Ria Antonia

[Danzig]

because of the nature of the points system, you have to decide pretty quickly if you want to make the attempt, because you have to get in the preps and earn points.
if she doesn't do well in those races leading up, she won't be in the gate in may. no harm, no foul.

[Indian Charlie]

There are actually a few really promising colts in this crop. I can't see this filly having anywhere near the upside from here on out to win the Derby.

[Calzone Lord]

Call me cynical ... but I happen to think this is just gamesmanship and a cry for attention.

The Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winner has captured the Eclipse Award for Champion 2-year-old filly on 25 of the last 27 occasions.

I think the connections of Ria Antonia are possibly saying something like that in December to help sell her to the writers for year end honors.

This filly was no better than 4th in her first three stakes attempts, and she was put up in the Juvenile Fillies over a very slight bump that happened in the final 40 yards of the race. She's A Tiger should win the Eclipse award. She's had a much better 2yo season in totality than Ria Antonia did.

If I were Ria Antonia's connections, I'd sure want that championship. It's a vote they might get anyway, but making a statement that they're pointing to the Kentucky Derby is going to get her name in the Headlines. Perhaps this really is "a bizarre overestimation of her ability" like Cannon Shell says ... but I think it's possible that they can taste that championship, and they're doing what they have to do to help their filly out in what could ultimately be a very close vote.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by Calzone Lord

Call me cynical ... but I happen to think this is just gamesmanship and a cry for attention.

The Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winner has captured the Eclipse Award for Champion 2-year-old filly on 25 of the last 27 occasions.

I think the connections of Ria Antonia are possibly saying something like that in December to help sell her to the writers for year end honors.

This filly was no better than 4th in her first three stakes attempts, and she was put up in the Juvenile Fillies over a very slight bump that happened in the final 40 yards of the race. She's A Tiger should win the Eclipse award. She's had a much better 2yo season in totality than Ria Antonia did.

If I were Ria Antonia's connections, I'd sure want that championship. It's a vote they might get anyway, but making a statement that they're pointing to the Kentucky Derby is going to get her name in the Headlines. Perhaps this really is "a bizarre overestimation of her ability" like Cannon Shell says ... but I think it's possible that they can taste that championship, and they're doing what they have to do to help their filly out in what could ultimately be a very close vote.

They had a couple tweets about the Juvie being proof that the colts really are no better than the fillies as their justification.

[Calzone Lord]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

They had a couple tweets about the Juvie being proof that the colts really are no better than the fillies as their justification.

Maybe I'm just cynical, but they have to be campaigning for a title vote. The same way every politician makes promises they don't intend to keep, while campaigning.

Running her in Derby preps against colts when equally rich softer spots are available?...yeah.

I'll believe it when I see it.

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by Calzone Lord

Maybe I'm just cynical, but they have to be campaigning for a title vote. The same way every politician makes promises they don't intend to keep, while campaigning.

Running her in Derby preps against colts when equally rich softer spots are available?...yeah.

I'll believe it when I see it.

I'm not so sure. In watching the post-race BC press conference, the owner came across as a loose cannon. He was talking Derby in that press conference (after trainer had mentioned the possibility of following the Princess of Sylmar route to the Oaks). I didn't get the sense that a championship lobbying campaign had begun that quickly (or would be as sophisticated as you are suggesting).

[randallscott35]

Maybe they can make her tail pink like that idiot Hansen.

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by Danzig

because of the nature of the points system, you have to decide pretty quickly if you want to make the attempt, because you have to get in the preps and earn points.
if she doesn't do well in those races leading up, she won't be in the gate in may. no harm, no foul.

Not necessarily. She could still need to earn points to make the field for the Kentucky Oaks. If she "wastes" a few starts against the boys in the spring, she might not be guaranteed a spot in the gate for the Oaks.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

Not necessarily. She could still need to earn points to make the field for the Kentucky Oaks. If she "wastes" a few starts against the boys in the spring, she might not be guaranteed a spot in the gate for the Oaks.

if she hits the board, she won't earn oaks points?
and if she's up the track vs boys first out, i don't know they'd stick to that route, and she'd have time to get points for the alternative.

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by Danzig

if she hits the board, she won't earn oaks points?

Don't know if "Derby points" can be applied towards the Oaks. That said, my hypothetical assumed that she doesn't hit the board against the boys (which is what I would envision happening).

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

Don't know if "Derby points" can be applied towards the Oaks. That said, my hypothetical assumed that she doesn't hit the board against the boys (which is what I would envision happening).

which is why, if it were me, i'd try it early on. if it's a failed experiment, you go the other route.