There's two G1's on Saturday -- The Forego for $250k and The Woodward for $500k. CV has calls in each. Now look at the rest of the card.
Regardless, strategically speaking, the Spa riding title is worth more than $30k, but it is not worth more than a client like Tagg. So, although I didn't talk to Richie DePass about it, I would think that very far in advance -- the moment Delaware became even a longshot of a remote possibility -- Richie was already talking to Barclay. Richie is one of the best and without question is one of the sharpest in the game.
Winning the Spa title can mean more to CV than it does to other jocks. At this point in his career, specifically this year, this is a big notch on his belt is just what he needs and wants people to see. I think this was 100% Richie's call and if he made it, I would say it's the right one. He wouldn't make this call without every base covered and without understanding every single option, alternative, possibility, etc.
I think Richie stays at the Spa, keeps Tagg as a client and gets to ride the horse back if he wants to. And, he takes his best shot at the title.
OTOH -- maybe Richie didn't want to ride this horse at Delaware and set it up this way. These are the nuances that you never know and never find out. It's like playing Texas Hold'em, LOL.
Eric
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