Gomez ??????????????????

[Rupert Pupkin]

I agree with several of the points of view here. I agree with Oracle that the horse did not run well and would not have won no matter how he was ridden. That being said, I think the horse went way too fast. I don't know if you can blame GG though. As other have said, it may have been Baffert's decision to go to the lead. I think it is a huge mistake to ever decide what you're going to do before the race. It's fine to have an idea of what you want to do and how you think the race will unfold. But I would never want a jockey or trainer to decide on a strategy and stick to it no matter what. It's one thing if you have a speed horse that cannot be rated. Then you may not have a choice. B&J does not fit in that category. He never goes to the lead.
If you have a horse that looks like he might be able to get a relatively easy lead, then here is what I would tell the jockey: "Try to break well and get him running early. If you can get a pretty easy lead in reasonable fractions, then do it. If others guys are gunning for the lead, then take back and let them have the lead."
I think it's important to let the jockey play things by ear depending on how the race unfolds. The races don't always unfold the way you plan. That is why it is important for the jockey to be flexible.
Anyway, if it was Gomez' decision to go to the lead in those fractions, then I think it was a very bad decision. However, we don't know if it was his decision. It may have been Baffert's decision. As early as the horse gave it up though, I don't think it would have mattered how the horse was ridden. The horse was not going to hit the board.