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The Indomitable DrugS 06-06-2007 11:24 PM

I'd hate to have to write more than two or three sentences about this race.

I'm using Curlin and R2R in multi-win exotics (twice as much to Curlin) and I will toss Hard Spun in on a ticket with mostly my singles in the surrounding races...just so he doesn't beat me out of anything if my top picks win all the surrounding races.

I will only bet the race if people get carried away, and really overbet each of the four least likely winners.

blackthroatedwind 06-06-2007 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS
I'd hate to have to write more than two or three sentences about this race.

I'm using Curlin and R2R in multi-win exotics (twice as much to Curlin) and I will toss Hard Spun in on a ticket with mostly my singles in the surrounding races...just so he doesn't beat me out of anything if my top picks win all the surrounding races.

I will only bet the race if people get carried away, and really overbet each of the four least likely winners.


I filmed a half hour show about it tonight.....and have to film another one tomorrow.

Actually, to be honest, it's a fairly interesting race to talk about. Moreso, to me at least, than the Preakness. Unfortunately it all revolves around a 4:5 shot who will probably win.

Travis Stone 06-06-2007 11:31 PM

Curlin should win the race, and that's why he'll be such a short price. Part of me is concerned that he really only ran well the last 3/8's in the Preakness. Certainly he learned a lot, but now with 12 furlongs, that's a long time to goof around before getting serious, and by time he does, it might be over.

If Street Sense does not back-up in the Preakness and wins the race, but is still not in the Belmont, does Curlin go off at the same price Saturday? I think that's a legitimate question and angle if you want to try and reason to beat him.

Antitrust32 06-06-2007 11:42 PM

I kind of think that the fact Curlin has had three workouts since the preakness means he's rearing to go. Haskin reported he "bounced" off the van and bounced all the way to the barn yesterday. Just makes me key him on top of tri's even more. The only other horse I'll put on top in exotics is Rags.

Coach Pants 06-06-2007 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antitrust32
I kind of think that the fact Curlin has had three workouts since the preakness means he's rearing to go. Haskin reported he "bounced" off the van and bounced all the way to the barn yesterday. Just makes me key him on top of tri's even more. The only other horse I'll put on top in exotics is Rags.

Was he listening to Jay-Z on the way to Elmont?

hi_im_god 06-07-2007 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by letswastemoney
I don't think anyone can assume a lightly raced horse like Tiago can't win. He might very well lose by a ton, by he hasn't raced enough to give a true indication of his ability.

i am so pissed they aren't running any maidens.

golfer 06-07-2007 05:06 AM

you guys can't stop discussing the bounce theory, can ya?
Seriously, might it be fair to say that this "theory" comes from analyzing thousands of races, and time after time seeing horses coming off big efforts running worse in their next start? Not every time, certainly, but a large enough percentage of the time to feel the need to create a theory about it. The beauty of the bounce theory is you don't need a concrete reason why it may happen, you just need it to happen, and there can be any number of "logical" reasons for a horse to run poorly. The important thing is to predict it, then bet accordingly. You can predict it due to a horse running a big top fig in his last race, or due to logical reasons such as an anticipated speed duel on the front, etc..
Now Curlin has, from a fig standpoint, done something very few horses have ever done; start off extremely fast, repeat that 3 more times, then explode in the Preakness. There is a possibility that he won't run as well in the Belmont. If he doesn't regress, he will stamp himself as one great horse.

tector 06-07-2007 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antitrust32
I kind of think that the fact Curlin has had three workouts since the preakness means he's rearing to go. Haskin reported he "bounced" off the van and bounced all the way to the barn yesterday. Just makes me key him on top of tri's even more. The only other horse I'll put on top in exotics is Rags.

I'm sure Stevie A. gave him a tonic water with a slice of lime that just refreshed him good as new.

This is not a great betting race (relative to others on the card) unless you can make a case for some price horse joining into the tri. Even then a Curlin/HS/whomever tri is still not going to pay much.

I am going to play against R2R--I see her being seriously underlayed here. Pletcher has had the reverse Midas touch in the TC recently, and I'm going to roll with that until it changes.

The Indomitable DrugS 06-07-2007 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tector
I am going to play against R2R--I see her being seriously underlayed here. Pletcher has had the reverse Midas touch in the TC recently, and I'm going to roll with that until it changes.

I'd honestly be pretty surprised if she misses the tri.

In her Ky Oaks win...she ran an identical figure to that earned by Wanderin Boy (in winning a modest Graded Stake for older males) earlier on in the card...and did so with the tougher trip of the two...and was most impressive through the late stages.

Wanderin Boy is a pretty darn nice horse--and was 2nd to horses like Invasor and Bernardini in big Grade 1's last year...although, the subsequent performances by Half Ours and Perfect Drift haven't exactly flattered that race.

I'm always concerned about big stretch-outs with Pletcher runners...but, being an A. P. Indy out of stamina laden female family....she really projects for some improvement.

I've entertained the idea of backwheeling her in an exacta---with Curlin and HS on top (Curlin for at twice as much) --- thinking that R2R will mop up the loser of that match-up through the stretch, but not be good enough to win. However, there's not much advantage there either.

Like you say though---not a great betting race.

miraja2 06-07-2007 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justindew
This is not my prediction, but instead it is how I will bet the race. I may play Rags to win if she climbs to 5-1. Otherwise, I will use her on top (no pun intended) of CP West and Tiago, and hope for the best. If my life depended on me picking the winner, obviously I would take Curlin.

Oh.....well in that case I have to go from defending you, to questioning your sanity.
You think Curlin is the most likely winner.....and you are going to bet exactas and trifectas.......and not use him at all? That makes no sense to me whatsoever. I think Curlin might be a bit vulnerable, but I would be SHOCKED if he doesn't hit the board here.
If you like the three you mentioned, why not take a shot at using them on top of the horse you consider the most likely winner?

slotdirt 06-07-2007 07:55 AM

Wanderin Boy won the Alysheba, which I believe is ungraded. Semantics, of course.

justindew 06-07-2007 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miraja2
Oh.....well in that case I have to go from defending you, to questioning your sanity.
You think Curlin is the most likely winner.....and you are going to bet exactas and trifectas.......and not use him at all? That makes no sense to me whatsoever. I think Curlin might be a bit vulnerable, but I would be SHOCKED if he doesn't hit the board here.
If you like the three you mentioned, why not take a shot at using them on top of the horse you consider the most likely winner?

For one, I don't play trifectas. I am a win bettor, and I also play Pick 3s and Pick 4s. Occasionally, I play exactas. My goal in all races, especailly races where the pools are inflated, is to find value and cash a big ticket. I like to bet a little to try and win a lot. If Curlin wins, I don't see any of the exotics paying much. That, combined with my opinion that he MIGHT regress, dictates that I leave him off my tickets. However, I like your idea of playing my two "prices", Tiago and CP West, over Curlin. I may end up doing that.

The one strong opinion that I have is that Rags To Riches has a legit chance to win. So I'm trying to come up with a way to make a respectable score off of that opinion. Playing her over Curlin is not worth it, in my opinion.

I WILL say that Curlin will probably be on my Pick 4 ticket. So I'm not totally insane.

philcski 06-07-2007 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slotdirt
Wanderin Boy won the Alysheba, which I believe is ungraded. Semantics, of course.

'Twas graded for the first time this year.

miraja2 06-07-2007 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justindew
For one, I don't play trifectas. I am a win bettor, and I also play Pick 3s and Pick 4s. Occasionally, I play exactas. My goal in all races, especailly races where the pools are inflated, is to find value and cash a big ticket. I like to bet a little to try and win a lot. If Curlin wins, I don't see any of the exotics paying much. That, combined with my opinion that he MIGHT regress, dictates that I leave him off my tickets. However, I like your idea of playing my two "prices", Tiago and CP West, over Curlin. I may end up doing that.

