Does ground lost=perfect trip

[Flighted Iron]

I\'ve heard 2 references made regarding CQ\'s trip in the LD as perfect.
Yes,he never lost momentum,but no particular area of the track was considered
the best part.Imo,a perfect trip is no ground loss with no momentum loss.As this
was not the case(4 wide in 2nd turn)how can this be a perfect trip?

 Bottom line:CQ at 2 was with the best and beat most of the best.He\'s thrown down 1 of the fastest #\'s this year(if not the fastest)and he\'s matured.He\'s had
5 solid,consistent works with no indication other than he\'s sharp and ready to
roll.Aside from the Risen Star stakes(stopped cold and no chance)CQ has always
fired when asked.He\'s an honest horse with a truckload of talent and with a decent trip he\'ll shut em down saturday.

[richiebee]

Flighted:

      Here we are discussing visual impressions of a race, which can be quite
subjective, not an objective exercise like arguing whether Beyers, \"Extras\",
Rags or TGs are more effective.

      My opinion is that if a horse is floated wide outside of horses running
inside of him on the turn, or if a horse is bearing out the turn based on oxygen
debt or physical infirmity,it should be taken note of. In the former case, it
may be said that it works in the horse\'s favor in his next race if he manages a
cleaner trip; in the latter case, it is almost a warning sign to be considered
in handicapping the horse\'s next race.

      My view of the La. Derby was that CQ was INTENTIONALLY taken wide by
Johnny V. in order to avoid any traffic (could you blame him after the Risen
Star?).He was able to do this because he was sitting on the best horse in the
race. Further research (and more than I am willing to undertake at this time)
might disclose that the portion of the track off the rail was favorable on that particular day.

     Brings up another handicapping dilemma discussed on this board and
elsewhere. Ground loss is generally a \"bad\" thing, but what about when the best
part of the surface is off the rail? How many times have you heard a jockey
after being asked the question: \"Why was your mount racing
off the rail?\", many times the jockey\'s answer is \"Because that\'s where the
horse wanted to be.\"?

      Ironically, if JV had sat the rail and tried to save ground, his La Derby
TG number might not have been as impressive and your opinion of him might
not be as strong.

      Its all good though, Flighted. You will be getting a very bettable price
on a colt from a leading jockey/trainer combo ( each of whom will win multiple
Derbys when all is said and done).The colt has run well at CD. His running style
might be poor- post immune. He\'s been working well in company with the TAPazon
Rags to Riches. My feeling is that potential traffic problems are a much bigger
threat to his success than the 8 week rest