Rags to Riches/Belmont try?

[somerfrost]

Originally Posted by Danzig

it's a shame that whenever it's mentioned that a filly might face off against colts, ruffian is brought up by someone!

why not mention genuine risk, or ouija board? lady's secret? winning colors?

as tho the fact ruffian was facing a colt somehow increased the odds of a breakdown. how ridiculous--so much for using your head, emotional responses are always so much more interesting.

I agree with that for the most part, when Go For Wand broke down it was a bit ironic (as well as very tragic) because she had been considered for the BCC and the owners opted for what they thought was a "softer" spot...unfortunately, they couldn't forsee what turned out to be a head-to-head duel all around the track with a talented and tough as nails older filly! The concern is always that when champion horses exert to the max they will run through warning pain often with tragic results, 12 furlongs will require max effort for this filly...I'm sorry but I'd wait for another spot!

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by somerfrost

I agree with that for the most part, when Go For Wand broke down it was a bit ironic (as well as very tragic) because she had been considered for the BCC and the owners opted for what they thought was a "softer" spot...unfortunately, they couldn't forsee what turned out to be a head-to-head duel all around the track with a talented and tough as nails older filly! The concern is always that when champion horses exert to the max they will run through warning pain often with tragic results, 12 furlongs will require max effort for this filly...I'm sorry but I'd wait for another spot!

Still waiting for that other spot.

[King Glorious]

The time to do it was in the SA Derby. That was a golden opportunity. The next best time to do it will be after the TC in the Haskell or WV Derby. Something like that after the TC has watered down the ranks. Or in a race like the Ohio Derby. The Kentucky Derby would have been the shot at immortality. Not the Belmont. The Belmont is an irrelevant race nowdays. What would she prove by winning it? That she's the best 12f 3yo in the country? Who cares? I would rather prove that I'm competitive with the best 3yo's at a distance that matters. I would not run in the Belmont.

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by King Glorious

The time to do it was in the SA Derby. That was a golden opportunity. The next best time to do it will be after the TC in the Haskell or WV Derby. Something like that after the TC has watered down the ranks. Or in a race like the Ohio Derby. The Kentucky Derby would have been the shot at immortality. Not the Belmont. The Belmont is an irrelevant race nowdays. What would she prove by winning it? That she's the best 12f 3yo in the country? Who cares? I would rather prove that I'm competitive with the best 3yo's at a distance that matters. I would not run in the Belmont.

The point is to take advantage of her stamina and pedigree and catch the males at a distance they might struggle going. Most of the horses she'd face in the Belmont would likely be better suited going shorter distances.

So let me get this straight, the Belmont is an irrelevant race, but the Haskell, West Virginia Derby or Ohio Derby would prove something about her?

There are plenty of fillies who can go nine furlongs with boys.. There are very few who can go 12 with 'em.. This might be one that can do the latter.