The blocking back

[MaTH716]

Originally Posted by moses

I’d throw some praise to Good Magic as well. Heck of a horse and softened Justify up in the Preakness but still not enough.

I think Good Magic is a very nice horse, but I really think Smith knew that Good Magic was the only horse that could beat him in Maryland and once he put him away he took his foot of the gas and tried to save something for the Belmont. He was under wraps late in the race.

[moses]

Originally Posted by MaTH716

I think Good Magic is a very nice horse, but I really think Smith knew that Good Magic was the only horse that could beat him in Maryland and once he put him away he took his foot of the gas and tried to save something for the Belmont. He was under wraps late in the race.

Given what has transpired since, you’re probably right. Bravazo had to put up a very strong finish just to lose by a half length. In retrospect, the win was more comfortable than the charts may seem to indicate.

[tector]

Maybe some people should go to the petting zoo instead of the racetrack.

[cal828]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...610-story.html

Here is an article with comments from, John Velasquez, Mike Repole and Wayne Lucas, that seems to confirm that the blocking occurred, but Lucas said he didn't think it changed the outcome of the race.

[MaTH716]

Originally Posted by cal828

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...610-story.html

Here is an article with comments from, John Velasquez, Mike Repole and Wayne Lucas, that seems to confirm that the blocking occurred, but Lucas said he didn't think it changed the outcome of the race.

I just think its funny that Repole who wanted Javy to try to duel Justify into the ground to set it up for Vino, is complaining about another trainers possible tactics in the race.

[pointman]

While none of us can say whether it changed the outcome of the race, it was pretty clear to me is that Geroux was not riding to win the race. I found the comments from Restoring Hope's owner, Gary West, that he has no idea what Geroux was thinking or what his strategy was and that the ride for the first 1/8 of a mile resembled more of a quarter horse race than the 1 1/2 mile Belmont very interesting.

Having said that, trainers and owners have been using two horses to help set up another horse for as long as horses have been racing and nothing should take away from the tremendous accomplishment by Justify to be a worthy Triple Crown champion.

[RocksLocks]

Not sure if it would have mattered but Florent def had other intentions than winning the race-watch the NBC broadcast again--after the race Mike Smith was pointing and yelling to Florent, "you're the man!" Why does Mike think Florent is the man after that race?

[Merlinsky]

Originally Posted by RocksLocks

Not sure if it would have mattered but Florent def had other intentions than winning the race-watch the NBC broadcast again--after the race Mike Smith was pointing and yelling to Florent, "you're the man!" Why does Mike think Florent is the man after that race?

That "you're the man" is delivered at 2:55.37. http://stream.nbcsports.com/horse-racing/belmont-stakes You can in no way tell to whom this was said. Could be at a non-jockey. Stop spreading rumors. I don't think it really makes sense from what seems to be the proximity of the other runners and the time it's taking to turn Justify around with the outrider and come back that Mike would've yelled anything at Florent. If that pink blur was Florent off in the distance, I'm not sure Mike would've expected to be heard.

I don't agree that Florent definitely had other intentions (as in wasn't trying to win). Yes it ran interference for Justify in a way, but I think RH was in the right place for the Belmont if he was gonna be good enough at 12 furlongs. He wasn't, but you gotta try if you're actually trying to win. RH needed to be closer to the pace in the Belmont than the Derby. Gronkowski's race was unusual. A horse hasn't done last to first(-ish, since he didn't win) since 2006. Expecting a come from behind surge or grinding wasn't gonna work. Gary West couldn't have thought RH was gonna win, but if he's gonna insist on trying to, you gotta do what Florent did.

[moses]

Originally Posted by pointman

While none of us can say whether it changed the outcome of the race, it was pretty clear to me is that Geroux was not riding to win the race. I found the comments from Restoring Hope's owner, Gary West, that he has no idea what Geroux was thinking or what his strategy was and that the ride for the first 1/8 of a mile resembled more of a quarter horse race than the 1 1/2 mile Belmont very interesting.

Having said that, trainers and owners have been using two horses to help set up another horse for as long as horses have been racing and nothing should take away from the tremendous accomplishment by Justify to be a worthy Triple Crown champion.

Speaking of West, I wonder if we will see any Justify-Actress foals. That could be something special.

[knickslions2]

Originally Posted by pointman

While none of us can say whether it changed the outcome of the race, it was pretty clear to me is that Geroux was not riding to win the race. I found the comments from Restoring Hope's owner, Gary West, that he has no idea what Geroux was thinking or what his strategy was and that the ride for the first 1/8 of a mile resembled more of a quarter horse race than the 1 1/2 mile Belmont very interesting.

Having said that, trainers and owners have been using two horses to help set up another horse for as long as horses have been racing and nothing should take away from the tremendous accomplishment by Justify to be a worthy Triple Crown champion.

Ya it was pretty clear Restoring Hope wasn't in it to win it and Im sure owner wasn't thrilled on that ride. That being said this is really overblown with the blocking comments. Bravazo got pined on rail somewhat and tenfold had to go back as hope squeezed him with more speed at the start. Other then that there really wasn't much blocking in my opinion. Vino Russo had every opportunity and just wasn't fast enough. Gronkowski was very good and surprised me a lot. Justify is just faster than the group that ran Saturday. I hope he runs in the Travers and we get a better mix of horses so we can see a great balanced race.

[cal828]

Well, I guess we can all look forward to more great races from the great triple crown champion, Justify and I do not say that with sarcasm. Really, the most shocking thing about the race to me and probably a host of others was Gronkowski. Who knew that horses come over here from Europe and frequently run well on first time Lasix? Just one of the myriad lessons that horse racing offers that I repeatedly fail to learn.