Race Riding or Herding?

[ScottJ]

The Poker discussion was the second controversy during the day. The real action started in Race #6 as Johnny Velazquez on Kirby's Penny under a left handed whip came out some five or six paths to meet the challenge of You Love. However in the process, Kirby's Penny completely shut-off Dawn the Destroyer under Joel Rosario.

In the head-on, Rosario pulled out of the tight spot, cost his mount forward momentum, and likely avoided clipping heels as a result.

I am tired of reading about jockeys who come to the edge without crossing it. That line is now so blurred, there is only the memory of a line that shouldn't be crossed. Hong Kong makes it very clear - ride a straight line in the stretch. Not only does this take the "race riding" controversy off the table, but I am telling you for sure, it is going to save the life of one of the jockeys on the NYRA circuit. It is absolutely beyond me that NYRA has not stepped-in with the steward's decision making.