Did I see a really thoughtful TGJB post involving Pletcher potentially finishing last only to see it deleted minutes later after I did a little research?
Anyway, a few thoughts on Pletcher for those of you that are Always Dreaming about this year\'s Derby.........
Pletcher\'s Derby horses that have hit the board:
2000, 3rd: Impeachment, 19th (last) at the half, approx 22 lengths behind, 6.20-1 (4 horse a Entry)
2001, 2nd: Invisible Ink, 9th at the half, approx 11 lengths behind, 55.00-1
2006, 2nd: Bluegrass Cat, 5th at the half, 5 1/2 lengths behind, 30.00-1
2008, 1st: Super Saver, 6th at the half, 8+ lengths behind, 8.00-1
2013, 3rd: Revolutionary, 18th at the half, 20 lengths behind, 6.40-1
2014, 3rd: Danza, 9th at the half, 5 1/4 lengths behind, 8.70-1.
NOTE: 2000, 4th: More Than Ready, 3rd at the half 2 lengths behind, 11.30-1
Pletcher\'s 6 Derby horses that have finished last and one noteable second to last:
2000: Grame Hall, 4th at the half 2+ lengths behind, 46.30-1
2001: Wild Horses, 6th at the half 3+ lengths behind, 58.50-1
2004: Pollard\'s Vision, 3rd at the half 2 1/2 lengths behind, 24.00-1
** PV was last of those that finished. Quinton\'s Gold Rush DNF
2005: Bandini, 2nd to last actually, 7th at the half 6 lengths behind, 6.80-1. Bandini actually did not finish last but was 12 lengths clear of last. How does the board feel about this particular horse again??
2006: Keyed Entry, 1st at the half by 2, 28.80-1
2007: Cowtown Cat, 2nd at the half 1 length behind, 19.80-1
2008: Monba, 11th at the half approx. 8 lengths behind, 31.60-1
Pletcher has been really solid avoiding last lately. And if you guys want a Pletcher horse that will be very close to the pace in the Derby and likely 2nd choice at worst, bless you!! I\'m happy to have you in the pools.
Of his 45 horses in the Derby, 32 of them have finished 9th or worse (71%).
Last bit of info on Pletcher for this year and giving the devil his due, TAP has started 12 horses that have been single digit odds (Trippi and Impeachment were 6-1 as part of a 4 horse entry).
12-1-0-3.
That looks far better than his overall
45-1-2-3.
For the record, I\'m against Always Dreaming this year in the win position and will not use him there on any tickets.