1/31 (GP): Donn H. (Gr. I); Holy Bull (Gr. III); MSW (Nicanor debut)

[the_fat_man]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

I suppose Beethoven was due for some poor racing luck after a dream trip of his own in the KY Jockey Club.
NT

Perfect in terms of ground covered. Terrible in terms of actual events.

But I will acknowledge that Borel handled him better in the run to the 1st turn than Leparoux did Einstein.

Which had me thinking after these races as to which tactic is better for an on-the-pace (stalker) outside horse in a short run 1st turn:

1) gun (but not all out) and get hung widest around the turn -- here you're getting all the worst of it in terms of not only pace but ground covered

2) take back, get good inside position in the 1st turn, then make a premature move once on the backstretch --- here, you get the worst of it in terms of pace but don't lose the ground

I'm sure if the horses had a vote they'd pick 2.