Can understand the concern Quele, but O'Brien seems absolutely opposed to this horse running on any soft ground. They said they would pull him out of the Dante if it came up testing, and his Group 1 Nassau stakes runner up-dam (Cassydora) was an AW winner, so it might have made sense at the time for them to send the horse onto the better surface than run a soft ground maiden. I place a lot of emphasis on the Dam when I look at Derby horses and really liked this pedigree, and looked a fantastic mover, stretching clear and could have won by 20. Was a weak race, with horses winning at marks around 75, but a superb pedigree, a superb mover, and kept for the better ground, I would like the price if I were betting tomorrow. My rules are to stick to my plan and therefore I will only back him on the day for The Derby, if he does indeed go there.
You make a good point TC and I agree with the backing him for the Derby (if he goes and all that). It's actually something i'm planning on doing - that is back all the O'Brien outsiders in the place market on Derby Day.
Dex, my steamer was cruising turning for home but out of camera shot I think he has clipped the heels of the Nicholls horse. It was most certainly going to be involved in the shake up. Bloody amateur. Phelan will be fuming as the cat is out of the bag now!
Yeah got that info stick...staggered they put up such a pilot who was only having his fifth ride in public in a race that was open to pro's..I suppose that was all part of the plan of course..unlucky you guys who were on.
That was very impressive..he travelled so strongly,quickened and stayed on nicely...Coventry Stakes next maybe.
