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Originally Posted by ateamstupid
Why do you think Bailey never rode Eddington again?
His instructions that day were not to press the pace with Eddington. That was Purge's job.
If he were really just trying to win the race, why would Hennig permanently have him taken off the horse afterwards?
By the way, I suggest you watch the race again...Smarty wasn't on the lead through the first half-mile...Purge was. So I don't know how he could have gotten an "uncontested lead" when he wasn't even up front...Purge then stopped after four furlongs and Bailey sacrificed Eddington make sure Smarty didn't get away after Purge quit...there's no rider alive who goes into the Belmont with a plan to make their move with one mile to go...
He knew what he was doing...he was trying his best to deny Smarty, and more importantly, Stewart Elliott, the Triple Crown.
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This is right on, Bailey as presumptious as he is and as much of a jerk he sometimes seems to be, he is no dope...so if Purge bit it on the early lead, and Smarty took over why would Bailey worry. Why wouldnt he just put Eddington up under Purge if that was the case and make a run with his own horse when Purge backed up? Bailey disobeyed the orders of the trainer and knew it and disobeyed them for likely what Ateam is stating here.
Also, I've met Stew Elliott and he's a pretty nice guy. Why anyone would not want to see the man succeed is beyond me.
That being said his ride in the Belmont left something to be desired, if he had taken an approach like Jeremy Rose did with Afleet Alex, the TC drought would have been over. But, who knows, maybe Stew couldnt handle Smarty enough to get him to settle.