Goldikova: Lost a step or as good as ever?

[PatCummings]

Originally Posted by brockguy

hmm I dont know.

First time out - beats the most underrated horse in the world Cirrus Des Aigles by a cosy neck, everyone said it was a disappointing performance but this fella has been insane since (he is a personal fav of mine!)

Royal Ascot - Peslier puts up 2 pounds overweight (simply unforgivable) and goes down by a length to Canford Cliffs, a top miler (well 2nd to Frankel!)

Prix Rothschild - this is the race she always seems to win, won cosily from Sahpresa, she is never impressive in this race but beat a decent filly.

Prix Jacques le Marois - beaten by Immortal Verse who was impressive on that day, readily took care of Goldi. OK this run wasnt great, but she lost in much more devesating fashion to Makfi in that same race last year.

Foret - beaten by the champion sprinter on her prep for this race. Smashing run.

I know you're only giving your opinion on it but I dont think she's lost a step and the runs this year wouldnt put me off.

and I think Dream Ahead has been retired which is such a shame...

My friend, you're missing the point. She faces one or two decent horses per race in France...this year's BC Mile will be unlike any other race in terms of overall quality, mostly because the Euros coming are way better.

Byword showed he is back with the Longchamp win, subsequently franked, and unlike Paco Boy last year, Strong Suit has been pointed to this since the Ascot win. The others from last year, Beethoven and Delegator weren't legit contenders. Gio Ponti, Turallure, a 2011 Courageous Cat...all realistic threats.