richiebee Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> This will be the first year that this Grade I
> event will be contested over the
> Keeneland Karpet. To me, lots of implications for
> trainers/owners and Derby
> handicappers.
>
> a) If you are an owner trainer who has a solid
> Derby contender who has not run
> previously on synthetic, would you be inclined or
> disinclined to run over a
> synthetic surface prepping for the Derby?

This is Keeneland after all, and the home of the bloodstock industry. They will be there to run.

>
> b) If you are a handicapper, would you forgive a
> poor run over a synthetic
> surface for a Derby contender who had previously
> showed good dirt form?

Did it last year at the BC. Street Sense finished third in the Lanes End at KEE and we know what he did at CD.


>
> c) What happens if an unheralded Derby contender
> (non stake winner, NW2LT,
> NW3LT, etc) runs a huge race to win the Blue
> Grass. Is this an improving horse
> or just a horse that loved the carpet, or both?

Not going to happen. We also saw Asi Siempre run Big on the Carpet and the dirt last year. This is racing after all.
>
> d) In general how to handle an absolute boom or
> bust performance in the BG.

The same way you handled Sinister Minister last year.
>
> e) Curious as to how many animals of all ages came
> out of a Keeneland race last
> fall to win a dirt race at the fall Churchill
> meet. A miniscule sample, but if
> the percentage of next out winners was high, I
> might be more likely to allow a
> good or bad BG to enter my thinking.

I will have someone run the stats and will let you know.

NC Tony



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/22/2007 10:26AM by NoCarolinaTony.