Observer
03-17-2001, 08:38 PM
Making his first start since late last year, Point Given returned to the races today in the G2 San Felipe at Santa Anita. Breaking from the outside, he settled in for a wide trip around the first turn. Patiently ambling along down the backstretch, the huge son of Kentucky Derby/Belmont Stakes/Travers winner Thunder Gulch motored up to join a herd battling on the lead. Still racing wide, Point Given cruised to the front and began seperating himself from the field as they hit the top of the stretch. While he never lengthened his stride to a powerful reach and didn't flashed a quick burst of acceleration, there was simply no need for that. Shaken up a bit through the stretch under Gary Stevens, Point Given returned a winner today by 2 1/4 lengths, getting the 1 1/16 miles in 1:41.94 as the 2-5 choice, and has just one more tune-up left before the big dance at Churchill Downs.
Some have voiced concerns over this Baffert trainee only having two preps going to the Kentucky Derby. Some have even suggested this time off he has had must have been a result of some "problems." It seems to me, Baffert is bringing him along perfectly. Point Given had a tremendous campaign last year, winning multiple races going a route at two. His foundation was set last year. This is a giant horse. As most Thoroughbreds reach approximately 16 hands by maturity, around four years old, Point Given was already standing at 17 hands as a two-year-old! One hand being equal to four inches.
With his many accomplishments and his running style, with which he has shown some versatility, plus Baffert already having racked up a couple of these Derby trophies, plus dual-Derby winning jockey Gary Stevens in the irons, Point Given keeps looking better and better with each passing month. Add that to his tremendous brawn, and it could take a david to knock down this goliath!
:D
Some have voiced concerns over this Baffert trainee only having two preps going to the Kentucky Derby. Some have even suggested this time off he has had must have been a result of some "problems." It seems to me, Baffert is bringing him along perfectly. Point Given had a tremendous campaign last year, winning multiple races going a route at two. His foundation was set last year. This is a giant horse. As most Thoroughbreds reach approximately 16 hands by maturity, around four years old, Point Given was already standing at 17 hands as a two-year-old! One hand being equal to four inches.
With his many accomplishments and his running style, with which he has shown some versatility, plus Baffert already having racked up a couple of these Derby trophies, plus dual-Derby winning jockey Gary Stevens in the irons, Point Given keeps looking better and better with each passing month. Add that to his tremendous brawn, and it could take a david to knock down this goliath!
:D