Mon. Misc.

Did they know something when they used the word "Super" in Super Saver's name?

In disadvantageous conditions for big horses, Dublin and Stately Victor finished strong. Both would be tough in the Preakness, and so, fail to get waiting for the Belmont where distance would compromise them. Stately Victor--we like the horse, question the trainer, although Maker's training has been interesting.

Borel's ride: Textbook. Get's his horse in position out of the gate, has him galloping along all the way at a reasonable pace, never accelerates a hop until he hits the quarter pole, has enough horse left thus to finish, whips like crazy in the stretch knowing something will be coming, and was. Everything perfect!

Icebox and his ride: How many years has Zito ridiculously "sent" his undertrained horses off of 4f breezing? But the incompetent old dog learned a new trick and so, in 2010 we have Zito and a Mine That Bird Strategy with Icebox. Almost worked. But, was it as impressive as those final strides looked. Definitely otherwise, if you watch the race. How difficult is it for a perfectly built for the conditions horse to lope around there in 12.75s, and look like he's flying at the end against a stopped field? I'll be surprised to see this again, and, I almost used the word "amazed". But, we'll see.

Conveyance. Good lord. My Twin Spires account takes another hit. I'm trying to get in the mind of this jock pressing the horse gate to wire in these conditions. Baffert said pre-race, he'd just like to let Conveyance run, instead of trying to rate as in NM. Is there a difference between letting a horse run and urging him when he's 5 lengths ahead at the 6f on a sticky track? I'm thinking possibly Baffert is at the state of one too many highballs. Ok, I get the strategy of letting him run on a "fast" track. On this track, I might have to rethink. I am nearly convinced Conveyance was merely being used as a rabbit.

How did my "number of speed works/furlongs" thing work this year noting again I paid little attention to the Derby, and, if I had, videos were unavailable? Rankings here:

http://ratherrapid.blogspot.com/2010/04/derby-rankings.html

they finished in inverse order, by and large. Will be something to consider when blog gets to "performance". Take note that those at the front, except for the winner, were small hoofed horses built for the conditions.

As to SS what my handicapping failed to take note of was that pre-Derby and since 4/10/10 day of the Arkansas Derby, this horse probably was trained by Calvin Borel instead of Plecher. By my guess, SS likely was the only horse in the field to gallop out to 1 mile after his breezes in his two pre-derby works. And, because the last race was 4/10, Plecher had zero time for the usual Plecher post race powder puff. And, very talented animal, by the photos.