Patena

[the_fat_man]

Originally Posted by Travis Stone

I'm anxious to see how Flying Pegasus does. He was really up against it with the post draw, layoff and first time going two turns in the Risen Star. Now he's second off with a better post, figures to have good enough speed to put himself in a good spot early and just adds another interesting dynamic to the race.

I certainly think that he got a worse trip than FF last out. He was wider on the turn and, while Albarado had him nicely drafting upon entering the backstretch, he put him outside of FF before the turn and had him moving before that one. My problem with him is

1) he went to lead EASILY, wasn't asked at all, and still couldn't hold off FF

2) OUTSIDE, IMO, is the place to be at FG

3) the race held well: the frontrunners collapsed but those just behind them finished 1-2-4 (and even the 3rd horse was just behind the stalkers early).

The horse that ran best in that race, IMO, was Giant Oak. Though he saved ground, he didn't particular care being inside; he got checked and STOPPED twice, and was the only horse running from off the pace late. And, from the run to the 1st turn, it appeared that he wasn't really handling the track well.

Just put him outside of horses, with a clear run in the lane. I don't think he has a problem handling those he faced last out. If he's not good enough against the Dutrow magic, so be it.