Quote:
Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind
It's not a question of downgrading Street Sense, per se, because he gets perfect trips, but when you objectively analyze races you have to take into account trips. The bottom line is that things have worked out extraordinarily well for Street Sense in a number of his races. Now, part of this is because he is a closer, but not a plodder, so he has the ability to put himself into races and not necessarily become victimized by slow paces. This sets him apart from, say, a horse like Dynever, who had no natural speed, and was thus constantly victimized. Thus Street Sense can sit six to eight lengths off the lead if the pace isn't as acute as it has been in these previous two races, and still close effectively. However, his trips in both the Derby and Preakness have been picture perfect, both because the paces were strong, and because he was able to navigate smoothly through the field. Some of this is because he is a handy horse who seems comfortable inside of horses, while many are not, but there is no denying that he has been the fortunate recipiant of unusually friendly circumstances.
The bottom line is that this won't always be the case and until Street Sense overcomes a mediocre trip, such as Curlin did in this Preakness, he still has something to prove. At least to objective observers that is.
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Andy, very insightful comments. I understand what you are saying and I think you spelled it out extremely well. However, my questioning comes from a different place, perhaps the "other side of the coin" so to speak. With the parts above I highlighted -- from what perspective do we look at this? I mean, are these reasons to so called "downgrade" the horse and his performances? Or, as some look at it, are they positive attributes that should be looked at as all contributing to this being a very, very good horse, who might -- with more -- become a great horse, or at least accomplish "great things?"
To me, a colt, who came back as a 3yo from winning the BC as a 2yo, bucked a major trend, with his preps as well -- who has the ability to put himself into races and not become victimized -- this is a good horse. I think he should be positively complimented for those attributes rather than automatically looking to "downgrade". Now, I know you are not doing that, but I think some/many are.
A colt like this does set himself apart -- that's why we are all waiting for Dynever to win his first decent race, LOL. Sure Dynever was a talented horse, but never did reach the heights of reaching what his talent and potential marked. I am not sure that everyone would consider him a "good horse" so to speak. In my mind, a colt that can close effectively while sitting wherever he is sitting -- that's a very good thing, even more so because he can navigate, and is handy, etc. Those are very good things in my mind.
Now, here is my real question -- do you really call his trip in the Preakness as "picture perfect"
Thanks.
Eric |
