The blocking back

[knickslions2]

Originally Posted by pointman

While none of us can say whether it changed the outcome of the race, it was pretty clear to me is that Geroux was not riding to win the race. I found the comments from Restoring Hope's owner, Gary West, that he has no idea what Geroux was thinking or what his strategy was and that the ride for the first 1/8 of a mile resembled more of a quarter horse race than the 1 1/2 mile Belmont very interesting.

Having said that, trainers and owners have been using two horses to help set up another horse for as long as horses have been racing and nothing should take away from the tremendous accomplishment by Justify to be a worthy Triple Crown champion.

Ya it was pretty clear Restoring Hope wasn't in it to win it and Im sure owner wasn't thrilled on that ride. That being said this is really overblown with the blocking comments. Bravazo got pined on rail somewhat and tenfold had to go back as hope squeezed him with more speed at the start. Other then that there really wasn't much blocking in my opinion. Vino Russo had every opportunity and just wasn't fast enough. Gronkowski was very good and surprised me a lot. Justify is just faster than the group that ran Saturday. I hope he runs in the Travers and we get a better mix of horses so we can see a great balanced race.

[cal828]

Well, I guess we can all look forward to more great races from the great triple crown champion, Justify and I do not say that with sarcasm. Really, the most shocking thing about the race to me and probably a host of others was Gronkowski. Who knew that horses come over here from Europe and frequently run well on first time Lasix? Just one of the myriad lessons that horse racing offers that I repeatedly fail to learn.

[richard burch]

When I mentioned the fact that Baffert had 2 runners weeks BEFORE the race it didn't get much of a look.....hmmmm.


#147 Report Post

05-23-2018, 11:36 PM


Justify (Baffert)
Bravazo (Lukas)
Tenfold (Asmussen)
Vino Rosso (Pletcher)
Blended Citizen (O'Neill)
Hofburg (Mott)
Gronkowski (C. Brown)
Free Drop Billy (Romans)
Restoring Hope (Baffert)

Audible (Pletcher)
Bandua (D. Weld)

thats a nice lineup. Can make a case for a few of them.

...and why is he running a horse against himself?

[casp0555]

Originally Posted by richard burch

When I mentioned the fact that Baffert had 2 runners weeks BEFORE the race it didn't get much of a look.....hmmmm.


#147 Report Post

05-23-2018, 11:36 PM


Justify (Baffert)
Bravazo (Lukas)
Tenfold (Asmussen)
Vino Rosso (Pletcher)
Blended Citizen (O'Neill)
Hofburg (Mott)
Gronkowski (C. Brown)
Free Drop Billy (Romans)
Restoring Hope (Baffert)

Audible (Pletcher)
Bandua (D. Weld)

thats a nice lineup. Can make a case for a few of them.

...and why is he running a horse against himself?

With all due respect RB, I believe your question has been answered several times on various threads....the owners made that decision and from what I have heard, when they day do, those that work for them...do.

[richard burch]

Originally Posted by casp0555

With all due respect RB, I believe your question has been answered several times on various threads....the owners made that decision and from what I have heard, when they day do, those that work for them...do.

True but now people are saying there was some sort of "fix" in because of the 2 runners.

[Merlinsky]

Originally Posted by richard burch

True but now people are saying there was some sort of "fix" in because of the 2 runners.

The only attempted "fix" was from Repole and it didn't work out so now he's pissed. Why no criticism of that before the race? He chose two enter them both to help Vino Rosso. The Wests wanted to enter their horse and Baffert doesn't have much of a say so no, that wasn't fishy pre-race. They weren't trying to help Justify, they wanted to win or at least place. Repole wanted to try to wear out the horse going for the TC for his own success. Much worse, but in neither alleged "fix" was it really a fix. In both cases they were race riding even if it was true.

If RH is gonna be up there, even if it isn't about helping Justify, why would he want to let another horse get up and lose position? He's gonna block anybody he can anyway.

[Konk]

Originally Posted by richard burch

True but now people are saying there was some sort of "fix" in because of the 2 runners.

And means that means there was?
Who cares what "they" say?

It is not at all unusual for a trainer to have two runners in the same race.
Do "they" understand this idea?

Some people say all races are fixed. Are "they correct?"

[richard burch]

Originally Posted by Konk

And means that means there was?
Who cares what "they" say?

It is not at all unusual for a trainer to have two runners in the same race.
Do "they" understand this idea?

Some people say all races are fixed. Are "they correct?"

I wasn't saying that the Belmont or any other race was "fixed" in any way. I prefer to think that"fixed" races are a rarity and not a habit for a sport that I love. However considering what was on the line I found the other Baffert entry odd.

Maybe I'm wrong? Not crying about it.



Wonder what that conversation was like?


Owner: Hey Bob! I know you are trying to win the triple crown again and become iconic but I want you to train and enter RH. I want you to do everything you can to win with my horse. I want to win the Belmont stakes Bob. Please! It has been a long time passion to win this race Bob. I know you are the best trainer in the sport and I know you can bring RH home to victory!


Bob: OK!


or He could have said...


Owner: Bob, I know RH can win the Belmont stakes. However out of respect and thanks for training my horses so well and the fact that you are trying to achieve something greater, I am not going to put you in the awkward position of having to beat yourself for the Triple Crown. You deserve this Bob! I will cheer you on and hope you win with Justify and we can have a drink when its done.


Bob: Thanks!


That was an option but hey! I guess not.