Final Thoughts on Derby 2006

[Mahubah]

I think Sweetnorthernsaint has what it takes to win -- good blend of speed/stamina, flexible running style, and mentally very mature. Barbaro is my #2 choice with his bloodlines and similarly mature attitude -- he might be first except his gait is better suited to turf, not as efficient on dirt.

Purely sentimental choice: Keyed Entry. Realistically hasn't much chance especially with the plethora of speed in this race, but I'm a sucker for the Man o' War line. Doesn't hurt to have him in my five RTTR picks because I'm hopelessly out of it anyway.

[Pete]

Hi Mike,

Did the best I could to research.

http://claimer.blogspot.com/
Claims that Gary Stevens mentioned 'stiff' on TVG

http://leftatthegate.blogspot.com/
Has Trombetta's comments re 'stiff' and mentions the comments

If Stevens had been on his back and reported this, it would be a concern. Amoss possibly a better eye than Stevens. Interersting and thanks for mentioning it. I'm concerned that he's being bet so hard. Brother Derek's an overlay now.

Good luck,

Pete

[mikec]

Thanks for that Pete....I think I feel better ! I just saw SNS warming up on ESPN & he looked alright but geez could they have found a BIGGER exercise rider. When he gets off & the jock gets on it'll be like first pressing 200 lbs. and then pressing 50 and your arms fly up. I'm back in on SNS in my trifecta although he's getting hammered.

[FOS]

hi guys

How about...

1/ A. P. Warrior...2/ Point Determined...3/ Brother Derek...4/ Barbaro...5/ Sweetnorthernsaint

May the BEST horse win...

...and here's hoping they all get back to the barn 100% safe and sound.

Respectfully

[Pete]

Hi all,

A dominating, near perfect performance by Barbaro, Prado and Metz - Congratulations. It seems everyone had a safe home and that's wonderful.

My impression that Barbaro was not as well suited to dirt as he was to turf was the only thing wet today.

I only found out 5 minutes ago that Barbaro was foaled and raised by Bill and Sandy Sanborn and their crew (formerly of Sanborn Chase) who now manage Wimbledon Farms. They are super people and wondeful horsemen and had I known my commentary about the race wouldn't have changed but my affections would have.

Great day!

Regards,

Pete

[Barbaro06]

Barbaro's performance was stunning. I picked him to win, but alas, I, the great knucklehead, laid no bets on him. But I probably scared my neighbors because I was yelling for Barbaro to run run run. Prado did not have to use the stick on him down the stretch, he just waved it at him. On to the Preakness!! Crab cakes anyone??

[Barbaro06]

Barbaro's performance was stunning. I picked him to win, but alas, I, the great knucklehead, laid no bets on him. But I probably scared my neighbors because I was yelling for Barbaro to run run run. Prado did not have to use the stick on him down the stretch, he just waved it at him. On to the Preakness!! Crab cakes anyone??

[Easy Goer]

Is anyone putting any stock in the report that SNS has stiffness in his hind end ? Saw his gallop the other day & he did look a bit off back there. He's in all my exotics so the report bothers me.

wish I read this post this morning.

You know what else. Gary Stevens (IIRC) said on NBC this afternoon that SNS looked thinner than his last race. His co-host said "That'll bring the odds down."

On another message board (Aboutcom?) guy said that he came back from his workout early in the week with his head dropped down, workout looked good but came back tired out.

Normally I dont put stock in workouts, but when Stevens said that this afternoon I might have been able to put two and two together.

[Rushtawin]

I'm was surprised when I clicked on Barbaro's pedigree and noticed his granddam (Andover Way) is the granddam of my 3yo filly... originally I was rooting for Bluegrass Cat for being a relative to Storm Cat (also related to my filly, so I guess I'm partial since I haven't had the time to watch/analyze anything about the Derby horses this year).