P-Dub Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> His next race is graded with a $500,000 purse.
>
> Most of his previous races were graded too. Too
> Much Bling is racing in the same race that LITF
> ran in last year. Should we expect some
> forthcoming criticisms for that one too??
>
> P-Dub


Now, I know this is stepping into dangerous territory, but I agree with CTC... I may not have presented it the same way, but what he says is certainly defendable.

LITF had as beautifully managed a campaign as a 3 yo as could possibly be done. Ran in 3 yo sprints all year without mismanaging (like Pletcher) and forcing him into Triple Crown races. After dismissing the 3 yos, his prep for the BC isn't in a traditional race at SA, but a garbage "made up" race at BM. He travels east again for the BC, and gets roasted. Somehow, without beating a decent older horse, he wins an Eclipse.

Fast forward to 2006... first start in a garbage race where he gets outrun by a tough local horse. Trainer complains about too much travel, but sends him 2,000 miles to run in a marginally important race against G3/allowance horses, he wins, now we have to hear "how he's back". The excuse is they wanted to see how he would run over the track... pure garbage. Churchill in late spring/early summer isn't Churchill in early November. Instead, if he was really concerned about travel, he could have stayed home and run in a G3 for similar money... against the same horse that smoked him. BTW, that horse did win wire to wire (Carthage).

Now, he's shipping him 3,000 miles to Miami in the blast furnace heat and humidity of summer to run in a G2 race with an overinflated purse... why? Because the competition will be easy pickings. Last years top 3 were Woke Up Dreaming, Toscani, and Nightmare Affair. Most NY horses will be readying for SAR... again, why not take a easy flight to HOL and run in the 7f $300k G1 Triple Bend? So the travel excuse is garbage.

Fast forward to August... there should be one and only one race for him, the 7f $300k Pat O Brien at DMR 8/20 on Pacific Classic Day. Easy ship, good money, and tough competition where he will earn a lot of respect.

I compare LITF to Michelle Wie... lots of talent, great pub, but being rewarded for really accomplishing very little when you peel away the rind.