9/5 (CD): Derby Trail Probables ~ 11 for Preakness with Swiss

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

They are playing the game that the Kentucky Derby is the only race that matters. Of course, if he does win the Derby he will almost assuredly retire at year's end after 1 or 2 more starts. When you think about what racing would be like if every participant in the sport campaigned their top horses in this way, you realize that it doesn't take a pandemic to create spectator-less racing...

Meanwhile, to your other point, Maxfield has not breezed back since his Matt Winn comeback, which is going on 17 days now. He breezed back from each of his two baby races within 2 weeks. He had to have surgery after only those 2 starts. Maybe the real story is that his quest towards the Kentucky Derby is less assured than we realize.

You’re probably on to something with why they are really not running in the Belmont.

I just read they plan to breeze in the next few days “depending on the weather.” And that he’s “been doing great since he ran, just super,” according to Walsh.

I wish reporters could actually ask trainers questions like why hasn’t he breezed in 17 days if he’s doing super, but that’s a whole other conversation.

If he’s really doing super and they are purposely avoiding a triple crown race where he’s second choice at worst...it makes no sense. Especially with a horse who has made 3 lifetime starts midway through his 3 year old season.