Churchill dirt/turf biases?

[Indian Charlie]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

Not only is the rail dull - but the three inside most paths all look to be offering slower footing.

Big Drama and Quality Road are both going to be under the gun early - they need to use that speed and get to the 5th or 6th path outward as quickly as possible.


I think it's pretty obvious that they've tried to set this dirt course up to benefit Zenyatta - the track has been unusally slow and the rail has been as bad as I've ever seen it. I think this surface helps a horse like Lookin At Lucky a lot more than Zenyatta. Lookin At Lucky got a break drawing extreme outside post 12 and he has plenty more tactical speed than Zenyatta.

Even Calvin Borel won't go anywhere near the rail. Instead of opting for the rail - he's opting for the five and six path.

Z's trainer did say yesterday that the plan is to take Z back and save ground. He even said he hopes Smith doesn't take her wide at all.

Not that anything he says means anything.

[The Indomitable DrugS]

If they save ground with her - unless the track changes - it's a big mistake.

[DaTruth]

Originally Posted by Indian Charlie

Z's trainer did say yesterday that the plan is to take Z back and save ground. He even said he hopes Smith doesn't take her wide at all.

Not that anything he says means anything.

I'm curious to see what will happen if Pleasant Prince drops back as usual and remains just to the outside of Zenyatta. Zenyatta is used to being in the clear while she lopes behind the rest of the field.

[pointman]

No doubt the rail is dead on the main, Coa in the 3 path the whole way and obviously wanted no part of the inside.