Couldn\'t help but notice the sharp 1/2 mile work of Jackson Bend. Really fast early fractions (11 and piece for first 1/8) is an interesting way to build stamina. Or, just perhaps, Nick Zito will use Jackson Bend to ensure a red hot pace to set up Ice Box. Anybody for a little rabbit stew?
Albany
this is beyond a conspiracy theory.. its redonkulous!
NYC
Guess your right, it\'s never been done before in racing.
Alternative reply: It\'s great to know a lot about numbers and patterns, but it is sometimes helpful to know something about racing history and human nature. That being said, it should be made clear that I\'m not predicting that Jackson Bend will serve as a rabbit for his stablemate. However, I would not at all be surprised if it happens and there is a sub-46 half in the Derby!
Albany
Agree with the rabbit scenario here.. Ice Box is in my final 9 of who I think can win this race.
This derby needs a rabbit?
Plenty of speed already. What if Eightyfiveinafifty gets in?
He\'ll be doing nintyfiveinaquarter
There does seem to be more than enough speed to ensure an honest pace. If you have a legitimate deep closer, however, are you satisfied with an honest pace when you can ensure a suicidal pace?
I guess it depends on your assessment of Jackson Bend. If you think he has a shot, then you have two bullets. If you don\'t, Jackson Bend could really help Ice Box by compromising any horse who likes the lead or has a close-up stalking style (and there are a lot of these types in this years Derby).
Albany
Must have missed something with Jackson Bend who has not shown enough early gas to be in the same area code with a few in there.
I\'m sure JB is in there to win.
Looks like they may be trying to get JB to rate. There is a TON of speed this year and a horse like LAL will have a nice trip cause he will be closing... his style reminds me of Monarchos. Others like Super Saver, Eske, and Odysseus should benefit. Too bad Blind Luck isnt in the derby this year! she would run great against the boys. Something happened there with nobles promise last out and if hes entered i think he will have plenty of rest from that top effort to come back to a top effort. Its amazing how he and LAL get the \"unlucky\" trip last out when they are the faster ones in this crop.. just coincidence? who knows.. 2 weeks away!
NYC
Let\'s pay attention to Jackson Bend\'s works. If he continues to go out fast and come back slow, the idea of rating will not be in play.
Albany
workouts mean nothing to me.. some will go fast and some will go slow. i was specifically talking about tactics last out.. which didnt matter as the horse was still best of the rest in its respective field compared to its prior effort before that.
Nyc:
While workouts may mean nothing to you, I am reluctant to turn a blind eye to any piece of the puzzle. This reluctance is founded upon decades of experience as both a public handicapper and serious player. My handicapping approach is inclusive and I do not cast aside any variable that is deserving of consideration.
Albany