2009 Breeders' Cup

[brianwspencer]

Originally Posted by Kasept

$500,000 Breeders' Cup Marathon
Cloudy's Knight (Sheppard)

So excited to bet him if he lands here when they take final entries.

[cakes44]

So how long before a brother can get some free PPs from Brisnet for these?

[CSC]

Originally Posted by brianwspencer

So excited to bet him if he lands here when they take final entries.

I have a fundamental belief right or wrong I will sink or swim with... but I firmly believe European trainers are better at getting their horses fit for stamina type of races, a marathon over there is 2 miles + hard to believe but 1 3/4 might be a cut back for some horses over there.

[brianwspencer]

Originally Posted by CSC

I have a fundamental belief right or wrong I will sink or swim with... but I firmly believe European trainers are better at getting their horses fit for stamina type of races, a marathon over there is 2 miles + hard to believe but 1 3/4 might be a cut back for some horses over there.

While your theory may work in general, I think it has no bearing on any conversation involving Jonathan Sheppard, whose training style is as stamina-oriented as anyone's.

[CSC]

Originally Posted by brianwspencer

While your theory may work in general, I think it has no bearing on any conversation involving Jonathan Sheppard, whose training style is as stamina-oriented as anyone's.

Yeah he's the exception, he's a Brit so he's got that type of mentality.

[brianwspencer]

Originally Posted by CSC

Yeah he's the exception, he's a Brit so he's got that type of mentality.

And Cloudy is a big, lumbering, horse (and to be honest, kind of ugly up close too, if you ask me) who's always seemed better-suited to marathon distances and sweeping courses, which seems to explain his success at Woodbine and Kentucky Downs.

Based on the way he runs and the way he moves, it seems to me that while there are some concerns (short rest, Pro-Ride), the distance being within his scope won't be one of them.

Plus, he couldn't have looked ANY more sensational bouncing his way back to the winner's circle last week after the Sycamore. Like having just run that marathon race was nothing at all to him...

[CSC]

Originally Posted by brianwspencer

And Cloudy is a big, lumbering, horse (and to be honest, kind of ugly up close too, if you ask me) who's always seemed better-suited to marathon distances and sweeping courses, which seems to explain his success at Woodbine and Kentucky Downs.

Based on the way he runs and the way he moves, it seems to me that while there are some concerns (short rest, Pro-Ride), the distance being within his scope won't be one of them.

Plus, he couldn't have looked ANY more sensational bouncing his way back to the winner's circle last week after the Sycamore. Like having just run that marathon race was nothing at all to him...

I like the looks on paper atleast of Father Time, he's going to be overlooked due to Godolphin's Mastery but he has the look of a live Euro (perhaps 1st lasix) in this race. Not a huge fan of Jamie Spencer though if he is indeed the Jock but he's definitely possible.

[brianwspencer]

Originally Posted by CSC

I like the looks on paper atleast of Father Time, he's going to be overlooked due to Godolphin's Mastery but he has the look of a live Euro (perhaps 1st lasix) in this race. Not a huge fan of Jamie Spencer though if he is indeed the Jock but he's definitely possible.

Yea, most people named Spencer are notorious for screwing up things when the big-time comes around.

[Sightseek]

Anyone else notice what Zenyatta's first preference is?

[cakes44]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

Anyone else notice what Zenyatta's first preference is?

That really means nothing. They know there was no chance of the Distaff overflowing. It just makes things easier for them, as usual.

[VOL JACK]

Originally Posted by CSC

I have a fundamental belief right or wrong I will sink or swim with... but I firmly believe European trainers are better at getting their horses fit for stamina type of races, a marathon over there is 2 miles + hard to believe but 1 3/4 might be a cut back for some horses over there.

I think breeding has more to do with the distance limitations than the trainer.

[CSC]

Originally Posted by VOL JACK

I think breeding has more to do with the distance limitations than the trainer.

Probably you need a little of both, one guy I do like in NA marathon races is Mike Mitchell, he seems to do well. However I am not sure if that is more juice related or training. He has had his share of good distance horses thru the yrs.

[SCUDSBROTHER]

Originally Posted by CSC

Probably you need a little of both, one guy I do like in NA marathon races is Mike Mitchell, he seems to do well. However I am not sure if that is more juice related or training.

He's a good trainer, and a proponent of alkalizing. So, it's an amalgam. Careful if he enters something down the hill. Fatboy horses sure do power down that hill.

[CSC]

Originally Posted by SCUDSBROTHER

He's a good trainer, and a proponent of alkalizing.

I don't doubt this on both accounts, he's having just an ok yr for his standards, Ted West Sr. And Jr. never could distinguish the 2 are also having just ok year's, makes you wonder toothpaste is the only thing working out there at the moment.