After watching the workouts and gallops the last three days at Churchill Downs, two horses in particular have impressed me.
Friesan Fire’s five furlongs in :57.80 on Monday was not only the fastest of 49 works at the distance but seven lengths faster than the next closest time (which was turned in by Northern California-based closer Chocolate Candy, interestingly).
Back at the barn, Friesan Fire was the picture of a thriving horse. I envision him using his speed to gain good position from post position six and taking the lead turning for home. Trainer Larry Jones is very confident in the A.P. Indy colt’s chances.
The other horse that has impressed me is I Want Revenge. The way he settles into that long rhythmic stride tells me he will have no problem with 1 ¼ miles.
His incredible, troubled win in the Wood Memorial Stakes (G1) already proved he can handle traffic and adversity like a professional racehorse. After waiting patiently by the gap Tuesday morning with the Twin Spires in the distance, I Want Revenge looked like he was merely galloping in his bullet four-furlong work in :47.20.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
Did you think Chocolate candy's first terrible trip over the track isn't something to worry about?
also did you see musket man. he is so under the radar for winning 5-6, any insight appreciated.
Great to hear that Friesan Fire is looking good. I think his natural speed will help him to get good position, and give him a big shot when they turn for home.
Much was made of Friesan Fire's love for the slop after he ran a career-best Beyer in the Louisiana Derby. There's a lot of rain in the Louisville weekend forecast, which should help his chances.
Are there any other horses in the Derby field that you'd expect to "move forward" if the track were to come up sloppy? I see some A.P. Indy in I Want Revenge's bloodlines, so I assume he will take to it OK... but are his sub-par races on the California synthetic surface an indication that he won't like running in the mud?
Handride-
I did not like Chocolate Candy's first workout, nor was I in love with his action in the second work, but the time was very good. FWIW, when I spoke with Mike Smith yesterday on the backstretch, he seemed very confident. He said Chocolate Candy is a bit of a downhill runner and Smith liked how he was moving on the dirt.
Musket Man is an impressive horse in the flesh. You almost have to ignore his pedigree, which is lacking for the Derby. He's been very consistent this year and I give him an outside shot to hit the board.
Mean Joe-
Friesan Fire should get a ground-saving trip, while up close. He projects to get one of the best trips in the race.
As for slop breeding, Mr. Hot Stuff is by Tiznow, and I believe that sire is pretty good on an off track. I also like Hold Me Back (by Giant's Causeway, out of an Unbridled's Song mare).
Desert Party won the Sanford at Saratoga last year in the mud with a nice rail move.
Well, Friesan Fire had a disastrous Derby. Obviously you would have liked to see more from him regardless of bad trip, but it looked like Saez wrapped up on him. He still came out of it pretty beat up.
Musket Man ran a nice race, as did all the 2-4 finishers.
They didn't finish particularly fast, but they were competing, and they were clear of the rest.
I'd like to hear what Gomez thinks about how Pioneerof the Nile handled the dirt/slop.
Post a Comment