Good Move

by Ed Meyer

posted on August 29, 2009 in General Discussion, Other Events | No Comments >>

The Travers was a quagmire. The track almost looked like it was washing away to me. Many of the runners looked to be slipping and sliding, and the track looked like ice at times. I am glad Rachel Alexandra passed on this race. With a track condition like this, anything goes.

The Derby winner Mine That Bird passed in favor of the Goodwood Stakes at Santa Anita. This will give him a trip over the synthetic surface, and allow him more time to heal. Good move….

Rachel ducked this race. She is headed out to face older horses in the Woodward on September 5th. If she beats the older males, then there will be very little she needs to do.  I feel that many tracks will keep throwing their hats in the ring to entice the gals to do battle. This has the feel of War Admiral and Seabiscuit.  If hindsight is 20/20, then she is a genius. Or, Jess Jackson is for sure. The track was slick and could have done nothing for her at all.

The winner Summer Bird looked incredible today. I could not believe how well he navigated the oval. It just takes me back to when he faced Rachel, and how he ran as hard as he possibly could from the 3/8ths pole to the wire. He ran all out, and could not get close to her.

I am glad she skipped. There was nothing to prove, but saying that you ran in the mid-summer Derby.  I think if she beats the older foes, then she will have done it all this year. That is, minus the Breeders’ Cup. But that is starting to be old hat. They have stated their position, and it has come over loud and clear.