Let's Re-Cap

[joekay]

To me, these are some of the major concerns with some of the \"big\" horses, primarily based on comments on the board from Cove, Mjell. Miff, and JB, so you guys please jump in.

1. The 2 preps that are of the most concern are the FL Derby and the Wood - because of their slow times and the big figs and jump ups by the top 2 in each race. I understand JB might reserve comment until the seminar.

2. AP - earlier comments by Cove and MJell. expressed concern that he lost weight after the Ark Derby.  Has  he got it back?  Do the works show he has got it back and is still in form?  What about the protective plate?

3. Is Materiality still high on everyone\'s list, based only on his post Fl works, gallops, and appearance?

4.CD -Cove, does his physical appearance still look not good to you?

5. Int. Star and D.M.- are you guys still high on them?  Cove are they still in your your top 4?

[miff]

Joe,

The Florida Derby was the fastest prep, slow time relates to track speed/conditions. The concern about the FL derby for Materiality and Upstart is whether that race, 5 weeks ago or not,put these two over the top. They ran extremely fast/hard in a protracted war of their own running away from the field.Does the Fla Derby battle toughen them or put them over the top.Both working well but what they have left deep stretch on Sat subject to high speculation.They face several fast horses that have gotten to the Derby without having to lay their bodies down as they both did in Fl Derby.


The Wood Day,my enigma.

Have never seen Carpe Diem not look ok,big/tough.Little wound up time to time, a little today.

AP always sleek,looks no different now to those who see him every day,arguably racetrack fastest going in, acid test.


Good Luck
Mike

[bellsbendboy]

Mike,  AP\'s work reminded me of General Assembly\'s (57 and change) a number of years ago, but AP was going very easily and with flawless action. Tough to go past in a talented group of sophomores four days out.  bbb

[SoCalMan2]

bellsbendboy Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Mike,  AP\'s work reminded me of General Assembly\'s
> (57 and change) a number of years ago, but AP was
> going very easily and with flawless action. Tough
> to go past in a talented group of sophomores four
> days out.  bbb


General Assembly brings something to my mind.  He finished second and had the unfortunate burden of being born the same year as Spectacular Bid.  Sham, Alydar, Mr. Prospector, Forego, all suffered similar fate.  What strikes me is that the horse that runs second in this year\'s race -- I am guessing would win most Derbies we have seen.  Similarly, there could be also rans in this Derby that go on to bigger and better things.  I wonder how long we will have this group around on the racetrack.  Would be pretty amazing if a good amount of the stayed healthy and danced a lot of dances.  I think General Assembly is a good example....his Travers was amazing....and if I recall correctly, not unlike Alydar, then ended up turning him back in distance to some sprints and he showed he could do it short too.

[pizzalove]

I did get a chance to see Carpe Diem twice while at Keeneland.  Now I did not see him work, just jog.  I did see him again on race day and I have to say I wasn\'t very impressed.  I think he is a good solid professional race horse who does what he is asked. I really didn\'t see him act up or anything. He reminds me of a little lesser version of Harlans Holiday.

I don\'t know what Cove said about looks but I seem to agree with him.  As far as physical specimens I would say AP, Dortmund, Materiality and Upstart completely blow him away.  Another in Pletchers barn Itsaknockout also looks better.

[Topcat]

SoCalMan2 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> bellsbendboy Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Mike,  AP\'s work reminded me of General
> Assembly\'s
> > (57 and change) a number of years ago, but AP
> was
> > going very easily and with flawless action.
> Tough
> > to go past in a talented group of sophomores
> four
> > days out.  bbb
>
>
> General Assembly brings something to my mind.  He
> finished second and had the unfortunate burden of
> being born the same year as Spectacular Bid.
> Sham, Alydar, Mr. Prospector, Forego, all suffered
> similar fate.  What strikes me is that the horse
> that runs second in this year\'s race -- I am
> guessing would win most Derbies we have seen.
> Similarly, there could be also rans in this Derby
> that go on to bigger and better things.  I wonder
> how long we will have this group around on the
> racetrack.  Would be pretty amazing if a good
> amount of the stayed healthy and danced a lot of
> dances.  I think General Assembly is a good
> example....his Travers was amazing....and if I
> recall correctly, not unlike Alydar, then ended up
> turning him back in distance to some sprints and
> he showed he could do it short too.


Stood the stress of the Jolley Finishing School and evolved into an absolute tiger.  The best ones did.