Denis of Cork passing Rebel; Wood next
 

Carroll will give him just one more start in the Wood before the Derby..

Not a good sign. Looks like it opens the door for Face the Cat.

At least it makes the Wood more interesting.

So if he doesn't run at least third in the Wood, and possibly second, he will have deficient earnings to make the Derby?

They may need to split the Lexington this year. A lot of guys playing the conservative route may become real risk takers on April 19th.

David Carroll and derby contender goes together like ketchup and corn flakes.

I think he has 150K right now in graded earnings. . . That's usually enough. . .

Puts him 18th right now. I didn't check to see how many ahead of him are off the trail.

Why? Don't think he learned anything under Shug and as Easy Goer's exercise rider?


Read Haskin 's piece.. Explains the decision:
http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=44021

I just think it's an insult to Shug to suggest an exercise rider in his barn can copy what he's done in his career. If it was that easy Honu would be a HOF trainer.

I've watched Carroll's horses and his insistence on having Larry Melancon ride them and am not convinced he can compete at the highest level.

What about Tagg? He was Whitely's exercise rider at one time in his life...

Hes a very nice guy but he cannot compete at the top level. You are exactly right Pillow. His horses constantly underachieve.

I think it's an insult to Tagg to compare him to Carroll.

You're right. I didn't take into account that Carroll isn't just starting out. Tagg is one of the best.

i hope he gets in. ive cashed on many a d c horse but not in any stakes races...

He always seems to have the stock, and doesnt seem to get the results Hooves.

I've admired Tagg's ability for a long time, but it is amazing how a guy no one knew beyond PA, MD and NY before 2003 is now talked about so reverentially. He had only been training 30 years before Funny Cide showed up. Now beloved as a crusty character, up to 2003 he was best known as a SOB... for a variety of good reasons.

David Carroll has been training 15 years and has been a consistant 15% winner. He's won stakes when he's had opportunities with good horses. Have to say I'm a bit mystified by animosity directed towards him.

I was under the impression that the Southwest was ungraded ( I also thought that was ridiculous ). If it was Graded then I definitely stand corrected.

And of course every masterful horseman hits it big immediately when they start out... Like Barclay Tagg did, right? What were all those years at Liberty Bell and Bowie about then? Keeping a low profile I suppose...


:rolleyes:

I knew about Tagg well before 2003. And I tend to like SOB's rather than the ultra positive guys like Carroll who have good stock yet let Thorograph's dictate when and where that stock runs. I hope he was getting paid for that advertisement.

And really Carroll should have a consistant 15% clip with the stock he has. It's getting that stock to the next level that's been a problem. And with thorograph calling the shots that explains alot.

Finally got graded this year. Could probably run 5th in the Wood and be safe. Although anywhere behind Take of Ekati would be reason enough not to go to the Derby regardless of earnings.

I believe Mike Ryan is still managing Warren's racing stable so that may have been pointed out by him.