First Dude- Grade 1 winner

[NTamm1215]

I have been a First Dude fan and it had mostly to do with him going through the rigors of a tough campaign and holding up really well (minus the BC Classic).

With all due respect to Dale Romans, Bob Baffert has done a very good job with First Dude. He has shed the "lumbering ox" type of running style which was used countless times to no avail. He clearly is comfortable sitting off the pace now, and even though he's very slow to get in stride, he's finishing unlike he did last year.

I thought the Hollywood Gold Cup was a very solid effort and didn't view the final quarter as the eyesore that many saw it.

As far as where First Dude stacks up, I don't agree with somebody like Mike Watchmaker, who rates him the top of the division, but he's obviously one of the 3-4 best.

[hockey2315]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

As far as where First Dude stacks up, I don't agree with somebody like Mike Watchmaker, who rates him the top of the division, but he's obviously one of the 3-4 best.

I like how Flat Out didn't even make his list. . .

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by hockey2315

I like how Flat Out didn't even make his list. . .

That was my favorite part as well.

Then again, what has he done compared to Setsuko and Crown of Thorns?

[Indian Charlie]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

That was my favorite part as well.

Then again, what has he done compared to Setsuko and Crown of Thorns?

Crown of Thorns is hurt again.

Only a foot abscess at least.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by Indian Charlie

Crown of Thorns is hurt again.

Only a foot abscess at least.

He should be fine to lose another race sometime later in the season.

How anyone could rank him as one of the top ten handicap horses in the country is WAY beyond me.

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

I have been a First Dude fan and it had mostly to do with him going through the rigors of a tough campaign and holding up really well (minus the BC Classic).

With all due respect to Dale Romans, Bob Baffert has done a very good job with First Dude. He has shed the "lumbering ox" type of running style which was used countless times to no avail. He clearly is comfortable sitting off the pace now, and even though he's very slow to get in stride, he's finishing unlike he did last year.

I thought the Hollywood Gold Cup was a very solid effort and didn't view the final quarter as the eyesore that many saw it.

As far as where First Dude stacks up, I don't agree with somebody like Mike Watchmaker, who rates him the top of the division, but he's obviously one of the 3-4 best.

You know I respect your opinion Nick, but Game on Dude isn't much and Twirling Candy just isn't as effective at 10 furlongs as he is going shorter. No one else lifted a hood except for Setsuko, whose jockey acted like the race ended at the 1/4 pole.

I was a big First Dude fan last year as well and I'm glad he's avenged some of his narrow defeats last year. But I can't agree it was a very solid effort. I guess in terms of what is out there right now it was okay, but if he loses by a neck are people still acting like he ran some big race?

[asudevil]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

You know I respect your opinion Nick, but Game on Dude isn't much and Twirling Candy just isn't as effective at 10 furlongs as he is going shorter. No one else lifted a hood except for Setsuko, whose jockey acted like the race ended at the 1/4 pole.

I was a big First Dude fan last year as well and I'm glad he's avenged some of his narrow defeats last year. But I can't agree it was a very solid effort. I guess in terms of what is out there right now it was okay, but if he loses by a neck are people still acting like he ran some big race?

He may not be that talented...I concede that...But he displays a lot of heart and determination. If you throw out the Lone Star race (he hated the track), you will notice that this horse continues to improve (Beyers, TG, etc) His grit is the attribute.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by asudevil

He may not be that talented...I concede that...But he displays a lot of heart and determination. If you throw out the Lone Star race (he hated the track), you will notice that this horse continues to improve (Beyers, TG, etc) His grit is the attribute.

Didn't Game On Dude win the Lone Star Derby last year?

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

Didn't Game On Dude win the Lone Star Derby last year?

Yeah. I'm a bit confused by the not liking the track comment because he seemed to like it just fine last year.

Despite not thinking he's much, I thought he ran well on Saturday, probably ran best in the field. Was an unlucky loser.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

I thought he ran well on Saturday, probably ran best in the field. Was an unlucky loser.

Yep, but I also thought he got away with a comfortable, unpressured lead, so I wasn't suprised he had some fight down the lane.

[Indian Charlie]

whats confusing me is that people are actually arguing over the merits of First Dude.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

With all due respect to Dale Romans, Bob Baffert has done a very good job with First Dude. He has shed the "lumbering ox" type of running style which was used countless times to no avail. He clearly is comfortable sitting off the pace now, and even though he's very slow to get in stride, he's finishing unlike he did last year.

I have the impression that he's still a lumbering ox with no real turn of foot. Both his graded stakes wins were in blanket finishes (I think there was less than a length separating the 1st 6 home in the Churchill race).

Instead of the Pacific Classic, I'd love to see him in the Whitney. Nine furlongs and a solid pace should be enticing for his connections. Like last year's race, I think it would answer a lot of questions.