WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF THE BELMONT FIELD

[rezlegal]

I seek to take nothing away from Justify and his triple crown. But isn’t it possible to consider he did not beat much? . The time of the race was pedestrian and was over after 50 yards. With the exception of Gronkowski and what passed for a close, nobody ran a lick. A simple reading of the chart supports this assertion,i.e, Gronkowski “lumbered his way out of the starting gate”, Hofburg “rallied well enough to secure the show “,:Vino Rossi “ inched his way into the two path by end of backstretch”.I could continue but the preceding quotes are a fair representation of the race. Patterns and numbers meant nothing and I would be surprised if every single horse in the race except Gronkowski did not back up substantially. The egg cream bet I am prepared to make is that not a single horse in the race other than Justify and maybe Hofburg, ever runs to their previous top or wins a Grade One.

[jbelfior]

I would not bet against Tenfold ever winning a grade 1.

Good Luck,
Joe B

[TGJB]

Belmont went faster than the Brooklyn, and carrying more weight, though there was some track work in between.

Given how slow they had the TC horses going in it will be interesting to see how Jake handles those 2 races. This time he can\'t give Justify another 7.

[Tavasco]

Gronk apparently headed to the Travers? Of course, there will be a contingent who\'ll insist a bounce is certain. Parlay possibilities Ha.

Yet I do agree with you most will not even be remembered. But what races are you comparing when you claim it was pedestrian. Raw times pretty much the same as usual?

[Tavasco]

Very true and also no reason to give up on law & order.

[atakante]

Talking about Gronk, what % of his Placing would you attribute to Chad Brown?  

I believe he got hold of him a mere couple weeks back, which leads me to think he couldn\'t have done wonders unless the horse was already in good form (though it was not apparent according to his sheet).  

Granted, the Jose Ortiz ride seems to have shaved serious lengths to put him ahead of Hofburg and Vino Rosso. Still, counting out the scenario where all other horses including Justify regressed badly Gronk made one hell of a close, reminding me of Keen Ice\'s Travers.  Was this genuinely some 7 point top powered by his natural filling out as a mid-year 3yo...he looked comparable to Justify in size and stature with powerful hindquarters?

Maybe Aiden O\'Brein should have given Mendelssohn to Chad Brown a couple days before the Derby and watch his colt steal away the blanket of roses while sipping his Veuve Clicquot...could have saved him some serious heartburn!  Are we looking at a new trick for the Euro invaders that can help them turn the tables or a just sub-par crop despite what\'s been promoted so far?

[johnnym]

Just 5 weeks ago it was touted as the deepest field in years now you say they suck?..
Dazed and Confused

JB I don’t care about the other guys number I do not use his service.
I do care about your number care to share?
I say -0.2

[TGJB]

When we have the two days done we will post them.