Eddington/Bailey

[MaTH716]

I'm guessing that might have been discussed at some point around here, but what the hell, I'll throw it out there.

With the talk of race riding going on for the upcoming Belmont, I went back and watched a replay of 2004. I remember all the talk and outrage regarding Bailey on Eddington, but was he really that big a culprit that day? I think Solis on Rock Hard Ten really hurt Smarty more by being near the lead (not figuring & keeping Smarty wide) and then making a very premature move with 6 furlongs to go, pressing Smarty and keeping him off the rail (which might have been a good thing, I'm sure Andy could probably remember if the rail was good or bad that day).

Eddington looked like he was taken back right after the start and then started to move up after Smarty did clear. But Eddington really never got within a head of Smarty. Elliot looked like he was already intent on getting to the front after being 3 wide for a .48.3 half when Bailey made his so called push. I don't know why Elliott decided to go there, but I really don't think Eddington had much to do with it. Also, Eddington began to toil very soon after Bailey's push. Bailey obviously didn't do any favors for his own mount, but how much did he really hurt Smarty?

I knew Elliott was probably the biggest factor why Smarty didn't win and he has been taken to task for it. But after watching the race again, I certainly think that Solis and Rock Hard Ten definitely did more to hurt Smarty than Bailey on Eddington did.

Any thoughts?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuLGsOjnGmo