Random thoughts about the handicap division

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Horses like Stay Thirsty, JP's Gusto, and Riveting Reason all were beaten 15+ lengths with no excuses in the BC Juvie ... all of them have had some Graded Stakes success since.

[justindew]

I think all that matters is that Uncle Mo, in his third career start, ran every bit as well as or better than the Horse of the Year and Zenyatta (hehe) did over the same track. Seeing First Dude and do what First Dude does (not win) doesn't take anything away from Uncle Mo's feat. Now if Blame came back and lost to Tackleberry, you might have something.

[smartbid09]

I know this is a bit off topic but perhaps it is related... Today I was thinking it's a shame that Blame was retired. This would have been an incredible year for him to be in the Handicap division. He would have probably owned everything and could have put together quite an incredible Campaign, no?

[richard]

If everything went well he would have won wheel barrows full of cash.

[pweizer]

Originally Posted by richard

If everything went well he would have won wheel barrows full of cash.

Since he probably would have only run two or three times before the Breeder's Cup, it would have been a small wheen barrow though.

Paul

[The Indomitable DrugS]

The connections of Blind Luck might be kicking themselves a bit - she's been subjected to tiny fields - and brutally slow paces - at shorter distances on that speed friendly dirt.

Going 10 furlongs - in an 11 horse field - with a very true pace on - I get the feeling she not only would have won yesterday ... but it's possible the ease of her victory might have surprised a lot of people.

[Clip-Clop]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

The connections of Blind Luck might be kicking themselves a bit - she's been subjected to tiny fields - and brutally slow paces - at shorter distances on that speed friendly dirt.

Going 10 furlongs - in an 11 horse field - with a very true pace on - I get the feeling she not only would have won yesterday ... but it's possible the ease of her victory might have surprised a lot of people.

This is very well said, she is a 10 panel horse. At least she was last year. Not too many options for her other than the fellas.

[Dunbar]

Originally Posted by richard

If everything went well he would have won wheel barrows full of cash.

Originally Posted by pweizer

Since he probably would have only run two or three times before the Breeder's Cup, it would have been a small wheen barrow though.

Paul

Exactly, Paul!


--Dunbar

[RockHardTen1985]

Originally Posted by smartbid09

I know this is a bit off topic but perhaps it is related... Today I was thinking it's a shame that Blame was retired. This would have been an incredible year for him to be in the Handicap division. He would have probably owned everything and could have put together quite an incredible Campaign, no?

Same could be said for any good even decent older horse the past 5 years. Curlin would dominate, Commentator would dominate, Quality Road would even dominate. There would be no Blame to run him down and he would go into the BC Classic as the horse. This division, especially the East Coast is trash. Maybe Giant Oak is just getting better and he is OK, but what does that really say? The West might have a prayer. I think Twirling Candy is OK. He was rank after breaking slowly, I give him a pass. I know I like Game On Dude moving forward. Huge premature move in the Belmont last year and has come back strong this year. Still lightly raced and Im sure he can improve still. Misremembered is a beast if he can stay healthy and Sidneys Candy is still out there. Im pretty sure he is capable of being better on dirt if they wanted to go that way with him.

Quality Road would be kicking ass at Gulfstream...then would suck ass the rest of the year.

[RockHardTen1985]

Originally Posted by Coach Pants

Quality Road would be kicking ass at Gulfstream...then would suck ass the rest of the year.

Suck ass like he did in the Met?

Originally Posted by RockHardTen1985

Suck ass like he did in the Met?

one turn race. You're grossly over-rating the horse. He was a bum compared to the past greats.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Coach Pants

Quality Road would be kicking ass at Gulfstream...then would suck ass the rest of the year.

nice sig btw.

[johnny pinwheel]

[quote=RockHardTen1985;758915] This division, especially the East Coast is trash. Maybe Giant Oak is just getting better and he is OK, but what does that really say? The West might have a prayer. I think Twirling Candy is OK. QUOTE]

really? the whole division is trash...east and west....twirling candy sucks at 10 furlongs....when he wins one let me know.........thats how bad it is. a horse like that is the favorite at 10 furlongs....hes ok at like a mile....he may win one though because hes running against first dude......lol