Zaftig to the Cigar Mile?

[the_fat_man]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

In my opinion, Zaftig ran a terrific race given that Indian Blessing is the best female sprinter around and Ventura ran an incredible race.

NT

IB is the best female sprinter around when she's running on tracks where speed holds. On anything approximating a FAIR situation, Ventura (or some filly like her) bends her over every time.

Ventura's run the third split was every bit as impressive as Goldikova's (who actually sat a picture perfect trip) YET the latter is a freak and IB is getting all the press. Only in the land of figures does **** like this happen.

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by the_fat_man

IB is the best female sprinter around when she's running on tracks where speed holds. On anything approximating a FAIR situation, Ventura (or some filly like her) bends her over every time.

Ventura's run the third split was every bit as impressive as Goldikova's (who actually sat a picture perfect trip) YET the latter is a freak and IB is getting all the press. Only in the land of figures does **** like this happen.

High Beyer figures or not, Indian Blessing was the best female sprinter in the country this year. On the most important day she lost to Ventura, who ran a remarkable race. I don't think that takes anything away from Indian Blessing, who prefers conventional dirt.

The bottom line, and the origin of the discussion is that Zaftig, off a long layoff, ran a very strong race to finish 3rd.

NT

[Getaway]

The owners of Zaftig pick all the races for their horses (Moores). I would assume it is a tough situation for Jim Jerkens, but for the amount of quality horses that they have with them, I'm sure it is a small cross to bear. While the Breeder's Cup was a bit of a stretch off a long layoff, she did run a very nice third against two top quality female sprinters. The notion that it wasn't a good effort is just plain ridiculous.

For the most part, the connections do spot their runners in competetive spots, a run in the Cigar would make this race at least a little interesting.

[the_fat_man]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

The bottom line, and the origin of the discussion is that Zaftig, off a long layoff, ran a very strong race to finish 3rd.

NT

She started even with Tizzy's Tune at the quarter pole, then she 'distanced' that one by a whole 2 lengths, while both of them steadily retreated. I mean, look at who was in that race? Dream Rush, Jazzy, etc. In the mean time Venture was gaining 9 lengths between the quarter and the half while 8 (out of 12) other horses were also gaining. THAT's IMPRESSIVE ****; not wiring the field when the track is in your favor. Can any of those girls run when the bias is not in their favor? Absolutely not. I sit here reading thread after thread about all the impressive one dimensional dirt horses and how synthetics are bad for the game. Then I chuckle when these 'plodders' fall on their face when a little bit of athleticism or other than one dimensional racing is required.

She needed the race. We can hook her up with a rail trip at AQU next out.

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by the_fat_man

She started even with Tizzy's Tune at the quarter pole, then she 'distanced' that one by a whole 2 lengths, while both of them steadily retreated. I mean, look at who was in that race? Dream Rush, Jazzy, etc. In the mean time Venture was gaining 9 lengths between the quarter and the half while 8 (out of 12) other horses were also gaining. THAT's IMPRESSIVE ****; not wiring the field when the track is in your favor. Can any of those girls run when the bias is not in their favor? Absolutely not. I sit here reading thread after thread about all the impressive one dimensional dirt horses and how synthetics are bad for the game. Then I chuckle when these 'plodders' fall on their face when a little bit of athleticism or other than one dimensional racing is required.

She needed the race. We can hook her up with a rail trip at AQU next out.

Zaftig needed the race, you got that right. As far as calling her a plodder, if you believe her effort in the Acorn was something a plodder would put forth then our opinions on this game differ quite a bit.

NT

[the_fat_man]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Zaftig needed the race, you got that right. As far as calling her a plodder, if you believe her effort in the Acorn was something a plodder would put forth then our opinions on this game differ quite a bit.

NT

Two points.

1) This isn't 1970. Horses don't 'need' races anymore; and you certainly don't give a horse one in the biggest race of the year (relatively).

2) In what sense is the Acorn impressive? 4 horse field, two dooked it out and two retreated. She chased and ran down a horse that quits when challenged.

This is UNinteresting racing to me. So they go fast on a surface that favors the frontrunner; big ****in deal. If they went 1-2 on the lead while cutting a fast pace on a course that doesn't normally favor the leader, then it's impressive to me.

An new era is upon us: the multi-move race exhibition, favoring the athletic horse, at this year's BC is a portend of things to come. Racing will get interesting whether the present handicapping community likes it or not.

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by the_fat_man

Two points.

1) This isn't 1970. Horses don't 'need' races anymore; and you certainly don't give a horse one in the biggest race of the year (relatively).

2) In what sense is the Acorn impressive? 4 horse field, two dooked it out and two retreated. She chased and ran down a horse that quits when challenged.

This is UNinteresting racing to me. So they go fast on a surface that favors the frontrunner; big ****in deal. If they went 1-2 on the lead while cutting a fast pace on a course that doesn't normally favor the leader, then it's impressive to me.

An new era is upon us: the multi-move race exhibition, favoring the athletic horse, at this year's BC is a portend of things to come. Racing will get interesting whether the present handicapping community likes it or not.

Zaftig ran a phenomenal race in the Acorn. Whether the field she beat was deep or not, she disposed of Indian Blessing amid fast fractions which they both contested and she kicked clear authoritatively.

I get the feeling you are completely unsatisfied with racing if you are only impressed by what you stated above. Those circumstances occur rather infrequently. Although, Midshipman had to have blown you away in the Juvenile.

NT

[the_fat_man]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Zaftig ran a phenomenal race in the Acorn. Whether the field she beat was deep or not, she disposed of Indian Blessing amid fast fractions which they both contested and she kicked clear authoritatively.

I get the feeling you are completely unsatisfied with racing if you are only impressed by what you stated above. Those circumstances occur rather infrequently. Although, Midshipman had to have blown you away in the Juvenile.

NT

It's part of handicapping (speed) figure free and avoiding most dirt races. A lot of this impressive stuff happens quite a bit on the turf and (sometimes) synthetics and even dirt tracks with long stretches.

Midshipman would've impressed me a lot more if the top 3 finishers didn't go around the track together.