Monarchos Wrote:
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> Chuckles, this is only my opinion. One could say ,
> that Afleet Alex bounced, which he did, but, if
> Afleet Alex isn't completely stopped into the
> turn, he would would have had a commanding lead,
> into the lane, much like Real Quiet did , in his
> Derby win and would have won the race with a great
> ride, despite not getting the best number. I
> believe that Victory Gallop, Empire Maker,
> Aptitude, Captain Bodget, all lost the Derby
> despite running faster, or at least as fast as the
> winner. The best comparison to a rider making a
> difference in the Derby, is Empire Maker vs
> Fusaichi Pegasus. Empire Maker was ridden like he
> was much the best , and lost in what I percieve as
> a gutless ride by Bailey. Fusaichi Pegasus was
> ridden in a manor that would have been percieved ,
> as a bad ride if he had lost, and yet Desormeaux
> rode the race, saving all the ground that he
> could, as if he were on a longshot. That's all I'm
> saying.

I think Bailey went wide with a wide gate hole is my recollection. I believe Bailey was consulted at the post position draw and recommended wide rather than inside though. You're not gonna get an argument from me that beating Bailey was a green way, even though, I respected his ability. He won for me on Sea Hero and beat me a nose on Grindstone. Regardless, I don't think Empire Maker was as good as Funny Cide in that period. Nothing was gonna get him up. Since the Preakness Funny Cide has had issues.

Candidly, I dont' remember the FuPeg Derby well. I tend to block that from my mind. I got creamed in it. I'm not a big fan of Desormeaux and never will be. That missed work today is evidence of something I don't want on my horse's back.