Quote:
Originally Posted by ateamstupid
The level of competition is meaningless. Shipping him across the world to run on a surface he most likely can't handle is asinine, especially with the opportunity to add a race as prestigious as the Big Cap to his resume staring them in the face.
His connections deserve credit win or lose for keeping him home.
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He's won the biggest race in North America over that surface already. What would it matter if he wins the Big Cap against 2 horses he's already beat? I hope he gets a chance to do it again in November, but to me him running in the Big Cap is the equivalent of Wise Dan running in another G2 mile race on the turf.
How the heck do you know if he'll handle the Meydan synth surface or not unless he tries? He'd be running against a bunch of turf horses probably trying the surface for the first time, and a few that have done well at Meydan, but against questionable competition.
4th place in the Dubai World Cup pays more than 1st place in the Big Cap. And the prestige that a Group 1 placing on synthetic would add to his stud value goes wayyy further than another win over the Santa Anita Dirt (unless that next win is in November).
I totally get that he probably wouldn't run again until July or August, but that's plenty of time to get fit for the Breeders Cup. I'm also one that seriously won't rip MMM or his connections if they were to branch out and they failed. Because they at least would've took the risk to take on the best in the world. Same for Wise Dan if he were to try going to Dubai for a mile turf race and he failed. Because they would've tried.
It's really cool that we get to see these 3 run in the Big Cap (and I'm excited to watch the race), but I still think Dubai is the better move.