Nafzger Thursday on Street Sense plans

[Riot]

Interviewed on camera today by local TV, asked about Belmont plans, Naftzger asked back, wouldn't the most "logical and good" thing to do with SS, would be to shoot for the BC Classic? That's what he did with Unbridled, he'd like to repeat it. Wouldn't it be terrific, he said, to have the first BC Juvenile winner, KY Derby winner, BC Classic winner?

Doesn't sound like any Belmont plans at this point.

[sumitas]

There's more money in the BC Classic than the Belmont so "what's the point ?"

[The Indomitable DrugS]

I obviously like his chances of winning the Belmont a lot more than I like his chances of winning the BC Classic.

With the addition of a Breeders Cup Dirt Mile---which will be run as a two-turn, one mile and seventy yard race---it seems likely that a lot of horses considered "pace factors" only, who entered the Classic in years past---may opt for the "Dirt Mile" instead.

A slow pace is something that is not to Street Sense's advantage.

People want to credit Street Sense's explosive turn-of-foot and his excellent manuverability...as the sole reasons he's got all these great trips....however, like all deep closers, he has no control on how fast the pace will be in front of him. The BC Classic is too far in advance to say for sure---but, logic would seem to suggest it might be a moderately paced race this year, and at Monmouth Park....deep closers in slow paced races often perform well below their best form.

I guess if Nafzger skips the Belmont--and is really focusing on the Breeders Cup Classic...he might try something like running him back in the Haskell (and getting a race over the track where the BC will be run)

From the Haskell, he could either go Travers-Jockey Club Gold Cup, or Travers and train up to the BC Classic.

Nafzger has a lot of viable options---and he seems like a guy who will do best by the horse. I think that much we can count on.

[letswastemoney]

Well maybe you'll get your wish of Rags to Riches in the Belmont if Street Sense is out then

[The Indomitable DrugS]

I have a hunch that if she is doing real well physically, she will show up regardless of who else does.

[jpops757]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

I obviously like his chances of winning the Belmont a lot more than I like his chances of winning the BC Classic.

With the addition of a Breeders Cup Dirt Mile---which will be run as a two-turn, one mile and seventy yard race---it seems likely that a lot of horses considered "pace factors" only, who entered the Classic in years past---may opt for the "Dirt Mile" instead.

A slow pace is something that is not to Street Sense's advantage.

People want to credit Street Sense's explosive turn-of-foot and his excellent manuverability...as the sole reasons he's got all these great trips....however, like all deep closers, he has no control on how fast the pace will be in front of him. The BC Classic is too far in advance to say for sure---but, logic would seem to suggest it might be a moderately paced race this year, and at Monmouth Park....deep closers in slow paced races often perform well below their best form.

I guess if Nafzger skips the Belmont--and is really focusing on the Breeders Cup Classic...he might try something like running him back in the Haskell (and getting a race over the track where the BC will be run)

From the Haskell, he could either go Travers-Jockey Club Gold Cup, or Travers and train up to the BC Classic.

Nafzger has a lot of viable options---and he seems like a guy who will do best by the horse. I think that much we can count on.

you brought up a good point. The haskell is always a nice event but this year it will be even better with the fact of the BC location. The only draw back could be the quality of the field and some of the big players opting for softer prep comming into the BC.

[robfla]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

...People want to credit Street Sense's explosive turn-of-foot and his excellent manuverability...as the sole reasons he's got all these great trips....however, like all deep closers, he has no control on how fast the pace will be in front of him...

I have to disagree with you and and alot of others who label Street Sense as a "deep closer" I quite frankly don't see him as a deep closer. I think he has a decent turn of foot if needed, and has a very explosive 1/4 - 5/16 mile run. I think he he a very athletic colt as well.

Deep closers ( like Giacomo ) NEED a fast pace and collapse to win, I don't believe SS does. I think SS could win from off the pace in a moderately or slow paced race.. only time will tell.

I also think he could have won the Preakness with a better timed ride, but thats another story/thread.

