Re: Patterns going into the Preakness (390 Views)
Posted by:
Chuckles_the_Clown2 (IP Logged)
Date: May 13, 2005 09:13AM
jimbo66 wrote:
> Be careful Spa,
>
> Sometimes you get the bear, but sometimes the bear gets
> you............
>
> Afleet Alex is off the board as the chalk. I think Chris or
> somebody posted here before the derby that AA was more likely
> to be hurt by the rough campaign and Ritchey's training regimen
> in the Preakness, than in the Derby.
Well, hard to get very serious about the foregoing. Hard to be real enthusiastic about Alex this time around too though, especially if you think he bounced even more than 4 points (Some of that was factored to be path bias though) Whether a form issue has anything at all to do with the training regime is highly, highy debatable.
Alex ran a sprint, a race where he was sick GOING IN, and a big Ark. He had lots of solid non race groundwork and regression factored that may have taken him as far as he got in the Derby. Alex didn't have ideal 3YO foundation and his training in fact may have carried him.
Horses spend too much time in their stalls. Way too much. They are outdoors animals and Ritchey's technique, though somewhat novel is attention intensive. I like that. Groundwork strengthens bones and joints. Bandini and Bellamania are down for repair and the more heavily raced Alex just keeps squealing, kicking at his ball and running good races.
He's liable to be the favorite though, so taking a shot at him is logical on the Derby bounce. On the training, its downright foolish.
Post Edited (05-13-05 09:27)