[hoovesupsideyourhead]

Originally Posted by bellsbendboy

Under a masterful ride by Garrett Gomez the Winstar homebred Colonel John got his nose down on the line to win the 140th Travers in a frantic finish.

Breaking from the two hole Colonel John hopped at the break but Gomez deftly squeezed the son of Tiznow slightly and decent position was acquired going into the first turn. As usual, the "colonel" never turned a hair as he crept closer going into the far turn between horses and behind solid splits. Without warning, Da Tara started to stop quickly with CJ right on his heels but again Gomez adroitly swung out for room losing momentum but keeping valuable track position. Four crosses and two big right handed sticks later the Colonel appeared home, but no; as here comes Robby on Mambo in Seattle and suddenly the wire looked a long way off. Literally Gomez, who is the best finisher since Pincay, in an instant, puts the stick in his left hand and tattoos twice before another series of crosses and pulls slightly with his right rein "showing" CJ the danger. Both colts hit the line and most of the 40,000 in attendance, everyone watching on Tv and even Robby thought "mambo" got there. But no! For the second consecutive year team Farish had been denied by the slimmest of margins and two wonderful training jobs by Neil and a pair of skillful rides by Robby did not get the trophy.

Dalakhani: The Swaps is run with allowance conditions and the Colonel had to carry 122 while the razor sharp (then) Tres Barrachos got in with only 112 although Tyler was one pound over. Sophomores are extremely sensitive to weight and while the Colonel was a bit short very few three year olds ever can give nine pounds over nine furlongs. Oddly, DRF publisher Steve Crist blogged that the Colonel had " a no excuse third" that day. While we maintain great respect for Mr. Crist's handicapping acumen we find "figure makers" and odd lot indeed.

Coach: This was a strong case for correctly reading the paper and yet we were lucky to win the photo. Not only did we jeopardize a solid double using Visionaire but we put a sizeable win wager in peril. Sometimes cappers talk themselves into a horse and lose their objectivity and we were sitting on this horse, in this spot, since early June. If Mambo wins we get nothing and he was clearly the danger. Competent capping seldom overcomes poor betting and this was one of those occasions. Jibba jabba runs Fridays after happy hour.

Doc: Thanx. Next case; beating Big Brown September 13 if he shows, which is plenty doubtful. BBB

who is 'we'?