You is through for 2002 (Catchy, huh?)...

[Bubbles]

Hey all...

After an iffy third-place finish in the Alabama, You will be done for the year. However, it's not because of an injury.

Bobby Frankel has always strived to win Eclipse Awards (What trainer doesn't?). However, he's gone a little too far here. Due to his belief that You cannot unseat Farda Amiga to win the three-year-old filly award, she's done for the year. Two objections here...

First off, he's overlooked a very nice filly from the Kenny McPeek barn. Take Charge Lady has had an incredible year, but has been benched for the summer and overlooked by many in the process. Look for her in Belmont's Gazelle in a few weeks.

Secondly, if a trainer is in the business solely to win Eclipses, then something's wrong with him. While these awards look nice on mantles, what would happen if everyone shared Frankel's philosophy? Every claiming race and most allowance contests would be eliminated, overlooked horses would be sent to stud at TWO YEARS OLD (!), and most tracks would either close or run fewer races. Any other opinions?

[andicap]

On the bright side You will be around next year.

[ceejay]

I don't think that Take Charge Lady is being overlooked. Evidence of this is that Bally's (http://www.ballysraceandsportsbook.com) is currently listing her at 7-1 for the Distaff, the 2nd choice behind Azeri.

[Observer]

Maybe the belief that Farda Amiga has locked up 3yo Filly honors is part of the thinking, but seriously, look at what You has done this year. Could it possibly be that You needs a rest? She's done some brilliant things this year, except lose two very important races, the Kentucky Oaks and the Alabama.

Wheeling You right back after such a grueling Test stakes, going from 7 furlongs to 10 furlongs was a very ambitious thing to do, and an absolute bet against, especially considering she was going to be favored. It was straight from Handicapping 101.

There probably is no injury, but Frankel's probably got himself one tired little filly right now. If that's the case, what could he possibly point her to and have her effective for in the immediate future? If she's tired, he might as well give her the break she probably needs. I seriously doubt the Eclipse is the end-all, be-all for Frankel. I think he's just staying realistic about how detrimental it could be to You to try to continue through the fall at this point. Taking the Eclipse Awards into account is not such a bad thing to do. It would go at least a little ways on bolstering her broodmare resume, and, of course, Frankel's, too.

If anyone should be accused of soley pointing to Eclipses, how about Farda Amiga? She came off a 2 month layoff to win the Ky Oaks, and now made her first start since then to take the Alabama, and she's been labled by many now as the lock for the 3yo Filly Eclipse. How fair is that? Okay, she had to overcome the layoffs. In the meantime, Frankel had You dance almost every dance, and run some of the most dazzling races this year.

I believe Frankel is doing the right thing, especially since I am of the belief that You is probably a tired horse.

Was I the only one surprised when it was announced You was coming right back off that amazing duel with Carson Hollow to run in the Alabama?

Hopefully she stays healthy in her time off and does make it back next year with the same level of competitiveness.

[rrbauer]

Boop boopy do!

[Bubbles]

Observer...

Great points there. However, there are a few races that You can come back in, such as the Beldame and Ladies Handicaps. And Farda Amiga isn't a lock yet. If she beats older horses in the fall, she has my vote. But for now, I'm staying neutral until the Gazelle is run. If Take Charge Lady runs in and wins that race
and fares well against older horses, than that's where my vote will probably go.

[rrbauer]

In Blood-Horse

Frankel Reconsiders Decision on You

Trainer Bobby Frankel said Tuesday morning that he is reconsidering his decision to give multiple-graded stakes winner You the rest of the year off. After talking with NYRA racing secretary Mike Lakow, Monday, Frankel said that depending on the field he may run You in the Ruffian (gr. I) at Belmont Park in September.