Belmont Stakes Field

[JerseyJ]

Originally Posted by the_fat_man

Not saying I don't buy this but I'm too lazy to watch the replay of the AD. Maybe you can help me out by explaining how FP's trip was "much worse' than SB's.

Unfortunately the head on isn't very good so it doesn't capture the 2nd trouble point, but on Race Replays video at the 1:15 mark is the first point where Ocampo runs up on the heels almost of a tiring horse who's under pressure mid track. While that happens Rosier and Summer Bird get going on the outside getting the run on Flying Private when comparing trips. The 2nd point is at around 1:30 but since the Oaklawn head on video is horrendous, you can't see much.

Basically, the Pan Shot gives you a better view of how Ocampo runs up on Ziegfield who is stopping badly, forcing him to almost take up while Summer Bird commences his rally on the outside at the same time. Then, while Summer Bird has clear running on the outside, Ocampo has to wait and hold up Flying Private until he can get some running room. It's much better on the Pan Shot in terms of seeing the traffic issues that Flying Private had compared to Summer Bird. I realize Flying Private didn't kick a whole heck of a lot when he did get clear, but Lukas said in the article by Grening today that Flying Private is a long striding horse so that might explain why the trouble really hurt the colt. Just my opinion based on what I saw.