Is there a way to tell

Betsy · #1 10-09-2008, 06:42 PM

If a horse that obviously likes synthetics will take to the dirt? Perhaps stride makes a difference? I'm thinking in particular of Stardom Bound, who I hope can transfer her brilliant form to the dirt; it would be a shame if she could not. What makes me think she can do it is that her trainer, Chris Paasch, was very high on her at the Ocala sale in March and that's a dirt track. Also, Paasch thought she was his best two year old before she even debuted; if she worked at all at HP, then based on his comments, SB should handle the dirt.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

King Glorious · #2 10-09-2008, 06:45 PM

Yes there is a way. Have them run on it.

Betsy · #3 10-09-2008, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Glorious

Yes there is a way. Have them run on it.

well, I think that's pretty obvious. However, SB won't be running on it for quite awhile. I guess I should just enjoy her now, but I just hope she's not a poly specialist.

King Glorious · #4 10-09-2008, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Betsy

well, I think that's pretty obvious. However, SB won't be running on it for quite awhile. I guess I should just enjoy her now, but I just hope she's not a poly specialist.

That's pretty much all you can do at this point. I think that it works pretty good in reverse though. If you have a horse that has shown decent turf form, you can assume there is a better than average chance they'll take to the stuff.

miraja2 · #5 10-09-2008, 07:14 PM

Like with most things, pedigree can give you some clues on this question, but it hardly provides all of the answers. If a horse with a good dirt pedigree runs well on synthetics, there is a better chance that horse will be able to transfer that form to a dirt track than if the horse has a turf pedigree.
The horse you mentioned is by Tapit and out of a Tarr Road mare which doesn't tell me very much. Tapit is such a young sire that it is hard to know much, and I don't know squat about Tarr Road.
However, Tapit certainly has a dirt pedigree, and the dam was a stakes horse on the dirt, so based on that I think you could say that it is fairly likely that the form might transfer. However, it is extremely tough to know for sure. Over time, people probably will develop a more complete understanding of who the true "synthetic sires" are as opposed to the "dirt sires," but even then it will be something of a guessing game.

Betsy · #6 10-09-2008, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Glorious

That's pretty much all you can do at this point. I think that it works pretty good in reverse though. If you have a horse that has shown decent turf form, you can assume there is a better than average chance they'll take to the stuff.

True enough - I'm going to assume she'll handle the dirt. I have to remember that just because there might be a question about it (or anything for that matter), doesn't mean the answer will be negative. She's a talented filly, so I just hope she stays sound and wins the BC (although I love Sky Diva as well).

Rainbow View scares the dickens out of me if she comes because she'll very likely love the poly...

Betsy · #7 10-09-2008, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miraja2

Like with most things, pedigree can give you some clues on this question, but it hardly provides all of the answers. If a horse with a good dirt pedigree runs well on synthetics, there is a better chance that horse will be able to transfer that form to a dirt track than if the horse has a turf pedigree.
The horse you mentioned is by Tapit and out of a Tarr Road mare which doesn't tell me very much. Tapit is such a young sire that it is hard to know much, and I don't know squat about Tarr Road.
However, Tapit certainly has a dirt pedigree, and the dam was a stakes horse on the dirt, so based on that I think you could say that it is fairly likely that the form might transfer. However, it is extremely tough to know for sure. Over time, people probably will develop a more complete understanding of who the true "synthetic sires" are as opposed to the "dirt sires," but even then it will be something of a guessing game.

Good points....Sometimes a talented horse is just a talented horse, regardless of surface. She's fun to watch - and she's surprised me. I posted after the Debutante that I wasn't sure that SB would stretch out (so many of these types are just closing sprinters) and she has.

hockey2315 · #8 10-09-2008, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Betsy

If a horse that obviously likes synthetics will take to the dirt? Perhaps stride makes a difference? I'm thinking in particular of Stardom Bound, who I hope can transfer her brilliant form to the dirt; it would be a shame if she could not. What makes me think she can do it is that her trainer, Chris Paasch, was very high on her at the Ocala sale in March and that's a dirt track. Also, Paasch thought she was his best two year old before she even debuted; if she worked at all at HP, then based on his comments, SB should handle the dirt.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

I thought OTC switched to synthetic. . . and Hollywood is synthetic too.