I just watched the race for about the fifth time and couldn't disagree more. Coa asked Elysium Fields before Cool Coal Man and Cool Coal Man simply blew by him top of the stretch. Because Cornelio may have asked for slightly more run, though I just think he accelerated faster, that one tired a bit and Elysium Fields, who was basically in a drive the last quarter mile, may have had a little more very late in the race. However, these horses have defined moves, and maybe Cool Coal Man used his before Elysium Fields, though more than likely what this really means is that Cool Coal Man accelerated faster when asked.
I have no problem with an argument that Elysium Fields ran a slightly better race, given the post positions, and Coa should be applauded for the ride he gave Elysium Fields.....not criticized needlessly because he road a horse that wasn't quite good enough yesterday to overcome the disadvantageous post position difference.
If Coa rides every horse as well as he rode Elysium Fields yesterday he may just make the slight leap necessary to become what is now considered an elite rider.
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