I just read at the Brisnet site that Tapit supposedly wasn't 100%. But then I don't think most of the field was 100%. I know Master David wasn't. Eddington is still learning. I Think Value Plus bounced or couldn't handle Sinister's Pressure. I think Sinister bounced. (But nothing from the Lanes End ran well today) It was an interesting race. I'm looking forward to viewing replays. Dickenson is high on him. He said he'd be happy with third today to qualify for the Derby. No one has mentioned it yet, but he was all over the track the last dozen strides or so. To my knowledge he is the first 9 mark winner for Pulpit and I do think the stout side breeding is gonna be what carries him over the top if he's not already there. He overcame some adversity to win: Short training, a cold, way back, going wide. Thats in his favor. The next will tell. I'm still guessing he's a miler lol

You know theres the sentimental aspect with Him. He was the last horse bought by "the Donut king"...Verne Winchell. Mr. Winchell passed away without gettin to see him run is my understanding. For all the years he knocked on the Derby door. It may be his son that enjoys the reward for him.

A similar sentimental story exists with Smarty Jones. He's named after the owners Mom or Grandma is my understanding. She passed away at a ripe old age, but loved horses. She'd earned the nickname "smarty jones" cause she was such a sprite and so clever. Smarty was born on her birthday so naturally he got her moniker.

Aqueducts 2nd was a hunch bet in a way for me in regard to sentiment. I'd read TGJB's poor luck with Lil Miss Sparkle and shortly thereafter I read a story how Edward Evans lost two mares, one of which went in the clinic for post birth care. While at the clinic they supposedly discover shes got a broken leg. Imagine that? She was a valuable high class mare. The winner in Aqueducts 2nd today was one of her foals and had been bet down first and had all kinds of trouble. I couldn't let that go.

You can't produce these kinds of stories. They are real.



Post Edited (04-10-04 20:54)