Quote:
Originally Posted by Danzig
what i don't understand is why the early pace wasn't fast. it seemed we had more than our usual share of speedsters, and kept hearing they would all get cooked. did the trainers blunt the one tool those horses had in their arsenal, in order to try to get them further?
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A couple of factors played into the pace scenario (IMO).........first, after last year and all the hype about the insane fractions, I just believe that no jockey/owner wanted to be accused of the 'Palace Malice' ride. Jockeys and owners are human and they read the papers and hear all the stuff that has been said. Look at what happened in last years Preakness where all the hype about the fast pace in the Derby affected everyone except Stevens/Oxbow and they cruised up front. There's always overreaction and over analysis following an event. Nobody wants to be 'stupid' and rerun the scenario. But this Derby pace was solid anyway. Just not crazy. Second, the fact is (as Beyer pointed out on ATR) these guys are mostly so lightly raced and just not bred to get 1 1/4 miles the only choice they have is to try and save some energy to go that far. Yes, there is the usual whining about trips etc but that will never change.
Finally, my guess is that the Preakness will have plenty of pace (the opposite of last year) and that could truly have the pace meltdown scenario. I don't know if they can put enough pressure on California Chrome to make him wilt but one or more horses/jockeys will be trying.
I also agree with many that are so frustrated when a speed horse is 'choked back' to sit a trip rather than just using the natural advantage and running style of a particular horse.