Theoretical Question-Barbaro

[Holland Hacker]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

I laughed!


I'm not so sure anyone can make a rational case that Barbaro would have won the Preakness this year---considering A.) The fact that he broke through the gate prior to the start. B.) that he was in a tough spot tactically before the breakdown. C.) Bernardini fell into a dream trip. D.) Bernardini ran a gigantic number on everyone's speed figures.

A.) I agree with you it is rare to see a horse break through the gate and still run his or her race.

B.) How you can you say he was in a "tough spot tactically" after 1/8th of a mile. He was in mid pack a couple spots off of the rail? I doubt seriouslly that he could not have over come that "difficult spot."

C.) Would the Bernardini had his dream trip if he had to look Barbaro in the eye. I don't remember Bernardini looking many horses in the eye and running on. Barbaro on the other hand had displayed that gift.

D.) How much better was Bernardini's Preakness number than Barbaro's Derby win? Keep in mind Barbaro probably wasn't pushed too much in the late stages of the Derby with a six length lead.

I don't think it was beyond the realm of possibility for Barbaro to beat Bernardini in the Preakness, but we'll never know will we?