Cliff's Edge will probably miss Preakness

[cj]

http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=22407

[cj]

I had always assumed Sir Shackleton was basically in as a rabbit for TCE. If Cliff doesn't run, could change the whole pace scenario.

[alysheba88]

A shame. Was looking to bet him hard

[Valuist]

Aly-

I was looking at using him in the P3s. He isn't out yet; just that a scratch is a possibility. Also, Zito is giving himself a built-in excuse if the horse doesn't run well.

[OTM Al]

That was my first thought when I saw the story, built in excuse. Makes you think Zito doesn't think he has a shot. If the horse is hurting that bad, scratch him and get him better instead of complaining.

[alysheba88]

Disagree with you guys. Am cynical as the next but dont buy that this is an excuse. Not at all.

Losing shoes in the Derby WAS an excuse for not running better but Zito has gone out of his way to say how Smarty Jones was (and is) the best.

Zito, like most trainers does go crazy on jockeys too much (blaming them for losses) but he is not a real excuse maker.

[OTM Al]

Maybe so, but in this "say all the right things" sports mentality it grows increasingly hard to tell what individuals are up to, especially the big time ones in their field, like Zito. Like I said, if the horse is really hurting bad enough for comment, he probably shouldn't be running.

[alysheba88]

He had to enter him though. If he isnt right he wont run. But no reason to scratch him now if there is a slight chance.

If he runs him and runs badly I doubt very much he will use that as an excuse since that would be a condemnation of himself. It would lead the owner to ask why the hell did you run him then.

[cj]

It really doesn't look good now!

Daily Racing Form (http://www.drf.com/news/article/55511.html)

[PaceAdvantage]

If the circumstances were EXACTLY the same, and you simply replace Zito with Lukas -- D. Wayne would be taking such a BEATING at this moment on this board, and in the press, for even CONSIDERING running this horse in the Preakness.

TELL ME I'M WRONG ON THIS ONE FOLKS

Everyone but Lukas gets a pass....it's unreal....

[cj]

I haven't picked on D Wayne in a long time, just too easy of a target right now.

I agree about Zito, if he actually runs this horse, he should be ripped for a long time to come. I'd like to know what the owners are telling him.

[PaceAdvantage]

It's certainly true that the owners probably have alot to say about what happens, but its funny that Lukas never gets this benefit of "blame shifting"

[Tom]

Ah, what memories....my first internet fight was with PA over DWL!

[Jeff P]

Caught the ESPN telecast of the Black Eyed Susan/Pimlico Special this afternoon. One of their side stories was an interview with Zito. They showed the horse being walked. He was LAME. There's no way he can run tomorrow.

[SandyE]

Just read over at DRF site the horse is difently not running today.
Scratched #12. Sorry guys'.