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Originally Posted by DaTruth
You ought to watch the Haskell again. RA doesn't need the lead, and for part of the Haskell, SB was even in front of her.
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Um, a few things, sir …
First, as you know, the Haskell is nine-furlongs. SB is clearly better going ten or more.
Second, the race was SB's first start since the Belmont score … a nearly two-month layoff … so he likely wasn't at his absolute best.
Third, he had to spot her a significant amount of weight (5 lbs) in the contest.
In other words, RA had a lot going for herself that day … some of which wouldn't have been in her favor had they squared off again a few weeks later in the Travers.
SB got to compete at the more suitable 10f distance … and he had that 9f prep race, if you will, under his belt … which made him a sharper horse.