Leparoux is in my doghouse.
I hate him on dirt, and only like him on closers on the turf.
Let's take yesterday's Manhattan:
Lemme first say that i didn't see the race, only read the charts. Did Windward Islands have trouble at the break (other than the jock on his back)?
None was mentioned in his brief chart comment. Maybe WI wouldn't have won anyway, but he has a definitive stalking style and Julien took him 10 lengths off of that pace by the time they had gone 1/4m in 24.9 secs.
WI was capable at the distance (4 wins) and over non-firm turf, had competitive Beyers, and was a GrStks winner (multiple GrStks placed as well).
He does his best work when near the pace but this guy pulled him to the back immediately...? Maybe WI wasn't of this ilk, but imo Leparoux gave him no shot.
In the previous race (Just A Game) Leparoux put Gypsy's Warning (also a stalker) in the right spot...about 3 lengths back. She had nothing to offer late but at least she was in a decent spot early.
Just can't get right with this guy
Again, maybe I missed some trouble at the break for WI.
Anyone know?