So, Elliott, in a nice stalking position with her early, GUNS her to the lead on the turn, draws off, and gets run down by a horse that has only sprinted, 2 5.5F races, and 1 6.5F race, and got run down in the 6.5F race. This is like a 100 yard dash runner running down a quarter miler in track and field. It's a ****in' joke and only happens in racing with bozo jocks.

I agree 100%. Too many jocks are unwilling or unable to get horses to settle back and make one big run in these races.