Quote:
Originally Posted by classhandicapper
There's no doubt in my mind the SA Derby was the best prep so far.
The only issue I have with Justify is trip related. He got loose comfortably in the SA Derby while setting average fractions (the track was slow). The Kentucky Derby often has fast fractions because of the large field and presence of multiple speed and stalker types. No doubt Justify can relax and sit of the pace, but sometimes those paces are so quick even being a few lengths off is a little too fast.
I thought Bolt D Oro also ran a terrific race.
He was forced into the uncomfortable position of chasing a faster horse because there was no other quality speed. That's not his game. In the Derby he'll be able to sit back further and make one run later.
Will the change of setup be enough to turn the table?
Obviously, I don't know. I think Justify is the superior horse and may have more in the tank than he has shown so far. But at 10F with a lively pace he could be a little vulnerable with so little seasoning going long.
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The fact that Justify was loose, bolt lost about a length in ground and the potential pace dynamics in the Derby are enough for me to take a shot on him to turn the tables at probably 2.5-3 times the price of Justify.
I keep hearing about how Bolt bounced or how he is done and Ruis doesn't have a clue.... it seems to me that he is going to look pretty appetizing on a lot of different figures though... TG, Beyer, Timeform. Not sure how he looks on Ragozin.