8/7 (DMR): Clement L. Hirsch S. (G1)

[Merlinsky]

Originally Posted by SCUDSBROTHER

You've never been around a brutal Narcissist. All you people are pssd about her, but you tune in to get your punishment. You all think (for at least a couple seconds each race) that you might have her beat. Then she punishes you yet again. Most of ya been trying to get her beat for what? 10 races? She punishes you, but also wants to keep giving you hope. That way, she knows you'll come back for another beating. You have a huge shot at beating her with BLAME, but don't bet money that you need.

I think what you meant to say about Zenyatta was "Thank you, your Majesty. May I have another?"

Originally Posted by Rupert Pupkin

She apparently did not ship great when she went to Oaklawn this year. The trip knocked her out and she lost weight. Knowing that, why would they want to ship her again this year before they ship her to Kentucky in November for the BC Classic? Why would they want to knock her out before the big race?

All horses are different. Some horses handle shipping really well and others don't. Going into this year, I think they were planning on shipping quite a bit this year. But since she didn't handle it particulary well, they're not going to do it again before the BC Classic. I guess there is a small chance that they will ship her for her final prep but I would say the odds are against it.

I agree. I think they would most like a chance to go after not only Rachel but your Quality Road, Blame, Rail Trip, etc in one go. I think they're concerned about what could happen in the Classic if they go for the Beldame first this year. I think they were tempted by the race last year because they go back for the Classic on their home "plastic," but this time, we're talking non-home environment #2 and that wouldn't do her any favors (assuming there are actually shipping issues). I feel like there's a very good reason we haven't seen 2 "eastern" races back to back which is a shame because it has zero to do with her talent. Sure her issue with Churchill last year was weather related but was any of it connected with shipping strain? I guess at least this year post-Oaklawn it's obvious that it's stressful for her. Might almost be better if she doesn't come to the Beldame so we get the best Z possible for the BCC. This assumes of course that I'm not completely misreading the situation, and she actually is fine with shipping. In the event of that, oops.