10/3 (BEL): JCGC, Champagne, Frizette, Flwr Bowl (G1's), Kelso, Hill Prince

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by cakes44

I think it's great and he'll be primed for the Classic. Who was the last American horse to run 1 1/4 in his prep and run worth a darn in the Classic? Maybe I didn't think thoroughly and there's one or two I missed?

Pretty difficult to have a long list considering how few 10-furlong dirt races are left on the calendar, but Curlin and Blame seemed to do OK in BC Classics after prepping in the JCGC. Bernardini too. No idea why prepping at the same distance of an upcoming big race would be a detriment. If anything, it should be beneficial, especially for a horse like Honor Code with no experience at the distance.

[cakes44]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

Pretty difficult to have a long list considering how few 10-furlong dirt races are left on the calendar, but Curlin and Blame seemed to do OK in BC Classics after prepping in the JCGC. Bernardini too. No idea why prepping at the same distance of an upcoming big race would be a detriment. If anything, it should be an advantage, especially for a horse like Honor Code with no experience at the distance.

Yep, there you go then. Just seems like pussing these horses into the BC seems to work out more often than not nowadays. Not saying I'm a fan myself.

[Danzig]

I'm just glad his ultimate goal is the classic, not the dirt mile. We just had a conversation on here about the mile vs the classic....and I applaud shug for going for it.

[pointman]

Originally Posted by Danzig

I'm just glad his ultimate goal is the classic, not the dirt mile. We just had a conversation on here about the mile vs the classic....and I applaud shug for going for it.

You suggested that if he ran poorly in the JCGC that it would not serve as a prep for Breeder's Cup. I suggested that being that he is unproven at the distance, they could answer that question by running in the JCGC. It could have the benefit of answering that question and if in the negative give the option to run at a mile with a set up for a situation he ran well off the last.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by pointman

You suggested that if he ran poorly in the JCGC that it would not serve as a prep for Breeder's Cup. I suggested that being that he is unproven at the distance, they could answer that question by running in the JCGC. It could have the benefit of answering that question and if in the negative give the option to run at a mile with a set up for a situation he ran well off the last.

Except the classic is the goal. So,, shug is doing what he thinks he ought. I certainly cant find fault with his decision.
this wknd is meant for honor code to get what he needs for that ultimate goal. And better to go for the classic at 10f than the jcgc...he will get a much bigger pass if he fails at the latter.
they circled a race, wored backwards from there to get him set up.

[blackthroatedwind]

Well, he's going to lose the Kelso, so we'll see how much softer it is.

[RHT2004]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Well, he's going to lose the Kelso, so we'll see how much softer it is.

Agree. Love Tamracuz

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

Pretty difficult to have a long list considering how few 10-furlong dirt races are left on the calendar, but Curlin and Blame seemed to do OK in BC Classics after prepping in the JCGC. Bernardini too. No idea why prepping at the same distance of an upcoming big race would be a detriment. If anything, it should be beneficial, especially for a horse like Honor Code with no experience at the distance.

Every horse isn't the same and lumping form cycles/race patterns isn't germane. What worked for Curlin, Blame, Bernardini, et al, isn't necessarily appropriate for Honor Code. If you listen to Shug talk about the how and why of the Kelso versus Gold Cup, he made it clear.. He thinks the one turn mile ahead of the 10f target will keep him 'sharp', while concerned a 10f prep had potential to 'dull' his edge ahead of the key goal.

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Every horse isn't the same and lumping form cycles/race patterns isn't germane. What worked for Curlin, Blame, Bernardini, et al, isn't necessarily appropriate for Honor Code. If you listen to Shug talk about the how and why of the Kelso versus Gold Cup, he made it clear.. He thinks the one turn mile ahead of the 10f target will keep him 'sharp', while concerned a 10f prep had potential to 'dull' his edge ahead of the key goal.

That's fine, I was merely answering the question about recent US horses who prepped for BC going 10 furlongs and had success.

I never questioned Shug's wisdom or suggested he was doing the wrong thing for the horse. I was saying that, from a fan's perspective, it's disappointing to see him duck the JCGC for a much softer spot on the same card.