miff Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Chuck,
>
> I did see SNSaint race twice. I do not think that
> he will be as effective in the stalk position. He
> reminds me of the pit bull type that is tough to
> get by when he's on the lead.I know he was wide in
> the Gotham but I was not impressed with that
> effort.He had an easy trip in the ILL Derby but
> was very explosive late. No doubt a real nice
> horse.
>
> In this derby, barring gate trouble,Sin Min and
> Sharp Humor have that "quickness" which makes me
> believe that none of the others can beat them from
> the gate. Bro Derek,KE, SNS and L Ron are no
> slouchs early either.Very tough for me to
> visualize where this group will be on the first
> turn which may decide the race.
>
> Lots of people are talking about stalkers in this
> derby but with 20 in there, it may be like hitting
> lotto to get that perfect trip.It will be
> interesting to see how some who have dominated, on
> or near the front end, react when they are in
> behind getting dirt kicked in their face.

Opinions are what make this game interesting.

Theres been a lot of talk about the slow pace of the Illinois Derby. Here's my take on it. The two turn DRF variant was 27, and SNS ran a three year best of 96. To me these are much more revealing numbers than Beyers.

Cause to Believe was use to running on 08 variants in Northern California. Even when doing so he'd carve out 47 halfs raceday. In the Illinois Derby he ran a 48 and change on that 27 variant. So you tell me, Was Hollendorfer reasonable when he stated post race the slow pace prevented his horse from finishing strongly? If something did impact Cause to Believe and prevent him from his late move, what was it?

SNS broke from the 10 hole in both the Gotham and Illinois Derby. In the latter, he broke so fluidly he was in the lead a jump outta the gate. He relaxed, let Mister Triester move to the lead inside of him and ran an in hand race. FYI, did you see who Mister Triester entertained on the lead in his first race after breaking maiden? Its not like Mister Triester is a slow animal. Unless you believe Hollendorfers laments.

The Gotham deserves some review, but that can wait for another day.

CtC