hossgnat Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Sometimes the best horse in the Derby wins the
> Derby. Like so many other handicappers I just
> didn't think this was a superior horse. My stack
> of losing mutuel tickets is painful, but I'll
> sleep well knowing I never really had a chance
> against this animal. Pretty damn impressive.
>
> Best of luck to Matz, Prado and company as they
> negotiate the forthcoming media frenzy. Hope they
> can keep their eyes on the prize.
>
>


I'm happy for the winners. Class connections all the way. I was way off on Barbaro's Florida Derby. Guess in hindsight, winning at Gulfstream from the 10 hole should not be discounted. I bad mouthed him pretty good, but in the end was impressed enough with his works to put him over and under SoS. Lot of good it did.

I thought the time of the race was legit. He ascends to the head of the class. I really thought SoS and Sinister Minister were the best horses, so off that race I can't come up with a horse to beat him at Pimlico. Saint had enough trouble and ran well enough before the stretch fade that he could be given a second chance. Maryland is his home base, so if he comes out well, he could be the one to stop Barbaro, if thats possible. However, he was a better horse than he showed today. Maybe the Illinois Derby was harder than we thought.

I'm hoping Sinister is o.k. I know everyone else was leery of the keeneland jinx, but they motored very hard for six furlongs and he eventually put his head in front before that monster inhaled him. TGJB noted something about the rail. I did not see it, but maybe inside was tough on the leaders. We can study that later, too shocked right now.

I was wrong about Bluegrass Cat too. He had the pace spot I'd anticapated for SoS, getting first run on the tiring leaders if they tired. I still don't like him, but kudos to those that cashed pletcher at 30-1.

I also thought Bob and John would run better and that Storm Treasure would run a bit better.

I'm an also ran and that hurts. Pretty much devasted by the 1st and 2nd place finishers and my bets ran 16th and a cover 7th. Other than not having a clue there, my other thoughts held pretty well. No consolation in thinking I had the best horse. Its Barbaro in retrospect.

P.Val needs to explain himself

22.3
46.

Nice ride Patrick, thanks for the heady play.