Re: I Will Be the First (1010 Views)
Posted by:
boardedup (IP Logged)
Date: May 21, 2018 01:10AM
I mean, in the "gallop out" (which admittedly I usually don't give much credence to) Bravazo went by him like he was standing still and Tenfold passed him as well? But MS didn't go to the whip late, and he did hit the wire exactly when he needed to, there's no denying that.
BB had plenty of glowing words this morning as well. He compared Justify's Preakness to AP's derby, saying it was a "tough race for him" but that he felt he would excel next out in the Belmont. That it would set him up for a huge effort next out.
Good Magic ran another super solid race and gave Justify a fight the entire way around the track before ultimately giving way, but doing so on the rail where many have said wasn't where you wanted to be late yesterday. That's the first time he's been under that kind of sustained pressure. It's also the first time he hit the wire with company, and he almost certainly went backwards a point or so (more?). I agree, I have no reason to not believe or question what MS & BB say, but man...
Coming back for a 3rd race in 6 weeks after slugging it out like that on the deepest and heaviest of tracks, going the 1.5, further than any horse wants to go, and then when you consider some of the quality that's waiting for him, and they'll be fresh, I personally just don't see it.
Baffert had another kind of cryptic quote today where he just through out unprovoked that "he's seen a lot of good horses never win again after going 1.5." It seemed kind of ominous even though he went on to praise his horse's ability and show total confidence in him getting the distance? (Though he originally thought he'd top out at 7F??)
But hey, what's better than lining up and firing your best shot against a short priced favorite going for the triple crown on Belmont day...as good as it gets! Here's to it!