[brianwspencer]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

I obviously like his chances of winning the Belmont a lot more than I like his chances of winning the BC Classic.

With the addition of a Breeders Cup Dirt Mile---which will be run as a two-turn, one mile and seventy yard race---it seems likely that a lot of horses considered "pace factors" only, who entered the Classic in years past---may opt for the "Dirt Mile" instead.

A slow pace is something that is not to Street Sense's advantage.

People want to credit Street Sense's explosive turn-of-foot and his excellent manuverability...as the sole reasons he's got all these great trips....however, like all deep closers, he has no control on how fast the pace will be in front of him. The BC Classic is too far in advance to say for sure---but, logic would seem to suggest it might be a moderately paced race this year, and at Monmouth Park....deep closers in slow paced races often perform well below their best form.

I guess if Nafzger skips the Belmont--and is really focusing on the Breeders Cup Classic...he might try something like running him back in the Haskell (and getting a race over the track where the BC will be run)

From the Haskell, he could either go Travers-Jockey Club Gold Cup, or Travers and train up to the BC Classic.

Nafzger has a lot of viable options---and he seems like a guy who will do best by the horse. I think that much we can count on.

Teuflesburg is certainly pointing to the Classic, so there should be pace aplenty. I see no other logical race for him unil the Classic.

Regardless of the dirt mile, there will still be connections who cannot pass up $5 million over $1 million, so those frontrunners should still get entered anyway -- a few of them at least, imo.

[miraja2]

Originally Posted by sumitas

There's more money in the BC Classic than the Belmont so "what's the point ?"

I guess the point would be that Invasor isn't eligible for the Belmont Stakes, but he is for the BCC. I know you don't plan a whole campaign around one horse, but I find it unlikely that Street Sense would win a race that Invasor was in. A pace scenario that set up well for Street Sense, would also set up well for Invasor who......at this point anyway......is the superior animal.
Someone suggested about a week ago that Street Sense should point to the Stephen Foster as his next race. That makes a lot of sense to me. Although it would be a bit unconventional for a 3yo to compete against older at this time of the year, his love for CD and the fact that the only really tough handicap horse (Invasor) won't be there make that a logical spot for him I would think.
Sumwonlovesyou is a 3yo taking on older at CD. Why not have Street Sense follow in her illustrious footsteps?

[JDank34]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

I obviously like his chances of winning the Belmont a lot more than I like his chances of winning the BC Classic.

With the addition of a Breeders Cup Dirt Mile---which will be run as a two-turn, one mile and seventy yard race---it seems likely that a lot of horses considered "pace factors" only, who entered the Classic in years past---may opt for the "Dirt Mile" instead.

A slow pace is something that is not to Street Sense's advantage.

People want to credit Street Sense's explosive turn-of-foot and his excellent manuverability...as the sole reasons he's got all these great trips....however, like all deep closers, he has no control on how fast the pace will be in front of him. The BC Classic is too far in advance to say for sure---but, logic would seem to suggest it might be a moderately paced race this year, and at Monmouth Park....deep closers in slow paced races often perform well below their best form.

I guess if Nafzger skips the Belmont--and is really focusing on the Breeders Cup Classic...he might try something like running him back in the Haskell (and getting a race over the track where the BC will be run)

From the Haskell, he could either go Travers-Jockey Club Gold Cup, or Travers and train up to the BC Classic.

Nafzger has a lot of viable options---and he seems like a guy who will do best by the horse. I think that much we can count on.

How in the heck can you label SS a deep closer? He is always within a couple lengths if not in the lead at the 3/16 pole. You have a hard *n against this horse, but to call him a deep closer is almost an elementary comment from a guy who watches races on a daily basis like you do.

[miraja2]

Originally Posted by JDank34

How in the heck can you label SS a deep closer? He is always within a couple lengths if not in the lead at the 3/16 pole. You have a hard *n against this horse, but to call him a deep closer is almost an elementary comment from a guy who watches races on a daily basis like you do.

