Rail Trip Going To Dutrow

[zinn21]

See link:

Mace Siegel claims a need to know if RT can handle dirt. Also claims RT should have won GC by 6 lengths..

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/ ... utrow-barn

[UmmYeah]

I'd be more inclined to blame the jockey than the trainer for the GC loss, but whatever. It's their horse...

[zinn21]

RT is the Siegel's horse but can't help but feel bad for Ron Ellis. He was only 8 for 12 with three seconds and a third. Getting him on dirt is a good idea.

In all honesty I don't think RT can handle a bunch of Grade I horses going a mile and a quarter @ a track like Churchill. Look at the contenders right now for the Classic. I don't think he can beat half of them

It will be interesting where he shows up for his next start. If it's Saratoga he will get a stiff test.

I have a gut feeling this horse will take to the grass and based on what I have seen from him he might be perfectly suited for the BC Turf Mile..

[bdw0617]

the grass lol? i'd be shocked. that is a dirt pedigree if i ever saw one.

he's real good and has underachieved. 1 grade 1 in 3 years for a horse of this cllibur is unaccecptable.

[zinn21]

I would be equally shocked if he can handle Grade I horses @ a mile and a quarter BC Classic. Regarding Rail Trip's "dirt pedigree"; I think making broad based predictions on horse's surface aptitude based primarily on pedigree is, at minimum, an inexact science. There are far too many exceptions to the rule.. I just think they should examine his ability on the turf as an option. I will go on record and say this horse will not be able to beat real good horses @ a mile and an eighth or above. I think this horse's ideal distance is a mile or a mile and a sixteenth. He is a semi high headed runner who strides like a grass horse, thus the notion to try him on the turf.

Regarding your "underachieved" comment; he has only underachieved if you feel he is a far better horse than 8 for 12 with 2 seconds in Grade I's, and that IMHO is a hard argument to defend.