Quote:
Originally Posted by RolloTomasi
Those "preps" aren't undercard races, though. Good horses facing each other is not supposed to be a one-off event. Those multiple matchups should serve to build up to the main event.
Because of that "buildup", the results of those prep races don't necessarily hold true in the final marquee event either.
Judge Angelucci dusted Ferdinand in the '88 San Antonio, yet wasn't close to him in the Big Cap (Ferdinand was nostrilized by Alysheba).
Ruhlmann was drilled by Criminal Type in the '90 San Antonio, then stole the Big Cap (and later the San Bernadino) over that rival.
Congaree made a mess of Milwaukee Brew (and Pleasantly Perfect) in the '03 San Antonio, but was tagged at the wire by that rival in the Big Cap.
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Note really sure those are noted rivalries for the ages. I highly doubt that people were looking forward to a Judge Angulluci Vs. Ferdinand rematch in the 88 Big Cap. The Alysheba vs Ferdinand is what filled the seats -- A rematch from the 87 BC Classic. Many horses may not be at peak performance when running in preps anyways. Most trainers target the main event and run thier horses in preps for a warmup do get a race in.
I would love to see a rivalry start in the Big Cap then continue in the Gold Cup, then onto the Pacific Classic/Goodwood.