1/14-16 (SA): San Fernando (G2); Santa Ynez (G2); San Gabriel (G2)

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

Tapizar is lightly-raced, so the possiblity of further improvement is there. I'd like to see him run a game race with early pressure before having confidence in him. Right now, he seems like an all-or-nothing type (only 1 placing in his 5 defeats). He got outrun going for the lead early in the BC, eventually settling after the opening quarter, yet didn't offer much of a response in the lane. Doubt he can pass horses.

Hopefully Mucho Macho Man and To Honor And Serve fill the void. I don't have high hopes for Shackleford or Flat Out, as they haven't got much of a break since last year, and weren't in particularly good form at the end of the season. Stay Thirsty would be going against the grain if he did anything of significance for Pletcher this year.

Dutrow was complaining about having to run Trickmeister and Redeemed together in the Donn, so maybe he'll call an audible and send the latter to the Strub to give Tapizar a run for his money.

2nd in the BC Mile??

[Kasept]

Tapizar 97

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

2nd in the BC Mile??

The BC Dirt Mile was a weak field and Shackleford was no match for Caleb's Posse, losing 6.5 lengths to that rival in the final furlong.

At least he held off Tres Borrachos.

[cakes44]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

The BC Dirt Mile was a weak field...

The Factor and Tapizar have already come back with nice wins.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by cakes44

The Factor and Tapizar have already come back with nice wins.

Nice wins against outclassed competition (allowance eligible horses) within their own age group. The Dirt Mile is supposed to be a Grade 1 open to horses of all ages. The 2011 edition, like the other 3 or 4 runnings, have been subpar. Wilburn, who was unplaced in the Matt Winn and the Long Branch, was post-time favorite.