I think the track is the biggest obstacle, but Gutierrez is too smart and puts too much effort into preparing for races for that to be too hard to overcome.
Shackleford has won up to 9.5 furlongs, but I think he would have to be loose on the lead to get the distance. I think he's best suited to 7-8 furlongs, which could get him HOTY. With that being said, if I'll Have Another continues to dominate the 3-YO scene, no one is going to take HOTY away from him.
He has won at a mile and an eighth previously, but I don't think it is his best distance. He'll run well as he always does, but I think sticking to 7-8 furlongs is the best bet for him.
I do have a lot of love for Shackleford, Mary Z., but it's hard not to fall in love with him once you meet him. He is a horse that demands both your attention and your admiration. I think you make a very good point about how those of us that have never witnessed a TC are the ones clamoring for one the most. It would be almost another 10 years after Affirmed's TC before I was born, so all I have seen have been the near misses. Icy, you do not have to agree with me all the time. You are not the only one that thinks I may be reaching a bit when I say Shack could be a good mentor for IHA. It's simply my opinion. Bode will be dangerous at a mile, and IHA stands a really good chance of winning the TC, with or without spending some time with Shack.
Good point, Brian, but I think it's about more than just winning. Shack never quits, and that's one trait that all of his fans admire about him. Even when he raced at distances that probably weren't suited to him, he just kept trying. It's those qualities that Shack could share the secrets to with IHA.
No kidding AnnaK! I haven't been getting ANY of my notifications from Equibase.
Couldn't agree more! Fantastic win over a very talented field.
The Sheepshead Bay was just bizarre. I did not understand the final ruling either since Mystical Star was at such a huge disadvantage despite her "advantage." Definitely a bad call.
Stealcase will skip the Belmont and instead be pointed at the G3 Matt Winn at Churchill Downs on June 16.
Holy smokes! What a field!