Quote:
Originally Posted by parsixfarms
There were also a lot that weren't considered "hopeless" going in to the Derby and underperformed expectations. When you have a stable the size of Pletcher's, during most of the year, you have the luxury of picking your spots with your horses. For the Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup, you don't get that luxury. Given that fact, I think it's hard to say that his rather dismal record on the big days does not reflect on his operation's performance, especially when he seems to have almost all of the well-heeled owners who are specifically looking for success on those days.
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There is one winner, and nineteen losers every year. Nobody should have an expectation of victory in the race. Furthermore, do you really think Pletcher would have wanted to start Keyed Entry, if it were up to him? Doubtful. And the same could be said for plenty of his other starters.
I don't consider a trainer "jinxed" when hopeless speed horses, or synthetic specialists (Monba, Advice), fail to win the race. It's a hard race to win! Even Pletcher said yesterday he's never had a horse who he felt could truly prosper at 10f.
A trainer who can beat Curlin in the Belmont with a filly, is a trainer who will eventually get the Derby.