The Value of leading at the 1st call on dirt

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by Betsy

I'll have to look at his maiden win again, but I remember thinking that the jock had a ton of horse.

I don't think they should change his style drastically - no dropping back 5, 6, 7 lengths for him - but if he could run from about 2 or 3 lengths off the pace, I think that would be ideal. I have to watch the replay of today's race; I didn't see him gawking, but both Johnny V and Mott said he was looking around....it wasn't that obvious to me. Having a target may settle him down some more; then again, maturity may do the same.

I can't see Mott bringing this colt back in a major stakes for his seasonal debut, but of course I could be wrong. I'm sure he wants to win every race, but my point was that he considered the Remsen a big race for THAS, where he wasn't going to fool around. He can afford to fool around in a prep race, even if it means he loses.

My point is that I don't think it will take any active meddling from the connections to get this horse to "relax".

As DrugS's said a couple of times, he'll probably simply run into a horse a bit faster than him early and he'll find himself chasing (which is basically what happened in his maiden race).

As far as his 3yo comeback, Mott started First Samurai in the Fountain Of Youth and I believe Hold Me Back debuted in the Jim Beam, so it won't be a shock to see him reappear in a big race, particularly since he's now at a nw3x condition.

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

As far as his 3yo comeback, Mott started First Samurai in the Fountain Of Youth

Frank Brothers I think.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

Frank Brothers I think.

Should have caught that, cuz I almost put Hansel (Fountain Of Youth) down, too.

They both look like John Denver.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

My point is that I don't think it will take any active meddling from the connections to get this horse to "relax".

As DrugS's said a couple of times, he'll probably simply run into a horse a bit faster than him early and he'll find himself chasing (which is basically what happened in his maiden race).

As far as his 3yo comeback, Mott started First Samurai in the Fountain Of Youth and I believe Hold Me Back debuted in the Jim Beam, so it won't be a shock to see him reappear in a big race, particularly since he's now at a nw3x condition.

And, First Samurai's first race back was the Hutchinson....in the slop ( I think against Keyed Entry ).

Byk still thinks that's the reason he didn't win the TC.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

And, First Samurai's first race back was the Hutchinson....in the slop ( I think against Keyed Entry ).

Byk still thinks that's the reason he didn't win the TC.

I really gotta start fact-checking when bringing up stuff post-2001.

The Hutcheson has been a great "derailer" of many a classic campaign. Forego probably would have won the Derby otherwise. Spectacular Bid--the Triple Crown. Swale would have shown up in the Preakness. Forty Niner would have caught Winning Colors. Rhythm would have hit the board in a prep race before the Derby. Fly So Free would have saw out the 10f at CD. Holy Bull wouldn't have caught a sloppy track he couldn't handle. Unbridled's Song's feet would have held together. Coronado's Quest wouldn't have developed a fear of crowds. Cat Thief would have been a shorter price in the BC Classic.

Thank god they've relegated it to a mere undercard race on Fountain Of Youth day.

[Betsy]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

My point is that I don't think it will take any active meddling from the connections to get this horse to "relax".

As DrugS's said a couple of times, he'll probably simply run into a horse a bit faster than him early and he'll find himself chasing (which is basically what happened in his maiden race).

As far as his 3yo comeback, Mott started First Samurai in the Fountain Of Youth and I believe Hold Me Back debuted in the Jim Beam, so it won't be a shock to see him reappear in a big race, particularly since he's now at a nw3x condition.

Oh, ok - I agree with you then (about the relaxing part)