The one strong opinion that I have is that Rags To Riches has a legit chance to win. So I'm trying to come up with a way to make a respectable score off of that opinion. Playing her over Curlin is not worth it, in my opinion.

I WILL say that Curlin will probably be on my Pick 4 ticket. So I'm not totally insane.

I agree with you completely on that one. I really like her chances.

blackthroatedwind 06-07-2007 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justindew

I WILL say that Curlin will probably be on my Pick 4 ticket. So I'm not totally insane.


I was worried you were going to leave him off completely.

I think what may be being misunderstood is that just because a horse is the " most likely winner " ( every race has one ) doesn't mean you ( or one ) is betting that horse. The likeliest winner might be 30% to win ( not to say that is easily definable ) but is therefore worth betting against at 8:5 or less. However, it is important as a handicapper, and especially as one who handicaps publicly, to both understand and define the most likely winner. Many races effectively go through one horse. However, how the player deals with that horse will decide how well he ( or she ) does betting said race.

When publicly discussing a race it is irresponsible to not discuss how you are dealing with the " most likely winner. "

justindew 06-07-2007 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind
When publicly discussing a race it is irresponsible to not discuss how you are dealing with the " most likely winner. "

I feel like it's more confusing than irresponsible. Maybe that actaully makes it irresponsible. I have found that I need to go a step or two beyond a normal explanation when not using a big favorite. Some people don't seem to understand the idea of seeking value elsewhere, especially in big races. Of course, most serious racing fans understand completely.

tector 06-07-2007 08:13 AM

I think R2R is going to be the second betting choice (or possibly very close to it), and I just don't see the value there. Any other day, there is not much chance I'm going to chase the exacta in a 7 horse field that requires me to punch the heavy favorite over the second betting choice. I am not going to change that just because the race is called "The Belmont".

Given the freakish field size, and the price on the favorites, the Derby offers all kinds of betting opportunities not present in most races. The same is often not true in the Preakness, and it is almost never true in the Belmont. From a betting perspective, the Belmont is JAR (just another race).

And perhaps I'm dreaming, but I just have the sense that Pletcher's record with calling "audibles" leaves something to be desired--and that is how I perceive this move.

Buffymommy 06-07-2007 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scav
I have to say that while it is a short field, it is an awful interesting betting race. TG wise, horses like Tiago and Slew's Tizzy have improving lines, ones where they are predicted to run in the zero range. I don't see Rag getting to that number, nor do I see Curlin running anywhere near his number in this race. I really think you could get some value by playing a small ticket like this

Tiago, Slew's Tizzy
Tiago, Slew's Tizzy, Spun
Tiago, Slew's Tizzy, Spun, Rags, Wild, Curlin

Anything can happen. To me, Curlin is not the most likely winner, especially if you think he reacts off that last effort, which was monsterous.....


Come to the dark side Scavs...

blackthroatedwind 06-07-2007 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justindew
I feel like it's more confusing than irresponsible. Maybe that actaully makes it irresponsible. I have found that I need to go a step or two beyond a normal explanation when not using a big favorite. Some people don't seem to understand the idea of seeking value elsewhere, especially in big races. Of course, most serious racing fans understand completely.


You're right about the last part....serious racing fans understand seeking value elsewhere implicitely.

I was speaking more in general about not discussing the main contender as being irresponsible. When I do the DRF/Siro's shows in Saratoga I think the most important thing to do is lay out the race logically and try to explain how I intend to attack it ( if at all ). I am eternally frustrated when I see other handicapping shows and people do not do this. It's really all about leading people in the right direction. Nobody will ever find their way if they are left out in the wilderness. Wrong or right, you have to have the right starting point to have a real chance to get where you want to go ( winning ).

slotdirt 06-07-2007 08:23 AM

The Alysheba was graded this year?

robfla 06-07-2007 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scav
So if you were to liken this to humans and sports, a monster effort where an athlete is just drained (like LeBron in Game 5, I know you don't watch sports but others will know what I am talking about) and then the next game he comes out flat, no creedance to that?

