TGJB wrote:

3-- We gave out our first dead rail on turf ever. It wasn't simple-- I only gave it to those who spent a significant amount of time there (basically on 2 turns, whether in a 2 or 3 turn race), but as you will see it's pretty clear. Interestingly enough, I have been told the jockeys said the inside path was bad as well.

Within context of the bulleted point, I'm assuming you mean the jocks said the inside turf path was bad. I thought inside dirt was good unless you were up against the rail. More evidence in my opinion that Kitten's Joy was denied a placing by Better Talk Now.

Was just reviewing your numbers for the Cup. Nothing raised my eyes until I got to the Juvenile. I know it was after the Juvenile fillies and it was slower than the filly race. I'm not of the opinion the track was slowing down in consideration of the Classic and I think you probably feel the same way. Nevertheless, I was surprised by Afleet Alex's number. My feeling is he overcame a tough break and an off poorly designation might account for equaling the previous number in what I felt was a much better race effort wise. He was much further behind at the first call than he has been in the past and the horses he paced against he'd seen before. It may be as simple as you calling the start more cleanly than I interpreted it.

Then your Classic gave me pause. I'm sure you realize you gave Pleasantly Perfect a near top on a likely injury and RIM a huge top. And Funny Cide the worse race of the year. (Personally I think it was even worse than scored.) Birdstone retired lame and his effort looks in line with an injury bothering him. The other efforts look good to me. If they are I realize that means the money earners ran fast. I'll defer to your ground loss calculations.

I've learned the hard way that doubting your figures is not a good way to profit. I need to study Lonestar and BC Day some more. I've got some very odd feelings about that day. Did your guys clock the races and are you comfortable with the offical clock and run ups in the juveniles? I'm very skeptical of standards in Texas racing.



Post Edited (11-03-04 20:28)