[ELA]

First off, I never play internet horse trainer or anything of the like. I've never spent any time around this horse and can only go on what I've seen of him on the track. I haven't seen anything to the effect, but for all I know he could have bled, been sick and scoped bad, etc. -- meaning there could be some sort of excuse. Regardless, in this case, it doesn't matter.

Whether there is or not, no way they should take a shot in the Cigar. Even when this horse is at 100% -- today -- he cannot compete with the top tier, open, G1 class of horses. I think he has shown that. Now there is nothing wrong with that. There is no shame in not being at the top of the game. Racing this horse in G1's is not smart and won't be popular either. It will cause the end to arrive much sooner.

Yesterday's performance certainly wasn't up to expectation, but, what did he get beat -- a couple of lengths? He came back on a bit in the stretch. Sure, he lacked any full finish or late kick. I don't want to see this come to the 2005 Suburban. That was very sad. This horse looked like he wanted no part of racing, perhaps not even any part of the track. He did outclass the field in Canada recently so I am not sure that is reflective of this horse being able to compete in G3's.

If he is healthy and right, he can probably compete against the NY breds. Maybe yesterday wasn't a true indication of where he is in his career. If it is -- then it is time to retire him.

Eric