Wow....great race. Commentator defeated a talented field including Saint Liam, Sir Shackleton, Limehouse, Pollard's Vision, Swingforthefences and Eurosilver (believe it was a wire-to-wire win). Saint Liam made a great run at Commentator in the stretch, but couldn't catch him at the wire.
The TVG reporters called it a "breakthrough" performance. I'd have to agree, even with the lighter weight Commentator was carrying. I think Commentator's times were 46 2/5 seconds for the half mile, 1:09 3/5 for three-quarters.
Laurie
It's Commentator in the Whitney Handicap
Moderators: Roguelet, hpkingjr, WaveMaster
It's Commentator in the Whitney Handicap
So many pedigrees...so little time. (C)
zito's life seems to epitomize the essence of racing more than anyone i can think. From the lowest of lows like the derby disaster to one miserable experience after another since may
even today noble causeway was eased in his race and ran last one week after bailey refused to go to the starting gate with him and was scratched to the vocal displeasure of the crowd.
even when he won with birdstone people were throwing beer cans at him.
and then today he wins this race and gets handed a trophy by whitney of all people. his life is a real enigma
not a bad way to get off the snide. definitely not a bad way to go into the hall of fame on Monday either.
even today noble causeway was eased in his race and ran last one week after bailey refused to go to the starting gate with him and was scratched to the vocal displeasure of the crowd.
even when he won with birdstone people were throwing beer cans at him.
and then today he wins this race and gets handed a trophy by whitney of all people. his life is a real enigma
not a bad way to get off the snide. definitely not a bad way to go into the hall of fame on Monday either.
Hi Jim and Laurie,
Good analogy of racing Jim, the highs and the lows. Didn't Zito say that this was his most important win? (I heard that in passing and may have gotten it wrong).
Laurie, I couldn't be happier with Commentator's win since I've got a Distorted Humor gelding that's being offered in a partnership. There shouldn't have been any question about Commentator's ability but I now question his ability to win past 9f. The 6lbs that St. Liam gave were probably the difference in the race and the last furlong was run in a snail like :13.52. His second quarter fraction of :22.85 is outstanding (going 9f).
Commentator's connections have indicated that they'd like to shoot for the BC Classic and that, to me, is a bridge too far. I don't see the reasoning in pressing any horse to run where their abilities are compromised, let alone a gelding who might become a real force in the future. Zito and Farmer are treating him like he's Ghostzapper and he's not of that quality yet.
If he were mine, (and last time I looked I didn't have his foal papers), I'd either point him towards the BC Sprint using the Forego and Vosburg as possible preps, or try him on the grass (and his pedigree suggests he might like the surface) possibly in the Atto Mile and Kelso before the BC Turf Mile.
Commentator's showing real brilliance and the potential to be a special horse, I hope he's not compromised by his connections ambition.
Regards,
Pete
Good analogy of racing Jim, the highs and the lows. Didn't Zito say that this was his most important win? (I heard that in passing and may have gotten it wrong).
Laurie, I couldn't be happier with Commentator's win since I've got a Distorted Humor gelding that's being offered in a partnership. There shouldn't have been any question about Commentator's ability but I now question his ability to win past 9f. The 6lbs that St. Liam gave were probably the difference in the race and the last furlong was run in a snail like :13.52. His second quarter fraction of :22.85 is outstanding (going 9f).
Commentator's connections have indicated that they'd like to shoot for the BC Classic and that, to me, is a bridge too far. I don't see the reasoning in pressing any horse to run where their abilities are compromised, let alone a gelding who might become a real force in the future. Zito and Farmer are treating him like he's Ghostzapper and he's not of that quality yet.
If he were mine, (and last time I looked I didn't have his foal papers), I'd either point him towards the BC Sprint using the Forego and Vosburg as possible preps, or try him on the grass (and his pedigree suggests he might like the surface) possibly in the Atto Mile and Kelso before the BC Turf Mile.
Commentator's showing real brilliance and the potential to be a special horse, I hope he's not compromised by his connections ambition.
Regards,
Pete
Has a palomino jean that pop up some.
This stallion is DNA ... all foal can be MBNA inrolled.
Horses like their credit cards. - Four Forty Farms
This stallion is DNA ... all foal can be MBNA inrolled.
Horses like their credit cards. - Four Forty Farms