Delta Jackpot takes on importance this year

Originally Posted by oracle80

Rock Hard Ten and although the way that Barbaro ran it wouldn't have mattered, but SunRiver certainly could have hit the board.

I believe you and I loved Sun River in the Peter Pan, but I really dont think he would of had a chance on Derby day. He did have a chance to hit the board--but I don't think he would have finished in the top 6.

Certainly some horses already have an earnings advantage right now, but all that means is that the trainers who have Derby contenders will have to get their horses some money. And than means racing them more. There are so many races in the future that it is going to make the Derby entries very interesting. It used to be that $100k would get u a spot. Soon it will be like $250-$300 as a minimum. You also could assume that Street Sense, Quay, Scat Daddy will continue to beat up on the east coast horses. Great Hunter, Principle Secret and Horse Greeley will beat up on the west coast horses. Who know who will emerge in the mid-west. But we will get the right 20 in the Derby this year like we have for every year.

[Linny]

Re: Sunriver- Had Todd stood up to the owners of Keyed Entry (who wants no part of 10f) then Sunriver would have been in.

The fact is that yes the rules are arbitrary but they are the same for everyone. Most of the good horsemen have a pretty fair idea when looking at their 2yos, what kind of horse they have. Sure, some jump up and surprise you with a huge leap forward, but if that's the case and in January that longshot maiden breaker has suddenly become a racehorse and you sre smelling roses, you better get going. To get in the gate at Churchill you need to leapfrog alot of horses, or hope some other guys horses fall away.

Trainers who wait or pick spots or just "give him extra time" know that they are risking a berth. Some years, one or two stars dominate and make a LOT of $$$ meaning that alot of horses with relatively small bankrolls are fighting for remaining spots. Other years it seems like all the preps are won by different horses, meaning a big placing (like Jazil's Wood) may not even get you in.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Linny

Re: Sunriver- Had Todd stood up to the owners of Keyed Entry (who wants no part of 10f) then Sunriver would have been in.

The fact is that yes the rules are arbitrary but they are the same for everyone. Most of the good horsemen have a pretty fair idea when looking at their 2yos, what kind of horse they have. Sure, some jump up and surprise you with a huge leap forward, but if that's the case and in January that longshot maiden breaker has suddenly become a racehorse and you sre smelling roses, you better get going. To get in the gate at Churchill you need to leapfrog alot of horses, or hope some other guys horses fall away.

Trainers who wait or pick spots or just "give him extra time" know that they are risking a berth. Some years, one or two stars dominate and make a LOT of $$$ meaning that alot of horses with relatively small bankrolls are fighting for remaining spots. Other years it seems like all the preps are won by different horses, meaning a big placing (like Jazil's Wood) may not even get you in.

Stop talking sense!!! John Ward will take offense.