There sure have been a lot of stalker v. closer v. deep closer discussions on here the last few days. Whatever you choose to call Street Sense (I think I would call him a closer....but not a deep closer) DrugS's point remains true doesn't it?
In this horses two biggest wins he dropped back to 13th (out of 14) and 19th (out of 20). Horses with that style - whatever it is called - are always a little dependent on the pace of the race right?
I don't think that is insulting to the colt.

[blackthroatedwind]

His first comments after the Preakness, I believe, were to skip the Belmont and point for the Jim Dandy and Travers.

[ARyan]

Originally Posted by robfla

I have to disagree with you and and alot of others who label Street Sense as a "deep closer" I quite frankly don't see him as a deep closer. I think he has a decent turn of foot if needed, and has a very explosive 1/4 - 5/16 mile run. I think he he a very athletic colt as well.

Deep closers ( like Giacomo ) NEED a fast pace and collapse to win, I don't believe SS does. I think SS could win from off the pace in a moderately or slow paced race.. only time will tell.

I also think he could have won the Preakness with a better timed ride, but thats another story/thread.

I agree with much of what you said. Good post.

[jpops757]

Originally Posted by robfla

I have to disagree with you and and alot of others who label Street Sense as a "deep closer" I quite frankly don't see him as a deep closer. I think he has a decent turn of foot if needed, and has a very explosive 1/4 - 5/16 mile run. I think he he a very athletic colt as well.

Deep closers ( like Giacomo ) NEED a fast pace and collapse to win, I don't believe SS does. I think SS could win from off the pace in a moderately or slow paced race.. only time will tell.

I also think he could have won the Preakness with a better timed ride, but thats another story/thread.

Sometimes it might appear SS is a deep closer because of sizzling fractions up fron. SS runs his race and the distance from the front is a result of fast early fraction and not because of SS running style. He has the speed to get most anyplace he wants. Its just a timing thing. He runs the same race almost every time. The other horses make him look like a deep closer. One thing for sure, when analizing the race everyone wants to know where he is.

[boswd]

I've said it before and will say it again, as great of an event The Breeders Cup is, it is destroying the infastructure of racing. If you can't have TC winner the next best thing is a great rivalry in the TC Events, looks like we aren't going to have it.

[zippyneedsawin]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

His first comments after the Preakness, I believe, were to skip the Belmont and point for the Jim Dandy and Travers.

Yes, but I believe he backed off that a little and said he'd consider the Belmont... though I doubt he goes there.

[deltagulf]

i'll like to see s.s. in belmont cause then rags can beat them all.

go girl!!

[tycharles01]

Hey SS runs in the BC Classic maybe we can all get 8/1 on Invasor again

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by tycharles01

Hey SS runs in the BC Classic maybe we can all get 8/1 on Invasor again

Good luck with that....

And for the people who have problems with me saying that Street Sense has been most effective as a "deep closer"

In Street Sense's three career best races....he's dropped way off the pace early.

He was 11th and double digits behind in the BC Juvie....

He was 19th and double digits behind in the Derby....

He was 2nd to last and double digit lengths behind in the Preakness

IN ALL THREE RACES HE HAD JUST ONE HORSE BEATEN----AND THAT ONE HORSE WAS CIRCULAR QUAY in two instances....and the hapless Imawildandcrazyguy in the other.

I realize he sat just off a 21.62 opening quarter in his maiden win---however, by defenition, he's considered a deep closer off his route form. I find it bizarre that I had to explain that....let alone had another moronic comment about a bias come up.

If anyone really thinks he will be pressing the leader through the early stages of the Breeders Cup Classic---they should probably just lock up and bet Invasor at the 8/1 odds he so obviously will be.

[PPerfectfan]

Nafzger has a lot of viable options---and he seems like a guy who will do best by the horse. I think that much we can count on.


I have to totally agree with you here Drugs, he is a hellava man and a hellava trainer. While I would love to see him run in the Belmont and get Curlin, I think winning the Juvy/Derby/Classic would be something to behold. Geauxxx Street Sense.