Two could be heavy favorites on Saturday - play against

Originally Posted by KY_Sasquash

The Haskell to Travers is a tough turn around and taxing on a horse. Roman Ruler did it last year, but he ran horribly in the Travers,yes, the triple crown races are shortly spaced but trainers do that b/c they know they can take a break and gear back up (hopefully) for the late summer/fall races and Breeders Cup.

Doesn't matter. A 95 degree day with humidity is harder on a horse than 3 weeks rest. I would gamble and take a chance with next weeks weather. Don't be surprised if one or two in the JD field do the same.

I think you can be 100% sure that Bright One will be running on three weeks rest in the Travers. WV Derby is next weekend.

[Scav]

it will be even hotter at Monmouth

Originally Posted by Scav

it will be even hotter at Monmouth

It says 80 next week. Saratoga isn't usually this bad. It is just this heatwave. I just think grade 1's are grade 1's. Why run in a grade 2 when you have a grade 1 with $500K more. I doubt they are avoiding Strong Contender. There is nothing else to beat except SC and BGC.

Originally Posted by DaHoss9698

Dude, I don't know if you've ever been to Saratoga, but it's usually like this during this time of year. Hot and muggy, and from my understanding Monmouth can get very hot too. I also wouldn't count too much on a meteorologists long range forecast. Albertrani said today on ATRAB that the horse has never been better, and you are underestimating having a race over the track. The Jim Dandy is a much more logical race for Bernardini. This is not to say that Bernardini couldn't win both, but he's been pointing for THIS race since he was declared out of the Belmont.

I have been many times and the weather usually sucks, but it isn't often in the 90's and humid. This is much hotter than usual. When it is hot even in the morning, you know it is hot.

[KY_Sasquash]

Originally Posted by boldruler

Doesn't matter. A 95 degree day with humidity is harder on a horse than 3 weeks rest. I would gamble and take a chance with next weeks weather. Don't be surprised if one or two in the JD field do the same.

I think you can be 100% sure that Bright One will be running on three weeks rest in the Travers. WV Derby is next weekend.

Bright One will run in the Travers, but he also didnt make his first start until Memorial day weekend. He didnt run in the Withers and Preakness vs graded stakes horses. totally different situation.

[slotdirt]

I have to disagree with the assessment that Monmouth is only good for turf racing, especially when referring to the Haskell. What the heck is wrong with the Haskell? It's probably one of the seven or eight most prestigious races for 3yo's in the country!

[Scav]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

I have to disagree with the assessment that Monmouth is only good for turf racing, especially when referring to the Haskell. What the heck is wrong with the Haskell? It's probably one of the seven or eight most prestigious races for 3yo's in the country!

if you have a speed horse that usually only last 9 furlongs, YEAH

Originally Posted by Scav

if you have a speed horse that usually only last 9 furlongs, YEAH

Is that what Point Given was.

[Scav]

Originally Posted by boldruler

Is that what Point Given was.

He won that race from the lead

Originally Posted by Scav

He won that race from the lead

But he wasn't just a 9F horse. He could run as far as needed. So could a couple other winners.

The Haskell is more prestigious than the Jim Dandy, but not the Travers. The best argument is that you want a race over the Saratoga track, but the extra week argument doesn't cut it for me.

Originally Posted by slotdirt

I have to disagree with the assessment that Monmouth is only good for turf racing, especially when referring to the Haskell. What the heck is wrong with the Haskell? It's probably one of the seven or eight most prestigious races for 3yo's in the country!

Monmouth is the most underrated track in america. Saratoga is obviously King, but Monmouth is really nice. The Haskell is the big leagues.

Point Given, War Emblem, Lion Heart, Touch Gold, Holy Bull.

[Scav]

Originally Posted by boldruler

Monmouth is the most underrated track in america. Saratoga is obviously King, but Monmouth is really nice. The Haskell is the big leagues.

Point Given, War Emblem, Lion Heart, Touch Gold, Holy Bull.

Roman Ruler is a perfect example. That horse never wanted ANY Part of 10 panels and he won easily there.

This race also doesn't get the best talent because of the Travers....if they raced it this weekend, they would get better talent