I have to agree that it was not a good 2000 Gns. It doesn't mean that there wasn't a good horse in the race but I'm fairly certain there wasn't an exceptional one. AOB had the race run exactly how he wanted it run, as far as Churchill was concerned. It's a bit worrying that all the others fell for it and didn't have a plan of their own to ensure it would be run how they wanted it to be run instead of making assumptions and not having a Plan B. I'm sure Barney Roy would have benefited from a strongly run race; after all he did have the best record on the clock going into the race. If they re-oppose at the Curragh on a similar surface I would expect BR to come off the better on a flat track. If he loses that race in a slow time then they need to change the jockey or get a pacemaker for the next time.
I agree. I also don't think Barney Roy had grown up enough in the 2 weeks since Newbury. On the day Churchill was the most complete horse and the race was run to suit him. My view is Barney Roy would have been nearer with a faster pace as you say. For a race run on pretty fast going it was a slow time. I don't know if they'll meet again, but with another month under his belt I'd support Barney to beat Churchill. I still find it surprising that Churchill is favourite for the Derby. I can't fancy Barney Roy either. My small investment (so far) has been on Rivet, but he's got to show more.
