8/14 (SAR): Sword Dancer Invitational S. (G1)

The Indomitable DrugS · #1 08-14-2010, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_fat_man

I'm sort of surprised that a real horse like Get Serious, Presious Passion or even Acclamation wasn't entered in the race. I mean, any one of them would have 25 on this bunch (excluding Al Khali). Instead we'll be treated to another paceless, 4 abreast around the track affair, sure to showcase our brilliant colony of riders.

yawnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

Why waste $500k on this bunch when a group of maiden claimers would provide more entertainment -- visually and parimutuelly? NYRA throwing away money.

I see pace in there.

Doesn't Marlang have a lot of speed for a grass race at that distance?

the_fat_man · #2 08-14-2010, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

I see pace in there.

Doesn't Marlang have a lot of speed for a grass race at that distance?

Every time I watch a EURO turf race I'm struck at how differently the jocks ride over there. They go 2 abreast, like cyclists, for most of the race, then come out, as far as they need to, for the stretch run. Contrast this with NA jocks, who have no problem going without cover for most of the race, then bunch up for the stretch run, resulting in any number of them getting blocked.

Moreover, the EUROS are whipping and driving and rocking all over the place, trying to get some momentum going for their horses. The NA's, like Gomez, are twirling the reins, trying to get a better grip.

As for Marlang, what are we realistically looking at: 25, 50? For $500K can't we find some horses that can actually cut a decent pace? I mean, isn't the turf up there about as hard as it gets?

Pedigree Ann · #3 08-14-2010, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_fat_man

Every time I watch a EURO turf race I'm struck at how differently the jocks ride over there. They go 2 abreast, like cyclists, for most of the race, then come out, as far as they need to, for the stretch run. Contrast this with NA jocks, who have no problem going without cover for most of the race, then bunch up for the stretch run, resulting in any number of them getting blocked.
?

You have to recollect that the stretches over there tend to be 4f or more long, and wide enough to hold a gate with 25 or 30 horses in it. The turns, if there are any (Newmarket can run races up to 10f on the straight), are more like the Belmont main track than a typical 7f-inside-a-mile-oval turf course. Saving ground is rarely a consideration (except at Chester, which is nearly all turn, with a 2f straight).

But Euros do make best use of pacemakers in races like this. The role of the pacemaker isn't to run off like a bat out of hell, either; their brief is to set a strong enough gallop that the milers have to work to keep up and have no sprint left in them late. It's not unusual to see the pacemaker just a couple of lengths in front of the main entrant at the head of affairs in a 12f race.