Re: Derby Talk - Number of Preps (441 Views)
Posted by:
jimbo66 (IP Logged)
Date: March 01, 2005 06:38PM
CtC,
I don't think the pace beat Smarty, I think the distance finally caught up with him, combined with circumstances.. The early fractions were moderate to slow, although the middle fractions were amongst the fastest in recent Belmonts. Birdstone got a much better ride than Smarty did, making only the one move. When I say "circumstances", I refer to the early moves by Rock Hard Ten and Eddington, kind of forcing the hand of Stewart Elliott.
Doug O'Neill is high on Declan's Moon? He isn't the trainer, so that is interesting.
CH,
I am in agreement with you on this. I don't have a strong view, but the fact is 57 years with one winner coming in with less than 3 preps. The results are the results. Explaining them is tough, but the fact is 2 or less preps have not been successful.
JB,
I understand your point on soundness after the Triple Crown trail. I think I would include Silver Charm in that group though, as well as Skip Away. They were both very good after the TC trail. Real Quiet also had a nice 4 year old season, beating Free House in the G1 - Pimlico Special. Free House is another who was good after his 3 year old season.