This race, like many others is a victim of trainers interest in more time between races. They want to space their horses' races at 6 week intervals and as such, the idea of Travers-Super Derby-Goodwood (or JCGC) is no longer acceptable.
September has become the "lost month" in racing, esp when the BC is late. Meets like Saratoga and Del Mar grab leading BC candidates with big money finales like the Pac Classic, Woodward, Travers plus big events for other divisions. After that, "six weeks" takes you into October and those big weekends at BEL, SA and KEE that Travis mentioned. From there, it's on to the Cup.
As an aside, last weekend was a triumph for those of us that like to see horses RACE. Swift Temper won a G1 on 13 days rest, off a second in a G1. She beat a filly who was back from 6 weeks. Bold Union was second in the Victory Ride then won a stake at Delaware 2 weeks later. A few hours later multiple G1 winner Informed Decision beat 3 other G1 winners in the Masters, again on 2 weeks rest. Ghost Fleet returned to Poly at Woodbine to win the Swynford S off 15 days from a turf allowance.
Lemonette is back in action this weekend at AP off a second on Labor Day in the Glens Falls.
__________________
RIP Monroe.
|