8/19 (DMR): Pacific Classic, DMR Oaks (G1's), DMR Handicap (G2)

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by -BT-

For those who actually watched the race, it didn't matter if the horse was wide or glued to the rail, Smith was working on that horse long before the top of the stretch. From there, you can then blame Smith for a bad ride, but we won't hear that from anyone, bc it in fact wasn't a bad ride, the horse just didn't fire, again.

From a gambling standpoint, and ultimately the reason we all play this game, this horse has been overrated in BOTH his last 2 starts @ 1-9 and 3-5, based on the simple fact that he didn't win.

-bt-

He lost a Grade I by a neck and got a 114 Beyer. If you think he didn't fire, I can't put it more simply - you're wrong.

[herkhorse]

If he fired, how come Baffert was so disappointed?

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by herkhorse

If he fired, how come Baffert was so disappointed?

I would imagine because he expected him to win. Perhaps he was underrating Collected's performance as well. His interview with Nick Luck before the race was awkward. He ignored his question about what happened in the San Diego and just sort of talked around everything he was asked.

[richard burch]

While I don't think he is the same horse anymore I would still bet him in the BC if he runs. It an only give the gambler better odds with all this losing.

Could be another Tiznow who ran two third place finishes before winning the BC.

[Dunbar]

Got a laugh out of Baffert as quoted in Bloodhorse:

"We watched the races a few times, and Collected still won."

[Alabama Stakes]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

He lost a Grade I by a neck and got a 114 Beyer. If you think he didn't fire, I can't put it more simply - you're wrong.

The problem with the beyers guys is that being math nerds, they don't factor in the hoss flesh part of it. Something is bothering that hoss. His ears pinned back before the race showed his displeasure, and he ran like it. If he was right, he woulda smoked that hoss. It only shows he can run a 113 pissed off.

[MaTH716]

I just watched the race and was kind of impressed. He never looked like a winner down the backstretch, while being wide the entire way. Then there was that failed attempt to get inside by Smith at the top of the lane. In the end he ended up just missing on track that he supposedly doesn't like and to a stablemate that had a perfect inside uncontested trip.

I like the horse and this performance definitely doesn't get me off the bandwagon, if anything makes me excited to see him run again.

[richard burch]

Originally Posted by MaTH716

I just watched the race and was kind of impressed. He never looked like a winner down the backstretch, while being wide the entire way. Then there was that failed attempt to get inside by Smith at the top of the lane. In the end he ended up just missing on track that he supposedly doesn't like and to a stablemate that had a perfect inside uncontested trip.

I like the horse and this performance definitely doesn't get me off the bandwagon, if anything makes me excited to see him run again.

He is still a great horse but he most likely has peaked. He still can win the BC but way too much hype early on.