Master of Hounds in KY Derby? (Yes!)

[somerfrost]

Originally Posted by PatCummings

Khawlah had a weight advantage in the race, FWIW.

I don't see it. They ship the horse to Dubai four days before the race, he runs 9.5 furlongs first off the plane, gets back on a few days later, back to Ireland. Now he's going to get on another one and come into the US for the Derby? One trip - over and back, maybe. Straight from Dubai to US, more understandable.

But two big trips in seven weeks...not interested, at all. I'll put $20 to win on him to soothe any wounds if he happens to freak, but it'll be a complete shock to me if he finishes in the top four....and that doesn't even consider pedigree, style, taking to the track, jockey, etc.

I agree with your point regarding all the travel, we see how long it takes US based horses to usually recover from a trip to Dubai...I know their training methods are different but it's asking a lot from any horse, nevertheless...if he can duplicate his run in Dubai he could be a factor, he is at least familiar with CD backstretch having come over for last year's BCJT, I wonder if they worked him at all on the main track while he was here?

[Seattleallstar]

just wonder if they had sent this one to Pletcher after his 2 yr old campaign.

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by somerfrost

I agree with your point regarding all the travel, we see how long it takes US based horses to usually recover from a trip to Dubai...I know their training methods are different but it's asking a lot from any horse, nevertheless...if he can duplicate his run in Dubai he could be a factor, he is at least familiar with CD backstretch having come over for last year's BCJT, I wonder if they worked him at all on the main track while he was here?

Coolmore doesn't "work" their horses once they're here. In 2008 at SA they walked them around the track the wrong way two mornings in a row then Henrythenavigator and Duke of Marmalade did something that would best be categorized as jogging.

He has a very tall order ahead of him. That being said, he's facing quite possibly the worst Derby field since Dan Quayle was misspelling potato.

[dpkovalesky]

has any travel detail been announced?

Originally Posted by dpkovalesky

has any travel detail been announced?

Yes. They are reporting he will leave on May 2nd.

[AeWingnut]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Coolmore doesn't "work" their horses once they're here. In 2008 at SA they walked them around the track the wrong way two mornings in a row then Henrythenavigator and Duke of Marmalade did something that would best be categorized as jogging.

He has a very tall order ahead of him. That being said, he's facing quite possibly the worst Derby field since Dan Quayle was misspelling potato(e).

Quayle's problem was that he trusted what the teacher wrote on the card.

Master of Hounds has as good a shot as anyone. The one thing about him is he should like the distance.

[Arletta]

[somerfrost]

Originally Posted by Uncle Mo

Master of Hounds has as good a shot as anyone. The one thing about him is he should like the distance.

Amazingly, all the "experts" on this board haven't attacked you for that with inane comments about your handicapping ability!

[lemoncrush]

I could see Master of Hounds and Watch Me Go dueling for last place.

[Thunder Gulch]

The distance in the pedigree isn't the worry, its the ability to run on dirt. Save me the Lemon Drop Kid isolated example from Kingmambo. LDK had Slew on the bottom while MOH has turf and more turf. I realize this guy has some inherent class, but the Coolmore turf sires haven't translated to American dirt in very many cases.

Add to that, one prep (albeit long) and questionable talent to begin with....no thanks. He'll be 20-1 when he should be twice that.