Street Sense Number

[Merlinsky]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

My post wasn't a stance on Street Sense but an observation about how he achieved his two strongest results. In general, I think the " rail is the shortest route to the wire " concept is as deceptive a way of thinking as I know in racing. It is quite simply a misconception of race dynamics.

His two strongest results also happen to be his last two outings. Couldn't just be that he's getting better could it? If you know a horse is fine going up through the inside, surely it could just be a combination of a good ride plus a horse with a good head on its shoulders. My point is sure you could think the horse likes being down there but it could also quite possibly be that it's a general professionalism rather than a preference by the horse. I don't think 2 races justifies a trend. I think the 'rail's the shortest distance' is completely viable here if it's obviously going to be a catfight to the end and you know the horse's gonna do it, like it or not. You save ground because every inch matters. I don't think he needed the rail in the Juvenile but hey if it's there, again, why not?

I just feel this idea that it's a misconception of race dynamics is only a viable way of thinking if either the rail's dead or the horse doesn't like being on the inside. If the rail's fine and the horse is talented and doesn't have a problem with it, why would any other course of action be as good? Or should I say good enough to opt out of it deliberately.