Smooth Air

[Gander]

Do you really think you have to be a "Classic 10F horse" to win this?
Isnt this race being a little overanalyzed? After all, horses get behind a gate, and the gates open, and the first horse who crosses the line wins.
Arent most Derbys won by the horse who has the lead at the 1/8th pole anyways? From recent memory, I can only think of Giacomo's win as one that this race was won past the 1/8th pole.

Street Sense, Barbaro, Smarty Jones, Funny Cide, Monarchos, War Emblem, Fu Peg, Real Quiet....

Do any of these ring a bell? DId any of these need the extra 1/8th of a mile to win or lose this?

[SniperSB23]

Originally Posted by Gander

Do you really think you have to be a "Classic 10F horse" to win this? Isnt this race being a little overanalyzed? After all, horses get behind a gate, and the gates open, and the first horse who crosses the line wins.
Arent most Derbys won by the horse who has the lead at the 1/8th pole anyways? From recent memory, I can only think of Giacomo's win as one that this race was won past the 1/8th pole.

Street Sense, Barbaro, Smarty Jones, Funny Cide, Monarchos, War Emblem, Fu Peg, Real Quiet....

Do any of these ring a bell? DId any of these need the extra 1/8th of a mile to win or lose this?

No, I don't. Especially when there are none in the field to begin with. Which is why I think people dismissing Smooth Air on his pedigree is pointless.