Asmussen: No Rachel for Blossom

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Originally Posted by MaTH716

Yes, it was supposed to be a prep. But they weren't expecting it to be any kind of race. She was supposed to glide to the front and win in hand. Just a paid workout. They weren't expecting her to have to be all out in the stretch. I'm not a trainer either, but I'm guessing it was too much too soon for her and they thought that she would maybe regress going into the AB.

I disagree this was exactly the type of race (to have a workmate in Zardana) where a horse would get the most out of a race to improve her conditioning, from what I saw she was not running all out in the stretch, as she was ridden not to win. Just watch Borel's hands, he was protecting her for her next start rather than trying to win a race at all costs. Now it's anyone's guess why JJ avoided the Apple Blossom (though I have a good idea why...) only 30 mins after his trainer declared that she came out of the race in great shape. She beyered 100 so that fits the 85% readiness, a rushed horse running at 85% of her ability doesn't equate to me.