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Originally Posted by ateamstupid
Why do you think Bailey never rode Eddington again?
His instructions that day were not to press the pace with Eddington. That was Purge's job.
If he were really just trying to win the race, why would Hennig permanently have him taken off the horse afterwards?
By the way, I suggest you watch the race again...Smarty wasn't on the lead through the first half-mile...Purge was. So I don't know how he could have gotten an "uncontested lead" when he wasn't even up front...Purge then stopped after four furlongs and Bailey sacrificed Eddington make sure Smarty didn't get away after Purge quit...there's no rider alive who goes into the Belmont with a plan to make their move with one mile to go...
He knew what he was doing...he was trying his best to deny Smarty, and more importantly, Stewart Elliott, the Triple Crown.
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Yes Purge was on the lead early but he folded early like you say, which would have left Smarty alone on the lead down the backstretch. As for Bailey being taken off the horse, maybe the trainer just thought he needed a change, or he might have believed (as you do) that Jerry Bailey is a jockey who purposely compromises his own horse's chances in G1 races. That doesn't mean that he is right.
Listen I know I'm in the minority on this one, and I wanted Smarty to win it too. I just think Bailey made a strategic decision that he thought would help him win.