7/23-24 (SAR): CCA Oaks (G1); Caress

[10 pnt move up]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

That's how you beat a blinkers-less Abel Tasman maybe.

Regardless, Elate does not have that sort of speed. In fact, she herself was run off her feet in a minor stakes at Tampa by Tapa Tapa Tapa.

I'm not convinced Abel Tasman was without some sort of "hidden" excuse in the Santa Anita Oaks. There was a barn switch and an equipment change afterwards. If she had a race or two under her belt prior to the Santa Ysabel, it would not be far-fetched to say she would have run down Unique Bella. She zeroed in on her at the 1/8 pole but ran like a classic short horse the rest of the way.

The SA Oaks doesn't fit with her other races.

as usual you were right, Abel Tasman is just a tricky horse...she can move whenever she wants.

That was interesting ride for sure, seemed like he wanted to make sure he was near the lead but to move like that in th middle, and still hold on is usually the sign of a pretty dang good horses.

Salty had a huge trip, but think she is the lesser talented between these two.

[cakes44]

Mike Smith did everything in his power to get Elate a Grade 1, but it still wasn't enough.

[RHT2004]

Originally Posted by cakes44

Mike Smith did everything in his power to get Elate a Grade 1, but it still wasn't enough.

That's what you take away from that? Good luck moving forward bud.

[10 pnt move up]

Abel Tasman is a very tricky horse to ride...she is so big and Mike has said that when she gets going she is rolling

that being said the 2 ran a tremendous race.

[cakes44]

Originally Posted by RHT2004

That's what you take away from that? Good luck moving forward bud.

That middle-move was completely unnecessary and should have lost him the race.

[10 pnt move up]

Originally Posted by cakes44

That middle-move was completely unnecessary and should have lost him the race.

going to be an interesting alabama with unchained melody

despite the trip for the 7 I am just wondering if she doesnt fit a bit better around 7f to a 1mile.

[RHT2004]

Originally Posted by 10 pnt move up

going to be an interesting alabama with unchained melody

despite the trip for the 7 I am just wondering if she doesnt fit a bit better around 7f to a 1mile.

Shes a trap IMO.

[RHT2004]

Originally Posted by cakes44

That middle-move was completely unnecessary and should have lost him the race.

Thats fair. But i think Elate improved today. Taking a non biased view who should love the 10f of the Alabama? Feels like Elate to me.

[cakes44]

Originally Posted by RHT2004

Thats fair. But i think Elate improved today. Taking a non biased view who should love the 10f of the Alabama? Feels like Elate to me.

No doubt Elate improved. She ran big.

[10 pnt move up]

Originally Posted by cakes44

No doubt Elate improved. She ran big.

I guess, I feel like she had the dream trip while the 2 and 7 did not. If she is like 3/1 the Alabama could be a big underlay.

Wonder if Baffert thinks about skipping the Alabama...running in it actually only hurts the horses chances at winning the division. Right now she has a 1/16 of a pole lead.

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by cakes44

That middle-move was completely unnecessary and should have lost him the race.

It's amazing that a horse racing observer could look at that ride and criticize it. Absolutely amazing.

[cakes44]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

It's amazing that a horse racing observer could look at that ride and criticize it. Absolutely amazing.

Hey, I'm always willing to listen and maybe learn something. But do you think Baffert is happy with the ride if his horse loses by a head?

[10 pnt move up]

Originally Posted by cakes44

Hey, I'm always willing to listen and maybe learn something. But do you think Baffert is happy with the ride if his horse loses by a head?

Not sure. If we play it out though say he sits back and makes a 4-5 move on the turn, the pace would have been slower for sure.

Now Elate on the good rail like is on a slower pace and gets the first run and has the lead, now the horse is tasked with passing her with that setup.

We will never know how it plays out. I know the effort though was much better than a head win.

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by cakes44

Hey, I'm always willing to listen and maybe learn something. But do you think Baffert is happy with the ride if his horse loses by a head?

Yes. His chief competition on paper was eliminated at the break, so he was aggressive into a soft middle split with the best horse. Would you have preferred he dragged Abel Tasman out of the race irrespective of the break/pace and potentially gotten boxed in as the field compressed and Salty went around him nearing the stretch? I see enough of those rides daily in New York to know they almost never work out. And that's not even getting to the race-riding he did in the final furlong, which was just enough to win but not enough to get DQ'ed. To me, Smith's move seems aberrant because there is so little aggressive riding here, when it actually was smart and something to be emulated. Same thing with Bravo's ride on Muqtaser on opening day. It should be a no-brainer to take control when they're going :52 to the half, but so few riders have the balls to do that, which made it look like a Hall of Fame ride in comparison.