A big reason why bug boys come to NY in the winter is the inner track and everything that goes along with it. I haven't watched Talamo enough to really have a strong or definitive opinion on him, but EB knows what he's doing and what he's looking at. Coming to NY, after the inner, and when the big boys are heading back to town could have been a good move. Or maybe not. I am not sure. Having backing from Dutrow and Frankel helps immensely, but I don't think Dutrow and Frankel would be giving this guy 1st call on the barn.
NY has the most indepth jockey colony in the world. Not that CA is second rate, but when you have got a long list of top jocks, by the time they get to your name you could be on the 6th or 7th best horse in a race. You can't make a living, or a name for yourself at Belmont and the Spa riding those kind of horses. As a matter of fact, it makes you look bad. People tend to overlook that every horse you are riding is 20-1. He also loses the bug in July -- heading into the Spa. That ain't easy.
Eric
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