Gomez replaces Smith on Stardom Bound

[Revidere]

I guess Iavarone is intending to run Stardom Bound in the Classic, because that's where I think Zenyatta will be. I saw this coming after the Ashland. Dutrow doesn't use Smith on anything so he was on borrowed time. I happen to like the filly since I saw her first start. Still do. I know that she has several detractors, but five grade 1's in a row is nothing to sneeze at.
Let's see if she gets pace on dirt in the Oaks and then decide. Maybe Laragh will be her rabbit!!!

My guess is she comes east. Prado will get the mount after Gomez and Anderson play mercenary throughout the summer. Smith may very well be back on her in October.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Revidere

I guess Iavarone is intending to run Stardom Bound in the Classic, because that's where I think Zenyatta will be. I saw this coming after the Ashland. Dutrow doesn't use Smith on anything so he was on borrowed time. I happen to like the filly since I saw her first start. Still do. I know that she has several detractors, but five grade 1's in a row is nothing to sneeze at.
Let's see if she gets pace on dirt in the Oaks and then decide. Maybe Laragh will be her rabbit!!!

My guess is she comes east. Prado will get the mount after Gomez and Anderson play mercenary throughout the summer. Smith may very well be back on her in October.

i will be very surprised if they run her there, considering their comments last year when it came up. some camps are more than willing to run a filly/mare vs colts, while others are not. i think her people fit in the latter category.

[miraja2]

Nobody really knows how many races he will actually be on her or if it will make any difference. Stardom Bound's recent defeat also didn't really have anything to do with Smith.
But still, can anybody really blame them for making that change? The business about the long-term plans and matchup with Zenyatta seems stupid, but does anybody doubt that Gomez is a better all-around rider than Smith? I know I don't. If they secretly think a jock-change will dramatically improve the horse's performance then, yeah, they are probably kidding themselves. But doesn't it make sense to go out and get the guy they think is the best? What am I missing?

[Danzig]

i don't think anyone is questioning going to gomez...but it is funny to most from what i can tell that they are still pointing stardom bound to a matchup vs arguably the best horse on a synthetic track.

[miraja2]

Originally Posted by Danzig

i don't think anyone is questioning going to gomez...but it is funny to most from what i can tell that they are still pointing stardom bound to a matchup vs arguably the best horse on a synthetic track.

Perhaps they were just looking for a somewhat diplomatic way to switch to Gomez, and that is the excuse they came up with. If, on the other hand, they actually do think she can beat Zenyatta, well then yeah, I'd say it is a bit of semi-delusional wishful thinking.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by miraja2

Perhaps they were just looking for a somewhat diplomatic way to switch to Gomez, and that is the excuse they came up with. If, on the other hand, they actually do think she can beat Zenyatta, well then yeah, I'd say it is a bit of semi-delusional wishful thinking.

that's probably what it is. but i'd imagine everyone, smith included, knows it's really just that-an excuse. if you can get gomez, you get him.

[hoovesupsideyourhead]

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

I understand why you switch to Gomez, but their excuse was lame. There was talk here and on other boards blaming Smith for the Ashland, which in my opinion was crazy. I think IEAH is looking to blame someone because their big investment hasn't really panned out. Smith is an easy target.

and that horse is going backwards fast..

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

I understand why you switch to Gomez, but their excuse was lame. There was talk here and on other boards blaming Smith for the Ashland, which in my opinion was crazy. I think IEAH is looking to blame someone because their big investment hasn't really panned out. Smith is an easy target.

they evidently haven't paid any attention to her races this year if they think the blame falls on smith.