I don't think there's anything wrong with Ellis.
My surprise is with the betting public. How you could bet a horse who was in his current form to even money is unbelievable.
Reputation has to run out sooner than later, and he obviously didn't become the horse that many had hoped. He's a gelding, so if they get him figured out, nothing wrong with him resuming his career, albeit at a much lower level than they're running him now.

He's never been the sharpest tool in the shed.

Declan's Moon was gliding along while up near a very hot pace in the SA stake two starts back--he had Cheroot, who's a pretty useful Cal bred, seemingly put away. Declan's Moon (like all the other speed in that race) collapsed badly late. The race was won by horses closing from last and 2nd to last--who were pace aided.

Now---anyone who really understands horse racing---and has watched DM's last few races--they know that this horse only seems to want to run for about five or six fulongs max.

Coming off such a hot-paced route race---a trainer only has two viable options...if his horse is really healthy. They are A.) cut the horse back in distance to a sprint of six furlongs or less. OR, B.) give the healthy horse some time off...and hope something good comes of it.

Instead---the wizard puts blinkers on the horse (something that tends to sharpen speed--and doesn't help a horse finish any) and instead of cutting him back to a sprint distance--he keeps him going two-turns.

Now---what Ellis did is pretty damn crazy and totally goes against logic.

I will admit--once in a blue-moon you will see a trainer do something like this, that looks really crazy--and it will work out. However, the overwhelming majority of times, when trainers do something that seems that dumb, such results will occur.

Good analysis. As a matter of fact, there are some nice 5 1/2f claiming races at Laurel that DM can gut it out against the likes of Shake You Down.

We should find out what is wrong with the horse in the next few days. They shipped him to a good clinic in Northern California and they are going to do a full battery of tests. They're going to monitor his heart and everything and figure out what the problem is.

I still can't believe some of the stuff you guys are saying about Ellis. The guy has won at a 25% clip over the last two years. You have to be a really good trainer to win at that kind of clip.

I dont know this horses lifetime earnings. But i bet hes emassed more vet and clinic bills the last 2 years. Knowing most clinics, they will come up with some off the wall diagnosis and give the owners some hope of recovery. Im sure glad i'm not involved with that horse. It must be so frustratimg watching him train sound and aggressive in the am and show nothing in the afternoon.
I too agree with Rupert that you really can't criticize Ellis so harshly. We in the business have been around numerous horses that will actually make us look and feel like idiots at times..Hope they can figure out something. Im sure theyve lost sleep over this one...

there may not be anything physically wrong. horse got injured--he might not ever come back the same. it happens. he might not be willing to extend himself anymore.

i have to agree with you,not knowing the horses history & only going on the run in utube he looked like he didnt want to let down, he did hang in & recieve a knock just before he was meant to let down & might even be one of those weak hearted buggers that just give up if there is any trouble. I wouldnt put him as a bleeder as usually they go backwards like a shot cannon once the pressure goes on.