union rags

[Merlinsky]

People pick horses after saying they had traffic trouble in their last outing, but what appears to be bad racing luck is sometimes a case of just them making their own trouble. Bad breaks aren't always a fluke, for instance. Sometimes when horses get a good trip, it's because they were good enough to make their own luck or overcome what would've been a problem for another horse. The ability to go through a hole vs get squeezed for example. Afleet Alex overcame bad luck through his agility and athleticism.

Zenyatta should've had problems with her size and running style when trying to overcome pace and traffic, but she (almost) always worked it out because she was nimble enough. I like Union Rags, but one reason I didn't pick him in the Derby was a nagging fear that he'd get himself in trouble. Obviously in a 20 horse field the opportunity to then get out of trouble is very unlikely. Presumably a 1 1/2 race would give more time to fix things, assuming he gets the distance, but I still want I'll Have Another to get it, and if he can't it doesn't look like it'll be from lack of ability, stamina, or fitness on his part.