War Pass --DB ?

[ShadowRoll]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Rarely have I seen such inane reaction to an off performance. I suppose it's because we get so few starts from the classic-campaigning runners, but some of what's been written is so outlandish that it's hard to believe.

People claim they're fans of racing... Well if they are, then they should be well aware that horses lose. They have off performances and toss clunkers. They run through issues like spiked fevers and stay on schedule for races and get beat because they aren't 100% that day.

No one recalls Holy Bull being beaten 24 lengths in the Fountain of Youth? Afleet Alex' Rebel? Real Quiet's Golden Gate Derby? Obviously not because the same ridiculous comments that are sprinkled throughout this thread, and the laughable 'oh my gosh' thread, were said about those 3 year olds, Croll, Ritchey and Baffert at the time.

It could be that we've been conditioned to think that an off effort means a soon-to-be-discovered hidden problem and immediate retirement because connections don't work through issues anymore. And while everyone is entitled to offer their opinion on the topic, some degree of reasonable and rational reaction coupled with a dash of historical perspective is highly suggested.

As GPK noted, and as I've personally witnessed in horses shipping down to Tampa from DEL and PHA, sometimes they just don't take to the surface there the first time they run. With that, and the fever, and not getting the lead, there's more than enough reason for a poor performance.

On the other hand, I understand why people are shocked, and I'm not going to call anyone's opinion ridiculous. As I'm sure I've heard you say on your show, Steve, the great ones overcome adversity.

So maybe War Pass isn't as good as some of the champions to which he's been compared. We hear overblown comparisons every year. Or maybe he is a great horse who'll have one clunker to darken his PPs. Or maybe he's just a very good horse who can still win the Kentucky Derby. There's still plenty of time before the Derby to find out.

[MaTH716]

As far as LaPenta goes, they were basically giving him the trophy before the race. Simon Bray thanked him for coming to Tampa(I guess thanking him for WP racing on TVG, very strange). I think he had his tail between is legs and tried coming up with a lame excused. As far as the horse goes, for the first time he didn't have a perfect trip. Got slammed out of the gate and never looked comfortable out there. Hopefully for the WP camp they could turn it into a learning experience. I think the race is a toss and if you still like him, maybe you will get a price on him in the wood.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

What champions has War Pass been compared to?

some have compared him to slew, due to his running style.

[CSC]

On the other hand, he was a brilliant 2 yr old with a perfect record culminating with a demolishing run in the BC Juvenile. It is hard to maintain or even top the expectations that have been behooved upon him. Sooner than later this day had to come, it's hard being perfect.

[ShadowRoll]

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

What champions has War Pass been compared to?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...020803619.html

[Hickory Hill Hoff]

Originally Posted by ShadowRoll

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...020803619.html

See...even the best thoroughbred writers and handicappers can be wrong. Any horse whether "slow" or "fast" can be beaten anytime, no matter how much you watch races or study them. Luck does play a part, but at 1-20 anyone could see that this was a very good horse...even Stevie Wonder!

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

Who said he couldn't be beaten? And he's no longer a very good horse? You crack me up.

apparently the only two very good horses we've ever had are colin one hundred years ago and personal ensign.

[mik9872]

Many racing fans are too quick to make outlandish judgements on horses too quickly, either positive or negative. Toss the race out and see if he comes back with a better performance. TVG was gushing before the race, saying WP was the leader of the sport. I guess they forgot about a horse named Curlin. If there was even a hint of illness in the horse he shouldn't have been running. Let's see if he will be given the chance to erase this performance.

[Hickory Hill Hoff]

Originally Posted by mik9872

Many racing fans are too quick to make outlandish judgements on horses too quickly, either positive or negative. Toss the race out and see if he comes back with a better performance. TVG was gushing before the race, saying WP was the leader of the sport. I guess they forgot about a horse named Curlin. If there was even a hint of illness in the horse he shouldn't have been running. Let's see if he will be given the chance to erase this performance.

Well said Mike the first line in your statement...sums it up on any horses.

[Hickory Hill Hoff]

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

Who said he couldn't be beaten? And he's no longer a very good horse? You crack me up.

Well, I'm glad of that Just about everyone thought he was a "lock" to win yesterday versus that group (ie. 1-20) and there are some that don't think he's such a "good" horse after that effort...just look at some of the post.
I'm not one, something was wrong with him yesterday....so I'm not dismissing him yet. Funny though, how other 3 yr.olds didn't match up to him before yesterday's race..... I think the playing field is level now after that effort.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

He said they had a comparable resume in their 2 year old season and the same running style. I didn't see any comparison of talent.

exactly. i think writers compare horses that we see today to stars of the past, as how else would many know what they were talking about? seattle slew was pretty much a household name. so if you want your readers to know that this horse was brilliant at two, and likes to run up front-would you toss out some no name to compare him to?
but then some jerk their knees, and go off the deep end. how dare he compare him to slew?! sigh

[ShadowRoll]

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

He said they had a comparable resume in their 2 year old season and the same running style. I didn't see any comparison of talent.

Okay. Fine. You're right. He didn't compare TALENT. Forget what I said about overblown comparisons. It's not the point of my original post, it's dicta, and not worth debating.