I see this race setting up with IHA having it all his own way on the lead. This young man has given IHA some rides that even the veteran riders would envy. I think he should do it but being around racing as long as I have I know the race isn't run on paper. Even if the odds don't permit a real bet I want a souvenir ticket even if it is from OTB.
I was kind of thinking maybe Shackleford watched I'll Have Another run down Bodemeister in the Preakness and thought "I'll try that." Comparing the two performances Shackleford ran a fast mile on the fastest track in the world holding off Possibly the best dirt miler of today. However IHA ran down a horse who still had a lot left in the tank in Bodemeister and towards the end of the year I believe Caleb's Posse and Shackleford will have to contend with the blazing speed of Bodemeister who even as a 3yo may be the fastest dirt miler racing now.IHA with just a decent trip will triple up, he farther he goes the stronger he seems to get. With that 3 length lead and having it all his own way on the lead what other horse running today could have run him down.Watch the Preakness again, "That was a moment sublime." I usually agree with you but not on this one, good day.
I handicapped him in the 3rd spot but this is a much improved horse from last year and some of the bias I had towards him not being a grade 1 horse hurt me or I could have easily had the super if I had bet. I just didn't think they would go anywhere near the time they did.
I think steve m has a very good point which indirectly you are addressing. A few line up same columm
AfterHours, Slew's KD where he was boxed in and made his own hole coming outof the gate is something I'll never forget. I think SS was a lot better horse than he's give credit for. One of my favorites, ty for mentioning him.
Cp has lost his last three races by what has to be possibly the smallest total combined margin ever.
John Velazquez being on Shackleford made me take a pass on the race. I never dreamed they would run that kind of time or that CP would lose but Shackleford has reached maturity and is definitly a grade 1 horse this year.JV has been in many photos of great races on so many different horses. Some I remember off hand, Uncle Mo vs Caleb's Posse, Rags to riches vs Curlin. I believe I've stated in the past I'm very superstitious(most gamblers are many just won't admit it) and I believe in Karma. Try this on for size. Union Rags will be ridden by JV in the Belmont and in my opinion is one of only a few horses with a chance to beat IHA who was sired by Flower Allery who was ridden regularly be John Velazquez.
I've had him the last three times flat and in the exotics and I intend to bet him again odds permitting. This is a very nice horse with a jockey who seems to make all the right moves. I would love to see him take the Triple Crown and I think he can.
Where's Rapid Redux when you need him to dust a wannabee
he's a cheap claimer at best, at least don't clog up the track with him.