Rachel Alexandra to Woodward

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by hockey2315

If Commentator was his old self do you think they would have sent RA to the Woodward?

I had Commentator running a pressured 116 pace and 101 final in the Whitney.

I'm not so sure he's not his old self. But, Zito probably couldn't get him back to that good effort for the Woodward .. as he was pointing to the Whitney and he's historically the type of horse with a lot of layoff lines.

[CSC]

I think it's a fair question, if Commentator had not retired would Jackson still have made this decision. Regardless if he has lost a step or not, he would have presented a unique set of problems for her that not too many horses could.

[Gander]

Originally Posted by CSC

I think it's a fair question, if Commentator had not retired would Jackson still have made this decision. Regardless if he has lost a step or not, he would have presented a unique set of problems for her that not too many horses could.

Indeed, because of his running style. But even at his best, did he ever really beat the best competition when put in the toughest spots (save for the first time he won the Whitney)? It seems like he was most brilliant when he made easy leads against the lesser fields.

Given the hypothetcial both horses at their best, I still think Rachel would power on by. Thats not really a diss on Commentator, shes just in a different league than anyone else.

[CSC]

Originally Posted by Gander

Indeed, because of his running style. But even at his best, did he ever really beat the best competition when put in the toughest spots (save for the first time he won the Whitney)? It seems like he was most brilliant when he made easy leads against the lesser fields.

Given the hypothetcial both horses at their best, I still think Rachel would power on by. Thats not really a diss on Commentator, shes just in a different league than anyone else.

I see the apparitions of Exceller and Dare And Go as you describe this action.