5 1/2 Furlong Turf Races at the SPA

[Vinman]

An angle worth noting, which likely did not go unnoticed by the folks who cashed the two winning SPA Pick 6 tickets yesterday for $470,645 apiece:

In yesterday's 7th, the $19.40 winner, Giant Sleep, in off the AE list and the second longest priced winner in yesterday's P6, was the ONLY horse in the field who had won at the distance of 5 1/2 furlongs or shorter on the turf in his most recent start. In fact, he was the only horse in the field who had EVER won under those conditions.

Obviously his "turtle like" BRIS speed figure of 70 in his lone career start at Colonial was of secondary importance to having success in the turf sprinting game "from the get go".

Interestingly, the other AE who did not get in, Leroi's Royal Lass, also won a turf sprint in HIS debut at Colonial, at 5 1/2 F for a 45MCL tag vs 25MCL for Giant Sleep. Leroi's BRIS fig for that race was 77. Ramon was to ride if he got in. I'm sure the two winning Pick 6 ticketholders are glad he didn't.


Vinman

[lamboguy]

i have to agree with that. i always give double consideration to horses that have performed well in 7/8ths and are back in the same distance. to me that is the very toughest distance for a horse to run.

good points you made today

[classhandicapper]

I used that horse for a few reasons. The $19.40 was because of the slow figure, but there were reasons to think he was capable of running faster. Winning at the distance certainly didn't hurt.

[1st time lasix]

if i recall correctly...the longshot winner referred to here was a six year old in only his second start...it being his first start against winners. In most instances...i would say that betting on these types will send you to the ATM looking for more "working capital" .......... Just my two cents.... I will let those kind humble me.....

[OTM Al]

5 and 5 1/2f are specialist distances and are quite different in the way they are generally run and won. 5 1/2f seems to play much better to closing sprinters than does 5f which can more easily be won on or near the lead. Further, the stats for the 2 are often combined so if you have a 5f race, be careful that the horse is successful at that distance rather than at 5 1/2. If you want a good example of the differences look at Chamberlin Bridge and Silver Timber when they faced each other in the past couple years. CB was at his best at 5f, ST at 5 1/2

[sammy the sage]

I really shouldn't GIVE away a secret...but it'll come out...sooner or later...

Nay...think I'll wait... ;)

[Itamaraca]

Yeah

If the 1 doesn't lose the jock at the break, the 11 doesn't sniff the lead. And probably doesn't win. But don't let that fact stand in the way. :rolleyes:

[sammy the sage]

Yeah

If the 1 doesn't lose the jock at the break, the 11 doesn't sniff the lead. And probably doesn't win. But don't let that fact stand in the way. :rolleyes:

I would ASSume that's directed AT moi...it's ok...had it coming probably... :lol:

Everybody can DISREGARD my previous post...he's NAILED it perfectly ;)