Friesan Fire training up to Derby

[randallscott35]

Originally Posted by philcski

I know he did- I loved Hard Spun and he did me quite well in that Derby. However 2 things stick out here- (1) he didn't win, and (2) this is 7 weeks not 6 like Hard Spun, and he wanted a fresh horse for the Derby with Hard Spun because he wanted to utilize his speed- however Friesan Fire doesn't have that advantage. Sure, I think Larry Jones knows what he's doing more than I do. I like this horse a lot, and just think this isn't the best approach to have him ready to WIN.

That same year, Street Sense had a hard race 7 weeks out then had a designed "tuneup" in the Blue Grass, and fired his best shot on Derby Day. Don't you think that's a better comparison?

So you would have liked the horse had it been 6 weeks and not 7? Really. Let me be clear, he is not a horse I would've been playing anyway, but I think a guy who has finished 2nd in the last 2 Derbys gets the benefit of the doubt. I think the horse will run his race, I just don't see him getting 10 panels. But to me at least, it isn't a terrible decision coming off a lifetime top for the horse.

[philcski]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

So you would have liked the horse had it been 6 weeks and not 7? Really. Let me be clear, he is not a horse I would've been playing anyway, but I think a guy who has finished 2nd in the last 2 Derbys gets the benefit of the doubt. I think the horse will run his race, I just don't see him getting 10 panels. But to me at least, it isn't a terrible decision coming off a lifetime top for the horse.

Not at all what I'm saying. They're two different animals and should be treated as such. Just because it (almost) worked with a very special horse doesn't mean it's the right approach for this one.

[Oaklawnfan]

Originally Posted by Cardus

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't you want to see Friesan Fire "regress" in a race like the Arkansas Derby, and then "move forward" back to a new top in the Derby?

I've been to my share of Ragozin seminars, and it seem as if that is how it works, in Friedman's eyes.

This is really just conjecture on my part, but to run Friesan Fire in the Arkansas Derby would put him head to head with Old Fashion (who really needs to win) which I doubt Mr. Porter would want that. I also think that they probably would rather stay on the dirt so that would let Keenland out too. If anyone could train him up to the Derby, Larry Jones is one who can do it. IMO