Is Capt. Candyman's Derby dream over?

[the_fat_man]

Nick

I'm multitasking and wasn't paying attention (and confused my colors).

While CCM was wide the 1st turn, he had it all his own way and Beethoven had to go and get him. If the pace were as 'hot' as you seem to think, and CCM was at a disadvantage, then why doesn't Beethoven, running on the rail throughout, drop him in the stretch? Maybe he's not much. But why doesn't Giant Oak blow by both of them? Now, I happen to think that Giant Oak is a decent horse and given the setup you describe, he's supposed to pass them. Is he a plodding plug as well?

If CCM got all the worst of it and still held very, very well, what happened to him yesterday? Is the PERFECT TRIP Hutchenson the best he has to offer after that (supposed) MONSTER effort in the KJC?

I don't think the FOY set up for a closer yesterday; fast pace notwithstanding.

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by the_fat_man

Nick

I'm multitasking and wasn't paying attention (and confused my colors).

While CCM was wide the 1st turn, he had it all his own way and Beethoven had to go and get him. If the pace were as 'hot' as you seem to think, and CCM was at a disadvantage, then why doesn't Beethoven, running on the rail throughout, drop him in the stretch? Maybe he's not much. But why doesn't Giant Oak blow by both of them? Now, I happen to think that Giant Oak is a decent horse and given the setup you describe, he's supposed to pass them. Is he a plodding plug as well?

If CCM got all the worst of it and still held very, very well, what happened to him yesterday? Is the PERFECT TRIP Hutchenson the best he has to offer after that (supposed) MONSTER effort in the KJC?

I don't think the FOY set up for a closer yesterday; fast pace notwithstanding.

CCM was bad yesterday, no doubt. It just was not a good effort at all. Perhaps he only wants seven furlongs? I'm not sure but at this time there's no way he's a real two-turn horse.

I think Giant Oak should have absolutely swallowed both CCM and Beethoven up in the KJC. I think Giant Oak is not much at all and there has been much made about his trip in the Risen Star. He was in tight for some time and your man Prado certainly didn't do him any favors, but I think he and the rest of the NOLA crowd will be exposed by the new and improved Patena in the La Derby. I do think Giant Oak has a bright future on the weeds.

NT

[the_fat_man]

I think Giant Oak had an impossible trip last out: both in terms of the ride and the setup. He deserves another chance.

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by the_fat_man

I think Giant Oak had an impossible trip last out: both in terms of the ride and the setup. He deserves another chance.

Absolutely. The ride was atrocious and I'm sure you felt even more strongly about it then I did since it was your favorite jockey aboard.

I still like Patena against Giant Oak, Friesan Fire and all the rest in the La Derby.

NT

[Bobby Fischer]

I'm not sold that Patena will be finishing well if he goes to the Derby and I think he even quits in a race like the Bluegrass.
It's hard to tell when you have a horse go to Dutrow, they can always improve.