tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post5968241168737789248..comments2024-03-05T05:38:22.024-05:00Comments on Left at the Gate: Genting Gives NYRA a WoodieAlan Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570505944559196118noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-41746631194238493522011-03-21T08:18:45.740-04:002011-03-21T08:18:45.740-04:00Yeah, Mo rated, but he did not look comfortable do...Yeah, Mo rated, but he did not look comfortable doing so (high action). <br /><br />Rating unmolested on the front end is a LOT different than doing so behind horses, something he is working on in the morning for certain but nothing compensates for race day experience, dirt in his face, the general franticity of all those horses galloping around him.<br /><br />He may be a superstar but he will have to be to overcome his lack of racing experience. <br /><br />The connections know this, and truth is with so many preps it is awfully tough for a top candidate to get the correct schooling nowadays, wherever they run will be a short field.<br /><br />Pletcher could enter 8 of his barn mates in the Wood if he wanted, I guess.Figlessnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-67961211416682544702011-03-20T22:20:39.233-04:002011-03-20T22:20:39.233-04:00Figless, the Timely Writer showed Uncle Mo can rat...Figless, the Timely Writer showed Uncle Mo can rate. I'm going to wait and see what figures both horses put up in their last preps before opining about a likely Derby winner, but I'd be suprised if Uncle Mo falls victim to a speed duel. I'd be surprised if The Factor doesn't.steve in nchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04061356872686618093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-91248191839903871132011-03-20T10:01:26.800-04:002011-03-20T10:01:26.800-04:00103 Beyer for The Factor.103 Beyer for The Factor.Alan Mannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12570505944559196118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-80354066568114419702011-03-20T09:39:24.320-04:002011-03-20T09:39:24.320-04:00"Alternation was a late scratch, when he lost..."Alternation was a late scratch, when he lost his hind end in the gate and sat down. Von Hemel, who also trains the horse, said it appears Alternation just "skinned up" his left front leg. "It looks superficial at this point," said Von Hemel."<br /><br />So yes he may be in LA Derby but not by design.<br /><br />Elite Alex scratched by design and is heading to LA.<br /><br />If The Factor makes the gate in The Derby he will make Uncle Mo's life miserable.Figlessnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-57275264004383187962011-03-20T08:37:50.993-04:002011-03-20T08:37:50.993-04:00Yeah nice call. He looked very impressive too. H...Yeah nice call. He looked very impressive too. He's a smooth mover. 10 panels is much different, but this horse galloped out nicely. He was about 1/5th slower than Havre de Grace's time, a nice 4yo filly. Beyer will prolly be around 100. I see Alternation wisely ducked this spot. I wonder if we'll see him in the La Derby. My guess is yup. -jpAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-6764890166196162472011-03-20T04:55:46.020-04:002011-03-20T04:55:46.020-04:00The Factor wins by open lengths @ $4.80The Factor wins by open lengths @ $4.80DiscreetPickshttp://www.DiscreetPicks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-85612010505560864972011-03-19T14:39:16.093-04:002011-03-19T14:39:16.093-04:00Oaklawn - Race 10
#6 The Factor (2/1 ml)
Short m...Oaklawn - Race 10<br /><br />#6 The Factor (2/1 ml)<br /><br />Short morning-line here, but i think there's a pretty decent chance The Factor won't go favored in this race, as many have long been questioning his ability to stretch out, and will almost certainly be trying to beat him here. Myself, i was open to that idea, but in looking at the race on paper, i really can't get past this colt. We all know he's fast and talented, we've known that for a while, and it doesn't look to me as if he'll receive much pressure on the front end today. It should also be noted that, even though The Factor is stretching out here, the two-turn fractions he'll be setting (particularly if he is indeed alone on the lead) will be much softer than what he's accustomed to. With those factors in mind (pardon the pun), it's highly conceivable that he'll have plenty of gas left in the tank for the stretch drive. Also, be aware that Baffert had a lot of success shipping 3yo colts into Oaklawn last year, winning the Southwest with Conveyance (another speedy frontrunner, btw), and of course winning the Rebel with Lookin at Lucky.* Also, Baffert had previously indicated that he was pointing The Factor to the Sunland Park Derby, which is run over a speed-favoring surface, would undoubtedly have had a softer field, and carried a purse of $800,000. The fact he's been re-routed to the Rebel probably indicates a recent boost in Baffert's confidence level regarding The Factor's chances of stretching out successfully. Otherwise, why not stick to softer competition with a much larger purse? And lastly, don't forget The Factor was very much flattered last weekend (as was Sway Away) when Premier Pegasus destroyed the San Felipe field by open lengths. Lots to like here, and should be very playable.DiscreetPickshttp://www.DiscreetPicks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-83252225190069164082011-03-19T13:55:41.590-04:002011-03-19T13:55:41.590-04:00Anyone look at the Rebel? This is a compelling pr...Anyone look at the Rebel? This is a compelling prep race. I think the connections of Elite Alex did the right thing by defecting to the Louisiana Derby. It should suit him better. I like Alternation in this spot, though I think he's more likely to get a piece than beat all the California shippers. Maybe something like 6,9/2/all, 6,9/all/2. Probably not much money in it unless I can catch a bomb underneath. -jpAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-67136629181336309622011-03-19T02:27:13.071-04:002011-03-19T02:27:13.071-04:00Twinspires taking over Youbet has really been grea...Twinspires taking over Youbet has really been great. Having every replay for every race in one place has really been nice, and actually makes me eager to grab a form. The mobile platform makes a trip to the car wash much more enjoyable (shit, it's just great in the car). I've gotten great cash back bonuses, and they call me every couple weeks and offer me free tickets/VIP packages to all the big races (They just called today about the SA derby and I forgot to ask about the KY Derby). They seem thrilled that I'm winning, too, as long as my handle stays up. Really a nice out. <br /><br />DirtyshirtAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com