1/7 (AQU): Count Fleet S., Busanda S.

[RolloTomasi]

Interesting that Alpha shows up in the Count Fleet. Don't get me wrong, it's a sensible spot, but it makes you wonder why he doesn't race at Gulfstream where I presume the first string is (Alpha was breezing in FL last month). He's eligible for first condition, too, which should be plentiful down south. Frankly, the way he went off form in the BC, I had anticipated he would start from scratch after more of a break, perhaps even around one turn initially.

On a side note, Alpha will also be adding lasix for the first time. Remember last year, Kiaran McLaughlin said something about racing his 2yos without lasix. I guess that doesn't extend into their 3yo year.

[3kings]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

Interesting that Alpha shows up in the Count Fleet. Don't get me wrong, it's a sensible spot, but it makes you wonder why he doesn't race at Gulfstream where I presume the first string is (Alpha was breezing in FL last month). He's eligible for first condition, too, which should be plentiful down south. Frankly, the way he went off form in the BC, I had anticipated he would start from scratch after more of a break, perhaps even around one turn initially.

On a side note, Alpha will also be adding lasix for the first time. Remember last year, Kiaran McLaughlin said something about racing his 2yos without lasix. I guess that doesn't extend into their 3yo year.

http://www.drf.com/news/aqueduct-she...inter-campaign

This was in the DRF yesterday.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by 3kings

http://www.drf.com/news/aqueduct-she...inter-campaign

This was in the DRF yesterday.

Thanks. Totally missed that one. Forgot that It's Tricky came from Aqueduct, too. Still a question mark is why, having started in Florida, was Alpha sent back north? Captivating Lass has been in NY the whole time. Maybe McLaughlin has another Derby prospect in Florida.

I guess I should just be thankful that Alpha isn't in Dubai.

[Linny]

Little Belle came off the inner too.

[blackthroatedwind]

So did Flashing.

[RolloTomasi]

I was wondering who the other two were. Thought they meant 2011 only.

Of course, the difference between Alpha and those 3 were that the latter didn't debut at Saratoga and have Grade 1 races on their resumes beforehand. In fact, for what it's worth, Alpha is already considered a "Godolphin" colorbearer. The others were second string until they progressed beyond the Darley label.

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

I was wondering who the other two were. Thought they meant 2011 only.

Of course, the difference between Alpha and those 3 were that the latter didn't debut at Saratoga and have Grade 1 races on their resumes beforehand. In fact, for what it's worth, Alpha is already considered a "Godolphin" colorbearer. The others were second string until they progressed beyond the Darley label.

What's the difference between Darley and Godolphin? Are the Blue Silks significant? Didn't the senior towel head suggest he was done running a Godophin stable in US? What is Rick Metee up to now?