Two at Toga (2023)

[moses]

I’m tired of Irad’s antics but I can’t really have sympathy for the two other horses involved here, who appeared to be working together to prevent Forte from getting into open space. At what point in time did we become OK with horses from the same trainer teaming up to impede another horse?

I’ve seen a lot of people saying that’s just race riding. I don’t agree. It’s collusion and what bettor wants to see that? It’s different when we’re talking about running a rabbit to set up a closer, imo. I’ve never liked when Baffert did this with his horses and don’t think we should reward this ‘strategy’ by DQing a clearly better horse unless the foul is extraordinarily egregious.

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by moses

I’m tired of Irad’s antics but I can’t really have sympathy for the two other horses involved here, who appeared to be working together to prevent Forte from getting into open space. At what point in time did we become OK with horses from the same trainer teaming up to impede another horse?

I’ve seen a lot of people saying that’s just race riding. I don’t agree. It’s collusion and what bettor wants to see that? It’s different when we’re talking about running a rabbit to set up a closer, imo. I’ve never liked when Baffert did this with his horses and don’t think we should reward this ‘strategy’ by DQing a clearly better horse unless the foul is extraordinarily egregious.

I’m not sure it had anything to do with trainers. I just think it was Prat not wanting to let anyone out. I think he would’ve done the same thing if it was Disarm inside of him and someone else, not trained by Cox on the lead.

Now Rosario wouldn’t have pushed his way out like Irad did but I digress

[moses]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

I’m not sure it had anything to do with trainers. I just think it was Prat not wanting to let anyone out. I think he would’ve done the same thing if it was Disarm inside of him and someone else, not trained by Cox on the lead.

Now Rosario wouldn’t have pushed his way out like Irad did but I digress

Maybe you’re right but it’s a bad look imo. Just one of many (and in this instance, probably fairly minor) reasons the accumulation of most of the talented horses in a small number of barns creates issues for the sport.