I really think people over use the word bounce and regress, this I agree with, but I am a firm believer that not given ample time, a horse off this effort will not reproduce that peak effort, which i think is needed to win races like this one.

I don't think it is fair to compare the two scenarios. In his "monster effort" the defense simply did not double team him and Lebron went unmolested to the basket time and time again. In Lebron's "bounce" game he was double/triple teamed from the opening tip. The defense adjusted, and he had a good ball handling game with some nice assists - just not gaudy numbers. ( they won )...their is no defense in horse racing, unless you call race dynamics defense.

philcski 06-07-2007 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slotdirt
The Alysheba was graded this year?

Yes, for the first time.

justindew 06-08-2007 04:20 PM

I can't believe no one pointed out that Tiago is a HALF-brother to Giacomo. Not FULL.

My bad.

brianwspencer 06-08-2007 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justindew
I can't believe no one pointed out that Tiago is a HALF-brother to Giacomo. Not FULL.

My bad.

You punk. I am on Derby Trail for the first time in a week, and I read that. I have just scrolled through every post in this thread to be sure I hadn't come late to the party and here's the last post....

EGAD!

Danzig 06-08-2007 05:26 PM

HEY!! brians back!


yay!!

how's it going??

brianwspencer 06-08-2007 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danzig
HEY!! brians back!


yay!!

how's it going??

Well it was going better until Justin stole my thunder after I read the whole damn thing....

I'm not back for long. Killing time at the end of the workday, still don't have my own computer, and going to Milwaukee for Pridefest in 30 minutes and spending the whole weekend up there (attending, not because I can't contain my overwhelming Pride, but for the fact that Catie Curtis, Rachael Sage, and Edie Carey are performing within 24 hours of each other starting tomorrow).

Danzig 06-08-2007 05:29 PM

oh


well have fun in milwaukee. guess we'll see ya later! take care man!

justindew 06-08-2007 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brianwspencer
You punk. I am on Derby Trail for the first time in a week, and I read that. I have just scrolled through every post in this thread to be sure I hadn't come late to the party and here's the last post....

EGAD!


Now Brian. You aren't one of those guys who takes pleasure in the mistakes of others, are you?

Danzig 06-08-2007 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justindew
Now Brian. You aren't one of those guys who takes pleasure in the mistakes of others, are you?

i thought everyone took pleasure in that...;)

brianwspencer 06-08-2007 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justindew
Now Brian. You aren't one of those guys who takes pleasure in the mistakes of others, are you?

No, it just stuck out like a sore thumb when I read it the first time and was going to mention it, but didn't want to pile on if someone else had already brought it up and it was old news. I too, was surprised, that nobody mentioned it until you did.

horseofcourse 06-08-2007 05:42 PM

I'm gonna be creative here...the 3 best horses ran 1-2-3 in the Derby...the 3 best horses ran 1-2-3 in the Preakness...just a wild hunch...the 3 best horses run 1-2-3 in the Belmont.

1. Curlin
2. Rags to Riches
3. Hard Spun

as chalky as chalk can get this race is.

brianwspencer 06-08-2007 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by horseofcourse
I'm gonna be creative here...the 3 best horses ran 1-2-3 in the Derby...the 3 best horses ran 1-2-3 in the Preakness...just a wild hunch...the 3 best horses run 1-2-3 in the Belmont.

1. Curlin
2. Rags to Riches
3. Hard Spun

as chalky as chalk can get this race is.

I actually agree pretty completely with you. I am on the edge about including 'Crazyguy on the bottom of the tri instead of/along with Hard Spun.

I know Hard Spun is so impeccably bred for this trip, but he's just been coming up empty and 'Crazyguy seems like he'll just keep running, evenly at least and could have a legit shot to pass Hard Spun in the stretch.

