Remember what happened with Afleet Alex -- they didn't stick with him! He got the mount BACK. This really speaks to the connections, who calls the shots, and several other factors. Many people were saying this about Hard Spun and Mario Pino.
Looking at this from a fan's perspective is very different than looking at it from a trainer's perspective. Mario Pino has probably ridden in about 30,000, maybe 40,000 races and he has won 6000 races. It's anyone's guess as to how many horses he's worked also. Anyone who believes Hard Spun's "fast" Derby work was because Mario "choked" or something of the like, is being very naive. Or, they don't get it.
This is not a 20 year old "kid" so to speak who hasn't ridden the crazies and the cripples. We are talking about a very seasoned vet who at age 45 is riding better than ever. He is extremely well respected by his peers, trainers, and others who are in the game -- all over the country -- people who know a good jock better than the fans or media. This guy is a pro and he deserved to have the connections stick by him.
Eric
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05-06-2007, 12:35 PM
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