Quote:
Originally Posted by Calzone Lord
I dunno -- that's kind of harsh on both accounts...especially with Bodemeister considering he has a big edge on the rest of the 3yo crop and he fits very well with the older horses.
Shackleford will be a huge thorn in Bode's side though -- if he goes Classic instead of Dirt Mile.
See any optimism for Fed Biz?
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Numbers aside (I know, pretty presumptive), both horses have conveniently lossed all their big dances. Bodemeister's one important win was at Oaklawn, where Baffert can win with even a horse like Castaway. Paynter failed in the lowly Derby Trial (albeit on an off-track). He probably should have won the Belmont by open lengths with the setup he got. He's Commendable to Bodemeister's High Yield.
Also a factor is the lack of 2yo racing coupled with aggressive campaigns this spring as 3yos. The accumulated wear-and-tear could blunt their future prospects. It would be huge if they both had the intestinal fortitude of Congaree, but even he went off form at 3 and 4. And unlike him, both colts have "stallion" pedigrees, so any bump in the road would give convenient cause to retire them to stud.
Fed Biz (2013):
1st Allowance
1st Santana Mile
1st Oaklawn Hcp
1st Californian
4th Hollywood Gold Cup
7th Pacific Classic
retired