Quote:
Originally Posted by the_fat_man
I didn't mind where Smith had her early. I also didn't mind when he 'panicked' and ask her to close the gap on the end of the pack on the backstretch. Especially since he put her in a nice, inside drafting position. But having to wait slightly for a horse to go by when they entered the stretch and then go around it, cost her the race. I realize Blame is game and I realize that he had the lead for a long time. However, as she 'pushes the biggest gear' in the race, Smith needs to get her outside of horses and make a sustained run. Saving ground, having to wait and go inside out, is not exactly the way the best finisher in the race is supposed to be ridden. I've read where there's almost a consensus that her ride didn't cost her the race. And, it's not about getting a perfect INSIDE stretch run. She's doesn't need that. Having to wait and not getting outside till late is just not a good trip for her. This is why, in track cycling, for example, those able to spinner the higher gears faster don't **** around with trying to save ground the final turn or straight, they take the outside route and spin it home. Hard to believe that Smith either doesn't get this or is just unable to put it into practice --- especially with all her previous wide trips.
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Yeah, a little cleaner trip coming off that turn and she probably gets up.
Nevertheless, she ran like the champion she is in the lane again today.
Take nothing away from the winner, tho … a very nice runner which had a terrific overall record … with multiple scores at CD.
11-07-2010, 01:03 AM
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