Tues. Mis.

2013 Derby. Nice race in the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Saturday.  Though Plecher may occassionally surprise this blog has questioned both his performance and injury prevention methods. And so, barring some unforseen development in Plecher training, we strike the Pletcher horses And, quick survey of 2013 candidates, just as I was concluding that Baffert seems this year without serious competition, there comes Lukas in the Rebel.  What gives here?

I glanced at the PPs and decided Lukas training for both those nice horses Oxbow and Will Take Charge involved primarily 4f breezes with a nice 6f breeze thrown in.  Decided, obviously wrongly, that this was insufficient speed work over distance to beat the Baffert horses, although I did take note that WTC is by Take Charge Lady and had a flash that breeding might kick in somewhat here. WTC was bound to be a very nice horse.

And so, in the Rebel we have maybe another renaissance in Lukas training.  Blog noted in the past Lukas changes his stripes from time to time and actually starts working his horses in response to competition.  Happened with Charismatic late 1990s, though it's other than the work is injury prevention specific as Charismatic demonstrated.  U're unable imo to suddenly dramatically increase workload without ultimately injuring the horse.

Unknown of course what Lukas did with the Rebel duo, although I'd like to know the training that caused such a strong performance.

WTC in particular was interesting in slow mo powering down the stretch.  Is this what Ivers meant by stride efficiency/rounding on the bit,etc.  (Although, how does jock round on the bit with one hand on reins and whipping with other.  Further--I attempt stride efficiency/round on bit etc. every time I get on horse.  Have yet to figure it out.  That could be just my insufficient riding skills.)

At any rate, how impressive is WTC powering forward on his hind end with his head going up and forward with each stride?  This is other than the head bobber that I frequently criticize.  Has to be a very nice training job even if we fail to know what was done.  The one caution is the fairly slow times, although have to believe that is track related.  Ark. Derby and Blue Grass for these horses should be interesting.

Our training--KC weather continues to be late winter disaster. Avoid details.  My horse has some decent riderless runs of late.  #148 hock making progress, and decision almost made on getting them to race track. Detail in coming posts.