TG figure for the Preakness

[Merlinsky]

Originally Posted by Kasept

His pattern shows the likelihood of a slight backwards move. But there's something interesting about a horse like Mine That Bird in these discussions... As a deep closer with one run, he doesn't undergo the same rigor of race stress like a Rachel Alexandra, so there may be less pronounced effect of 'big' efforts and tightly spaced efforts.

At the same time, as a gelding in the spring, and with no steroids to help keep his appetite up, he may be vulnerable to weight loss and tucking up. Horses that run well in the Preakness and Derby, and in this case perhaps the Preakness and Oaks, frequently can 'go south' about 10 days or so after Baltimore.

How does that work with fillies Steve? Don't they have to give them something to keep them from going into season? I'm not absolutely familiar with the biology of it, I just know I've heard that suggested in past springs with female Derby hopefuls that looked terrific and then seemed to fall off form.

I think Asmussen or Scott Blasi might've said something about Jackson wanting to set RA up for Horse of the Year and she will have the schedule that would get it for her. What's she going to have to do? Face Einstein and/or Zenyatta? Does that also include running in the Belmont, esp. if MTB won it?