Zito: Commentator passing BC; Targets '09 season

[blackthroatedwind]

Anybody that thinks Nick wouldn't like to take a shot in the BC Classic with Commentator isn't really thinking. What trainer wouldn't take a shot with a horse under 10:1 in a $5 Million race that could well earn his horse Horse of the Year with a victory?

The simple fact is he needs real time between his races to do his best running and the BC comes a little too soon for Commentator. Obviously, polytrack and California are part of the equation, but even with all that, if this horse was absolutely prepared he would be going. His connections are well aware of what's at stake.

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Anybody that thinks Nick wouldn't like to take a shot in the BC Classic with Commentator isn't really thinking. What trainer wouldn't take a shot with a horse under 10:1 in a $5 Million race that could well earn his horse Horse of the Year with a victory?

The simple fact is he needs real time between his races to do his best running and the BC comes a little too soon for Commentator. Obviously, polytrack and California are part of the equation, but even with all that, if this horse was absolutely prepared he would be going. His connections are well aware of what's at stake.

I guess then the Mass Handicap "America's Race" or Suffolk Downs "the birth place of CHAMPIONS" precluded the 5 million dollar race? Explain not running in an earlier dated/carded stake and heading to BCC if Zito knows the horse needs 120 days between starts?

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by freddymo

I guess then the Mass Handicap "America's Race" or Suffolk Downs "the birth place of CHAMPIONS" precluded the 5 million dollar race? Explain not running in an earlier dated/carded stake and heading to BCC if Zito knows the horse needs 120 days between starts?

I'm confused Freddy....he ran Commentator in the Mass Cap because it was exactly seven weeks after the Whitney. That was how long he felt the horse needed......he would not have been ready for a race at an earlier date. He's a gelding, so winning a Graded race isn't of real importance, and the Mass Cap was a perfect spot ( hard to argue with that in result ). Now the BC is six weeks from that race and he feels the horse needs more time.

What am I missing?

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

I'm confused Freddy....he ran Commentator in the Mass Cap because it was exactly seven weeks after the Whitney. That was how long he felt the horse needed......he would not have been ready for a race at an earlier date. He's a gelding, so winning a Graded race isn't of real importance, and the Mass Cap was a perfect spot ( hard to argue with that in result ). Now the BC is six weeks from that race and he feels the horse needs more time.

What am I missing?

12 drinks?

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

I'm confused Freddy....he ran Commentator in the Mass Cap because it was exactly seven weeks after the Whitney. That was how long he felt the horse needed......he would not have been ready for a race at an earlier date. He's a gelding, so winning a Graded race isn't of real importance, and the Mass Cap was a perfect spot ( hard to argue with that in result ). Now the BC is six weeks from that race and he feels the horse needs more time.

What am I missing?

He could have pointed him for the BCC and raced him a week earlier somewhere. He didn't because the race is in Ca. and on pro ride. And this the horse needs 49 days to recover not 42 is bordering on insanity. I suggest if the race was at Belmont 42 days recover would be just fine for 5 mil.