Damon Runyon Stakes

[NTamm1215]

While I agree that Bullheaded Boy had trouble around the turn, the winner of this race was best by a colossal margin when you factor in certain elements of his trip. First of all, he covered more ground than every other horse in the field, including 39 and 36 feet more than the 2nd and 3rd place finishers. These were Good Luck Gus' splits:

23.67, 24.56, 25.65, 27.36, 4:42

Bullheaded Boy

24.67, 24.74, 25.30, 26.99, 4.44

Tizquick

24.28, 24.42, 25.77, 27.18, 4.51

I think Tizquick ran a very nice race and was likely compromised by a slightly premature move. However, there's no doubt that given the speed of the opening half-mile and where he chased that pace from, that Good Luck Gus was best. I think Tizquick needs to be cutback and am almost beginning to wonder if Bullheaded Boy is a horse who trouble just adheres to.