3/30 (GP): Florida Derby Day

[Alabama Stakes]

Javier rode poorly those last 2 races.

[moses]

Bodexpress now with 40 Derby points. Such a weird situation. The Lexington is going to be interesting. Might see a horse or two steal some points and get into the Derby that way.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by moses

Bodexpress now with 40 Derby points. Such a weird situation. The Lexington is going to be interesting. Might see a horse or two steal some points and get into the Derby that way.

The Lexington is only 20 points to the winner now.

[moses]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

The Lexington is only 20 points to the winner now.

I know - but if you’re a horse like Anothertwistafate, Country House, Sueno, or Mucho Gusto, maybe that gets you into the top 20. Some of those horses could get bumped down depending on what happens next weekend. Mucho Gusto is listed as possible for it on HRN.

[RHT2004]

Originally Posted by moses

I know - but if you’re a horse like Anothertwistafate, Country House, Sueno, or Mucho Gusto, maybe that gets you into the top 20. Some of those horses could get bumped down depending on what happens next weekend. Mucho Gusto is listed as possible for it on HRN.

Mucho Gusto is a sprinter. Been saying that for months.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by RHT2004

Mucho Gusto is a sprinter. Been saying that for months.

You can't fault him for caving late after that ridiculous pace at Sunland (and he did battle back far a brief spell at the top of the lane). He settled well when stalking the pacesetter in the Robert Lewis, rallied smartly on the far turn, and pulled clear emphatically down the stretch. He also pulled clear of the rest and finished up well when runner up in the Los Al Futurity after setting a modest tempo.

Where he probably falls down is his class level. Improbable tore him a new one in the latter race. Despite that, if I was convinced he would be taken off the engine in the Kentucky Derby, I think he could have a live longshot look.

That said, I would love to see him in the Allen Jerkens at 7 furlongs (or the Malibu at the end of the year). In general, horses that can handle a middle distance have an advantage over true sprinters in extended sprints.

[RHT2004]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

You can't fault him for caving late after that ridiculous pace at Sunland (and he did battle back far a brief spell at the top of the lane). He settled well when stalking the pacesetter in the Robert Lewis, rallied smartly on the far turn, and pulled clear emphatically down the stretch. He also pulled clear of the rest and finished up well when runner up in the Los Al Futurity after setting a modest tempo.

Where he probably falls down is his class level. Improbable tore him a new one in the latter race. Despite that, if I was convinced he would be taken off the engine in the Kentucky Derby, I think he could have a live longshot look.

That said, I would love to see him in the Allen Jerkens at 7 furlongs (or the Malibu at the end of the year). In general, horses that can handle a middle distance have an advantage over true sprinters in extended sprints.

This is all fair. I just always love these fast horses, who feel a bit distance challenged turning back. A horse like Country House could also be a beast at 7f. He needs pace and he'd get it.

[moses]

Originally Posted by RHT2004

Mucho Gusto is a sprinter. Been saying that for months.

You may be right. I think he can win at longer distances but sprints may suit him.