dear bernardini fans....

Originally Posted by Pillow Pants

I keep watching the replay and it's obvious Bern wasn't on his game today. Castellano moved him too early and that also hindered his chance to win. Not saying he would've won if Castellano waited, but it certainly would've been closer.

Invasor ran an incredible race and deserves HOY. That stumble was very close to being disastrous and the ability to recover from that AND the amazing stretch run make for an unforgettable classic. One of the best.

Dont see how you can say this. When you run against this many fast horses sh it happens and he did not handle it. Castellano was used to easy rides on this animal and he did not get his way. Thats what happens when you run in big fields with fast animals. He still ran a good race but this was not unexpected to those who realize this horse had not even been close to being tested. I wish we could see him again because he could be a super horse to watch. Huge upside. Both rider and horse learned a whole bunch.

What I really find funny is the lock business. For a 3 year old running against this big a field and older horses. He did quite well imo.

[Rupert Pupkin]

Originally Posted by pgardn

Dont see how you can say this. When you run against this many fast horses sh it happens and he did not handle it. Castellano was used to easy rides on this animal and he did not get his way. Thats what happens when you run in big fields with fast animals. He still ran a good race but this was not unexpected to those who realize this horse had not even been close to being tested. I wish we could see him again because he could be a super horse to watch. Huge upside. Both rider and horse learned a whole bunch.

What I really find funny is the lock business. For a 3 year old running against this big a field and older horses. He did quite well imo.

I agree with you 100%. He had been getting dream trips in small fields with no pace. He looked spectacular in those races but we all knew that today would be a totally different ballgame. Today he had speed to his inside and outside and there figured to be fast pace. He was my pick to win today, but I was not willing to bet on him because I knew that the conditions today were so much tougher. I didn't think he was anything close to a cinch today. I would have probably bet him at 5-2 but not at 6-5.

[Danzig]

a learning experience for some i'm sure....those who thought bern would run faster when pressed learned that a horse alone on the lead is pretty much doing his thing--and won't really have much more when he's in company. bernie ran his usual race, the fact is the other horses were head and shoulders above those he faced in his other races.
also, those who busted on lava man and shipping--well, you were right. but of course bernie didn't win shipping to churchill either....
so, next time a horse wins by daylight, please don't assume he'll always do that, or that a horse can somehow run several seconds faster just because he is pressed....

and today is EXACTLY WHY i said don't rush to judgement. now FIN is at the bottom of the screen, and bernie is in the same spot flower alley was in last year. so, those of you who think bern would IMPROVE SO MUCH next year....well, again, let me mention flower alley.

congrats to invasor ( he isthe best. also, congrats to bernie for running a heck of a race, and having a hell of a season. and to premium tap for showing he DID belong. great race, good end to an almost perfect day.