9/5 (CD): Derby Trail Probables ~ 11 for Preakness with Swiss

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by King Glorious

I find it interesting that many people automatically assume that the winner of the SA Derby won’t be able to come back in the Belmont because it’s only two weeks later yet nobody thinks anything of horses from the Kentucky Derby running back in the Preakness two weeks later.

Definitely see a bunch of trainers wanting to ship across the country on two weeks rest when most have missed a prep or two.

As always, you’ve got your finger on the pulse of what’s going on.

[richard burch]

This is not a year for a "triple crown" achievement. What was 3 races over 5 weeks is now over 3 + months to complete. While each race has its own reward why you would want to push your horse and just run him when the time is right. I believe it makes the Haskell, SA Derby and others almost equal value to the big 3. A lot can happen between June 6th and September 5th and Oct. 3rd. I think it's a long shot that one horse is winning those 3 races.

[Alabama Stakes]

When life looks like easy street, there is danger at your door . -GD

[knickslions2]

Charlatan out of Belmont and derby. A few weeks ago Baffert had three big shots now he has none. Things can change fast.

https://www.drf.com/news/baffert-no-...erby-charlatan

[Kasept]

MAXFIELD will bypass Belmont for Blue Grass..

[Alabama Stakes]

Originally Posted by Kasept

MAXFIELD will bypass Belmont for Blue Grass..

Smart move, 2 turns better option.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by Alabama Stakes

Smart move, 2 turns better option.

With his turn move (reminiscent of his sire Street Sense), Maxfield would be a force around one turn perhaps even in an extended sprint--never mind 9 furlongs.

Of course, with 3 weeks in-between the Belmont and Blue Grass, he's not really bypassing the former in favor of the latter; his connections are simply choosing not to run in a Triple Crown race.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by Alabama Stakes

Smart move, 2 turns better option.

FYI, this is exactly the opposite of the truth. A one turn route at Belmont is FAR more likely to feature a fast pace that will benefit closers than a two turn race where the pace slows as the field hits a turn relatively quickly.

[moses]

Originally Posted by Kasept

MAXFIELD will bypass Belmont for Blue Grass..

I don’t quite get it. Are they avoiding facing off against Tiz the Law?

On the other hand, I didn’t pay attention but someone I know said Maxfield walked after the race last time out. Maybe he needs the extra few weeks after a big race off a long layoff.

[knickslions2]

Originally Posted by moses

I don’t quite get it. Are they avoiding facing off against Tiz the Law?

On the other hand, I didn’t pay attention but someone I know said Maxfield walked after the race last time out. Maybe he needs the extra few weeks after a big race off a long layoff.

I think their goal is strictly the Derby. They can pick the races they feel best to get the horse peaking at that time. I wish he was running in Belmont but understand the goals they have.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by moses

I don’t quite get it. Are they avoiding facing off against Tiz the Law?

On the other hand, I didn’t pay attention but someone I know said Maxfield walked after the race last time out. Maybe he needs the extra few weeks after a big race off a long layoff.

They are playing the game that the Kentucky Derby is the only race that matters. Of course, if he does win the Derby he will almost assuredly retire at year's end after 1 or 2 more starts. When you think about what racing would be like if every participant in the sport campaigned their top horses in this way, you realize that it doesn't take a pandemic to create spectator-less racing...

Meanwhile, to your other point, Maxfield has not breezed back since his Matt Winn comeback, which is going on 17 days now. He breezed back from each of his two baby races within 2 weeks. He had to have surgery after only those 2 starts. Maybe the real story is that his quest towards the Kentucky Derby is less assured than we realize.