Jockey Club thoughts (or questions)

[Dana666]

I\'m doubtful Diversify will even run. He seemed way over the top to me. I\'d be surprised.

[Fairmount1]

AP,

No, the trainers are aware of the rule.  The 6 month steroid withdrawal rule was implemented before last year\'s BC.  In 2016 it was a 60 day rule.  I am curious if horses that were not racing (off since March let\'s say) can avoid the rule (or avoid the testing requirements) until they are \"back in training\" or entered in races again.    

I\'ll leave the specific Baffert Q alone for now.

Hope this helps a little bit.  I have further detailed thoughts if you want to message me directly.

[bobphilo]

For Diversity to even be able to remain vertical after setting those fractions makes him a special horse. The question is how much that took out of him. The same may be said of Mendelssohn. What also worries me is that these 2 may be headstrong need the lead types that will repeat what they did in JCKC all over again in the BC Classic and commit mutual self destruction.

[Niall]

Mendelssohn is definitely quick out of the gate and is also being hustled to boot.  He has shown though he can sit behind (just) and settle. Not sure what that deal is with that ride in the JCGC though. If he doesnt chase the race is for 2nd most likely, so he goes. I guess they were trying to win the race. Cant imagine that being the best way to leg up a horse for the next one. Maybe he was a bit short in the Dwyer and had a touch of the illness that went through the barn and is now starting to peak. 6 weeks later if he is lone speed he could be gone. Lets see what happens this weekend over in France, see if his horses run well.