From a Beyer standpoint,RTF ran the highest figure of any derby starter as a 2 year old in the Remsen. He also ran the highest beyer of any 3 year old in the FOY. IMO the FOY was the best derby prep of them all.
When Monarcos made that move aound the far turn in the FD, it was special. I was at Churchill when Arazi blasted off in the BC, that was special. I thought RTF in the FOY was special.
Was there any doubt RTF would bounce in the FD? NO.Did he need the 6 weeks rest after the FD? Yes.
The million dollar question is how will he run with the bounce and extra rest? Are there any historical comparisons that we can compare RTF to or is this a truly unique set of circumstances? Any info appreciated. Thanks.
He\'ll probably run the same kind of race that BET TWICE ran in \'87. Croll ran him in the FOY, the FLA. Derby, then trained him up to the KY Derby where the layoff took its toll inside the 1/16 th pole.
Good Luck,
Joe B
Just a note- according to a recent book on the breeders cup races, \"Thoroughbred Racing\'s Greatest Day\", Arazi was on a bolt around the far turn. Quote trainer Ian Jory: \"It looked to me like it was in a blind panic, the horse just bolted. I didn\'t think he was going to make the turn. If you look at it, he went wide wide around the turn anyway. It looked to me like Patrick was just trying to steer him around the turn rather than anything else.\" For what it\'s worth.
Post Edited (04-30-04 00:25)