Friesan Fire training up to Derby

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by Bobby Fischer

Jones was also considering the Blue Grass for Friesan Fire.

Yeah I got that, but on what could you possibly base your contention that the fractions in this year's Blue Grass will be much more grueling than in '07? Or that it would be much more taxing on Friesan Fire than it was on Street Sense?

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

Yeah I got that, but on what could you possibly base your contention that the fractions in this year's Blue Grass will be much more grueling than in '07? Or that it would be much more taxing on Friesan Fire than it was on Street Sense?

I haven't the faintest idea if it would have been a tougher race, but it's pretty safe to say there's an excellent chance the fractions will be quicker this year than they were in 2007. The fractions of the 5th at the Big M tomorrow night might be quicker than the 07 Blue Grass.

NT

[Travis Stone]

The Louisiana Derby offers an awkward gap to the Derby, particularly with today's standards of training. I can't knock Jones for training-up to the race, his options are limited.

[SCUDSBROTHER]

Originally Posted by philcski

Reason?

(other than Street Sense was 5X the horse Friesan Fire is)

Cuz Street Sense had a massive tool for that track.

[Scurlogue Champ]

Originally Posted by SCUDSBROTHER

Cuz Street Sense had a massive tool for that track.

[sumitas]

It's tempting to conclude, as RandolphScott alluded to, that coming off a career top, the 7 weeks might avert a bounce in the KD . Otherwise, with the Blue Grass you might be in form for a 0-2-X . Not good.

It's a good decision. I'm hoping this will catch on in other sports. Like boxing. Have about 6 fights and retire and have your trainer talk about how great you were. It would help the sport tremendously.

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by Coach Pants

It's a good decision. I'm hoping this will catch on in other sports. Like boxing. Have about 6 fights and retire and have your trainer talk about how great you were. It would help the sport tremendously.

Or having Rafael Nadal only play the French, then Federer just plays U.S. so as to assure we don't tire these poor guys out.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

While I think it is a questionable decision to try to run 1 1/4 without a 1 1/8th prep, the 7 weeks thing isnt that big of a deal anymore. While it hasnt been done there are virtually no real contenders that ever even tried. With the light training schedules and spacing of races, it will happen eventually. The 3/16th stretchout would concern me more than the 7 weeks.

imo, this is the larger issue.

[Travis Stone]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

Or having Rafael Nadal only play the French, then Federer just plays U.S. so as to assure we don't tire these poor guys out.

They've done enough. I'm looking forward to Nadal and Federer offspring, and we can keep the cycle going.

[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

[CSC]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

http://www.drf.com/news/article/102616.html

Thoughts?

I think the day of 3 prep, 4 prep campaigns before the derby are becoming obsolete. Why that is I just don't know for sure...

[declansharbor]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

http://www.drf.com/news/article/102616.html

Thoughts?

I look at it like this. From a standpoint of someone that isnt going to play him in the Derby, I like the decision. With his current running lines, alot of novice money will be thrown his direction. Had he raced again before May and disappointed, some/most people would've hopped off his bandwagon IMO.

That said, I'm sure LJ knows whats best for his horses. If he loses in early May, I doubt it will be the time off that did him in. As someone said previously, it will probably be due to the stretchout to 9 panels +.

I can see him pulling ahead of the cavalry charge at the top of the straightaway only to be overtaken in mid-sretch by a handful of horses and finish anywheres from 6-9.

[booner]

I'm in the camp of the "no 1 1/8" group. I think this will be a bigger issue than the layoff.