85 in a 50!!

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

When I said "same surface and distance" I meant "the same conditions as today's race". I didn't mean it as 2 separate strikes against him.

I was basically poking fun at your unfortunate wording ("he blew the turn and the jock pulled him up"--as though it was no big deal) immediately after touting him as the Gotham winner.

Nonetheless, I'd still argue with you even if you had merely said the race was a "throwout". This was not a stumbled start, slipped saddle, broken rein, etc.

If I had to take a guess, I'd suggest that the horse was very rank and resented any sort of restraint from Chavez, causing him to bolt. That spells one thing in my mind..."runoff".

And while his trainer may be able to get him to navigate the turn next time out, there's still undiscovered country afterward in terms of the route of ground. If he is truly a "runoff" then lots of luck keeping up a breakneck pace around two turns.

His best chance would be to show up in a first condition, but even a drop in class isn't always good insurance to get a sprinter to stretch out, especially a rank one. Witness Zensational's pathetic attempt last year.

Maybe? Maybe he just needs some time in the morning. They could have sold him and didnt so Contessa must THINK(whatever that is worth) that he will be ok around 2 turns?