Curlin v. Cobalt Blue

[ArlJim78]

Originally Posted by brianwspencer

The only problem I have with Cobalt Blue is that his race yesterday reminded me very much of Brother Derek's runs leading to the Derby. I think he's a hugely talented horse, but I don't see how we can extrapolate anything from his performance yesterday. Not sure about the difference in the variants between the two days, because the 1 1/16 distance there hasn't been run a whole lot recently, but a stakes horse loping through fractions slower then 32K-28K claimers two days earlier doesn't set me on fire. He got it all his way the entire way, much like Brother Derek did all last Spring. We've seen how coasting on a soft lead in five horse fields leading up to the Derby helps a horse -- that is to say, not very much.

I think he's a good horse, don't get me wrong. But I just don't think yesterday told me anything at all about whether or not he can handle real racehorses in a normally run race.

I agree completely. To me Curlin showed much more yesterday, with a robust wide rally, looking rather professional for the most part.
I don't think we learned that much about Cobabt Blue, it does remind me of some of Brother Dereks wins last year. When you have comfortable pace and position all to yourself the effort gets flattered.