Quote:
Originally Posted by MaTH716
I honestly don't know, but it really doesn't matter. You would think that Smith is also getting much better horses to ride. I was just shocked when I saw it.
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Matt, He really seemed to take a very casual attitude there this meet - almost as if he was riding as a favor for certain trainers/owners. His mounts were never world beaters but certainly much more live than anything thrown Stra's way, and few and far between (58 total for the meeting).
Stra on the other hand, never had anything live and just rode her guts out. Almost funny to see Baffert use her on Sunday - any time a Baffert firster goes off @ 6-1, it might as well be 66-1. If they're even rumored to be live they get crushed. I thought she had a great meet and hope she gets some classier opportunities @ SA.
I can't and won't try to physically tie Baze's struggle with his work, but it was crystal clear that something was way off with him. He ruined a bunch of winning efforts as his timing was off and his reactions were not fluid. Cost me a pick 4 on Sir Bell's drop in class (watch the race - it is a perfect example of what I'm describing) who went on to win two in a row without him. That was just one example of at least 6 other rides I could reference.
Hope he gets the help he needs and comes back stronger... shame to see talented people destroy themselves.