Casino Drive may be out

[Ill-bred]

Casino Drive is experiencing hind end issues and may be scratched.

He didn\'t go to the track Friday morning, although at this point they say they are still running.

[mjellish]

Hes been having issues all week.  I PRAY he still runs or there is no money to be made in the Belmont.  How did you hear this?

[miff]

This was Thursday\'s report, but they can spoil overnight.He is said to move poorly in the am, even in Japan.



\"Casino Drive may not be burning up the track in his morning works, but he is looking super physically. His coat looked awesome this morning and he actually seemed to be moving a bit smoother than he did yesterday. Fitness and conditioning will not be a factor in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I). If Casino Drive wins the Belmont it will be one of the great training feats in preparing a horse for the third leg of the Triple Crown, not to mention unique.

[Ill-bred]

mjellish Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hes been having issues all week.  I PRAY he still
> runs or there is no money to be made in the
> Belmont.  How did you hear this?

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2008/June/06/casino-drive-physical-problem.aspx

[marcus]

casino drive\'s stride in the  peter pan looked unusual - similar action to lawyer ron in the ark derby - imo . the only thing i can put my finger on - and this is just my speculation , maybe their wasn\'t the kind of extension in cd\'s stride that i\'m accustomed to seeing and in the past couple weeeks i\'ve been wondering if  perhaps he\'s \" too strong \" and lacking flexibility ... ?

[Wrongly]

FYI, Dutrow made a comment to a group of media a few minutes ago about how Casino Drive was not training well and that he had gotten a call last night from someone who said that Casino Drive might scratch.  The media then flocked over to Casino Drive\'s barn for a response.  They were told that Casino Drive had stepped on a stone and had a slight bruise and that\'s why he did not go to the track today.

[pj]

Not sure if this totally applies, but having dealt with the Japanese on a business level, it\'s all about long term relationships and saving/ keeping face.
I would venture a guess, that even if CD is not 100%, they will run. They are here and they have made a commitment. They lose face if they do not run.

Just my opinion.

pat

[bobphilo]

On the other hand, they could also lose face if the horse runs poorly, or even worse, injures himself in the race. I don\'t think anyone would blame them for not running a hurting horse. I agree that it is their philosophy to look to the long-term picture, including the long-term value of the horse, and might not want to take on BB until they are at their best. They have the patience to wait for Breeder\'s Cup if it was to their horse\'s advantage.

Then again, this is also pure speculation and you make some valid points too. I think the main issue will be, is the horse fit to run - if not, I think they will wait.

in any case, if he scratches, this will be a terrible loss to the race, both in betting terms and general interest. BB is a freak and CD may also be a freak and is the only horse with a legitimate chance of beating BB, unless he regresses even more.

Bob

[miff]

With this known, CD will be closely scrutinized by the track vet tomorrow am.If he\'s off, they\'ll vet scratch him regardless of what the connections want to do.

Mike

[pj]

Bob,

  Very valid turnaround of my \"culture logic\" for CD not running.

  All I will say is, at this point the connections are committed. It will be very tough for them to pull back, because of their culture.

  Regards,

    pat

[sekrah]

Disagree completely..  From what I\'ve seen from Japanese trainers, they ALWAYS put the horse first, especially this one.

I\'ve seen nothing in their \"culture\" that says what you\'re saying.  Maybe you\'re thinking of the Chicoms.

[fkach]

>They were told that Casino Drive had stepped on a stone and had a slight bruise and that\'s why he did not go to the track today.<

I heard he stepped on a stone trying to avoid a safety pin.

We\'ve been hearing rumors all week that he didn\'t look so great. I don\'t know about this stone story. ;-)