This Crop

[Samarta]

Originally Posted by justindew

Part of me thinks that if Street Sense truly did quit yesterday, and if Nafzger can prevent that from happening again, Street Sense will prove to be the best of the three.

Are you thinking Hard Spun will go to the turf?

I don't think turf....what about a sprinter? All you heard Jones talk about was his high cruising speed....well he either needs to tighten up the training reigns and figure out how to bottle that speed or forget about ever being a consistent grade 1 winner...I think Hard Spun accomplished his 2nd and 3rd place finishes in spite of the rides and strategy....

So you like Street Sense more than Curlin?

[justindew]

Originally Posted by Samarta

So you like Street Sense more than Curlin?

I think Street Sense should have won yesterday, which would have made him 2 for 2 against Curlin. But Curlin probably has more upside. So I guess I am talking out of both sides of my mouth. I guess I would give a slight edge to Street Sense if I had to choose.

[miraja2]

I think Street Sense and Curlin have established themselves as the top two 10f horses in the crop up to this point.
As for Hard Spun, I don't think sprinting would be the way to go with him at all, because while he certainly has some gate speed, I don't think he could compete at a high level in sprints. He would have trouble getting the lead in those races, and he wouldn't be able to take advantage of the fact that he can maintain a strong pace for over a mile.
To me he will be at his best in two-turn races at 8, 8.5, and 9 furlongs on the dirt/poly. There are plenty of G2 and G3 races around the country that fit that description - and he has already proven that he likes the poly - so he could have a very nice campaign this fall.
I see him as a slightly more talented version of Lawyer Ron.

[King Glorious]

Originally Posted by miraja2

I think Street Sense and Curlin have established themselves as the top two 10f horses in the crop up to this point.
As for Hard Spun, I don't think sprinting would be the way to go with him at all, because while he certainly has some gate speed, I don't think he could compete at a high level in sprints. He would have trouble getting the lead in those races, and he wouldn't be able to take advantage of the fact that he can maintain a strong pace for over a mile.
To me he will be at his best in two-turn races at 8, 8.5, and 9 furlongs on the dirt/poly. There are plenty of G2 and G3 races around the country that fit that description - and he has already proven that he likes the poly - so he could have a very nice campaign this fall.
I see him as a slightly more talented version of Lawyer Ron.

That's the way I see him. He's got great speed for route races but I don't see the type of speed that would get him on the lead or even near it in sprints. A horse can run 22 3/5 and be comfortably in front in a route. Try that same thing in a top notch sprint race and he'll see the ass of all his competitors. I think the Lawyer Ron comparison is a good one. I also think of Lion Heart and Bellamy Road. Races like the Swaps, the WV Derby, the Jim Dandy, the Penn Derby.....those have Hard Spun's name written all over them......provided Curlin or Street Sense is not there.

[ALostTexan]

Well, the Shieks haven't bought out any of the big names from this crop, which tell me alot...

ALostTexan

[cmorioles]

Originally Posted by ALostTexan

Well, the Shieks haven't bought out any of the big names from this crop, which tell me alot...

ALostTexan

Why, because their other purchases have been so successful?

They have had a few turn out decent, but many more are never heard from again.

[justindew]

They tried to buy Nobiz Like Shobiz. I'm stubbornly sticking to my prediction that he will end up as the best of this group.

I'm kidding.....

.....sort of.....

....not really.

[ALostTexan]

Originally Posted by cmorioles

Why, because their other purchases have been so successful?

They have had a few turn out decent, but many more are never heard from again.

Yeah, but any horse with any potential they seem to purchase. Just making that point. I don't see why they would change their ways now so drastically if they see any potential...

ALostTexan