Smith
 

His string of landing every incredible open mount continues ... picked up Hansen for the West Va Derby.

He must have some great Chantal naked photos he is showing to these trainers to pick up these mounts.

Has to!

Look at his stats for the last 12 months going into today:





He's not riding regularly and he's become awfully overrated. People think his presence actually means something on a horse when he shows up for the occasional mounts on lesser horses here and there.

Zenyatta.

If that was true, how come John Sherriffs stable isn't getting nicer young stock and more transfers?

The funny thing, he is a difference maker. Great trainer.

Hansen aint that good.

Yes he is.

Who are the 3-year-olds left in training who are supposed to be better than him?

He would be a post time Favorite in either the Haskell or Jim Dandy.

or maybe he has pictures of the trainers?!

Even if Paynter was in the field?

I think he is in the B- group, and any race that Bodemeister is in he is not finishing ahead of him.

Can't blame him...he fell into a nice gig approaching his 47th birthday.

also, whats this "in training" qualification? You can be good just because others are not?

Curtis Paynter hasn't done anything yet outside of exciting clockers with his workouts from pretty much before he started.

He's an N2X alw horse who couldn't win on a pokey pace in a weak Belmont ... but I guess he tossed a shoe, and has continued to train like the worlds greatest horse since.

Even with the hype, Hansen is a clear-cut post time favorite in the Haskell if he went there.

However, what incentive did he have to run in the Haskell? He's already a 2yo champion so adding another Grade 1 isn't going to matter. So, you go get the money.

Compared to Bernardini and Curlin, yes, he's a bum.

Sadly this is what top class racing/breeding has come to. While I dont necessarily agree that winning the Haskell wouldnt be a better outcome for his stallion career than the WV Derby this is what the largely clueless breeders have created. A scenario where a horse who wins a race because a jockey rode another horse poorly and becomes a "champion" no longer has to run in top races in order to solidify his stallion credentials.

Not saying it should be that way...but 'that's just the way it is.'

Suppose you narrow it a bit - what do his stats look like for the last 6 months?

I think Hansen will be turf miler next year.
With the lack of speed in grass races ( save Silver Max) he should be able to have a great year.
I just can't seem to convince his trainer, that he is no superstar on dirt.

the circus sideshow doesnt translate turf to dirt
alpha may surprise some people saturday

I know