Danzig 06-08-2007 05:48 PM

i'd love to see rags to riches win it, but i can't ditch hard spun after backing him all year--not many opportunities left to enjoy a danzig on the track.

hard spun
rags
curlin
imawildandcrazyguy

Slewbopper 06-08-2007 06:14 PM

Curlin/Tiago box....I don't see the filly in the money. Talk about a horse with no foundation trying to beat the boys at a mile and a half in her 6th race. I will take the two colts with 5 races over her every day including Sunday. I don't care what her breeding is

slewpy 06-08-2007 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justindew
I wrote this for Metro Philadelphia newspaper....


--------------------------------------------------------

1. Imawildandcrazyguy- It’s a common misconception that a come-from-the-clouds running style, like he has, is beneficial here in the longest Triple Crown race. He’s just not in the same class as many of these.

2. Tiago- While he probably has a quicker turn of foot than his full-brother, Derby winner Giacomo, he is going to have to run down some very talented horses late if he is to find the winner’s circle. Although that’s unlikely to happen, a 3rd place effort is not out of the question.

3. Curlin- I was wrong when I said he wouldn’t fire in the Derby. I was wrong when I said he needed a rest before the Preakness. Clearly, this is a very talented racehorse. If he doesn’t regress, he wins. And I’m tired of predicting that he will regress. But at odds-on, it’s your call, and a tough way to make a buck.

4. CP West- This was my Preakness long shot pick, and he looked like a winner with about ½ mile to go. Then he stopped running. If he takes another step forward, a top-3 finish is within reach. It will have to be a big step, although you do get Nick Zito and Edgar Prado in your corner. Remember Birdstone?

5. Slew’s Tizzy- This guy is about 3 lengths better than a stablemate of Curlin’s named Forty Grams. That makes Slew’s Tizzy about 12 lengths worse than Curlin.

6. Hard Spun- I doubt he would have won, but an ill-timed move in the Preakness certainly did not help his chances, and he was only beaten by 4 lengths. That being said, I think others in here are more likely to take the step forward needed to beat Curlin.

7. Rags to Riches- I would love nothing more than to see this chick crush the boys. Her half-brother, Jazil, won this race last year. I like her chances, but at 3-1, I don’t see a whole lot of value. Still, in my opinion, she’s the second most likely winner if Curlin fires. And if he doesn’t…...

I have yet to cash a ticket in the Triple Crown this year, as my top picks, Nobiz Like Shobiz in the Derby and Street Sense in the Preakness, finished 10th and 2nd, respectively. In an effort to turn a profit for the series, I’m going to hope (not predict) against hope that Curlin ran his best race in the Preakness, and I will leave him off my exacta tickets. Same with Hard Spun. While the odds of both failing to crack the top two spots in the race are not great, a case can be made for others being better on this day. Hey, it’s all about value, right?

1. Rags To Riches
2. CP West
3. Tiago

6-5-3-1,,rags to riches gets distanced and never runs again

Pedigree Ann 06-08-2007 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slewbopper
Curlin/Tiago box....I don't see the filly in the money. Talk about a horse with no foundation trying to beat the boys at a mile and a half in her 6th race. I will take the two colts with 5 races over her every day including Sunday. I don't care what her breeding is

I think I agree with you on the filly. The last fillies to run well in the Belmont, My Flag and Genuine Risk, had considerably more experience with longer races than Rags to Riches. GR, in particular, ran with the boys in the Wood Memorial, Derby, and Preakness.

Mortimer 06-08-2007 07:39 PM

Hey, it’s all about value, right?
--------------------

Yes.



But only when it makes some sense.

I'm going to have you darted...you're too dangerous to nimrods.

justindew 06-08-2007 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mortimerdexterfoxworthy
Hey, it’s all about value, right?
--------------------

Yes.



But only when it makes some sense.

I'm going to have you darted...you're too dangerous to nimrods.


Turn on the light. Pull up your pants. Back away from the computer. Open a book.

Mortimer 06-08-2007 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justindew
Turn on the light. Pull up your pants. Back away from the computer. Open a book.



Go fucl< yourself.

justindew 06-08-2007 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mortimerdexterfoxworthy
Go fucl< yourself.

Mort, I thought I told you to back away from the computer.


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