Goldikova: Lost a step or as good as ever?

[brockguy]

Originally Posted by PatCummings

I don't think I'm doing a disservice to Dream Ahead...a very quality animal. A great value in that race, and a horse who is one to look forward to when back next year.

I think you have to question the balance of her competition.

hmm I dont know.

First time out - beats the most underrated horse in the world Cirrus Des Aigles by a cosy neck, everyone said it was a disappointing performance but this fella has been insane since (he is a personal fav of mine!)

Royal Ascot - Peslier puts up 2 pounds overweight (simply unforgivable) and goes down by a length to Canford Cliffs, a top miler (well 2nd to Frankel!)

Prix Rothschild - this is the race she always seems to win, won cosily from Sahpresa, she is never impressive in this race but beat a decent filly.

Prix Jacques le Marois - beaten by Immortal Verse who was impressive on that day, readily took care of Goldi. OK this run wasnt great, but she lost in much more devesating fashion to Makfi in that same race last year.

Foret - beaten by the champion sprinter on her prep for this race. Smashing run.

I know you're only giving your opinion on it but I dont think she's lost a step and the runs this year wouldnt put me off.

and I think Dream Ahead has been retired which is such a shame...

[PatCummings]

Originally Posted by brockguy

hmm I dont know.

First time out - beats the most underrated horse in the world Cirrus Des Aigles by a cosy neck, everyone said it was a disappointing performance but this fella has been insane since (he is a personal fav of mine!)

Royal Ascot - Peslier puts up 2 pounds overweight (simply unforgivable) and goes down by a length to Canford Cliffs, a top miler (well 2nd to Frankel!)

Prix Rothschild - this is the race she always seems to win, won cosily from Sahpresa, she is never impressive in this race but beat a decent filly.

Prix Jacques le Marois - beaten by Immortal Verse who was impressive on that day, readily took care of Goldi. OK this run wasnt great, but she lost in much more devesating fashion to Makfi in that same race last year.

Foret - beaten by the champion sprinter on her prep for this race. Smashing run.

I know you're only giving your opinion on it but I dont think she's lost a step and the runs this year wouldnt put me off.

and I think Dream Ahead has been retired which is such a shame...

My friend, you're missing the point. She faces one or two decent horses per race in France...this year's BC Mile will be unlike any other race in terms of overall quality, mostly because the Euros coming are way better.

Byword showed he is back with the Longchamp win, subsequently franked, and unlike Paco Boy last year, Strong Suit has been pointed to this since the Ascot win. The others from last year, Beethoven and Delegator weren't legit contenders. Gio Ponti, Turallure, a 2011 Courageous Cat...all realistic threats.

[brockguy]

Originally Posted by PatCummings

My friend, you're missing the point. She faces one or two decent horses per race in France...this year's BC Mile will be unlike any other race in terms of overall quality, mostly because the Euros coming are way better.

Byword showed he is back with the Longchamp win, subsequently franked, and unlike Paco Boy last year, Strong Suit has been pointed to this since the Ascot win. The others from last year, Beethoven and Delegator weren't legit contenders. Gio Ponti, Turallure, a 2011 Courageous Cat...all realistic threats.

Well I think they are related slightly but I disagree with you on the field issue. I wouldn't trust Byword whatsoever over a mile.. He needed every yard of the 10f to wear down Cirrus and just simply won't live with Goldi over 8..

Strong Suit is dangerous and the only danger I see - he'll probably get the Mile in the States but talk of him making all in the race will be a disaster. If they do run him to play to his strengths I think he will run a slightly better race than Paco Boy did last year.

Of the Americans, I don't think they are not threats (and I have watched their races!!!)