Sorry for the late post on this topic......

Going through the past 5 years on this race, it's eerily predictable regarding the Derby.  The winner or 2nd place horse flatters the preps they ran in previously.  I'm now valuing the FL Derby more after Fort Bragg's close finish, elevating Mage and Cyclone Mischief.  I'm also giving more of a look to Mandarin after he looked so good vs. Skinner and Practical Move.

By the same token, others in the race that fared poorly, like Curly Jack, did not flatter the FG races.  Not saying this matters much, just something to consider.  As CJ was a longshot, and wan't expected to perform well, I'm really not downgrading FG that much really.  BUT I am elevating the FL Derby.

After re-watching the FL Derby and Ft. of Youth, Mage can easily go forward off those last two.  Yes, his lack of experience may cost him, but his experience thus far has also helped him.  Watch the Ft. of Youth again.....you'll see Forte cutting him off in the stretch, certainly decreasing his chance to place.  He was basically left at the gate in the FL. Derby, still looked good with his early move.

Looks like the FL Derby was the key race.....

Fort Bragg, Mage...and hopefully Forte in two weeks at the Preakness!

I don't see how Forte gets back in two weeks.  Was it a hoof?  or just a bruise?  have not seen any detail, a bruise, maybe. anything else, I am doubtful.

He demonstrated sensitivity to tests performed by the vet, that's all we have been told.  From Todd's body language, he didn't think it had compromised Forte at all.  It's possible to perform such tests over every square inch of a horse's body and one would inevitably find sensitivity and bruising somewhere.  It's just a question of whether it was a normal response, or a bruising that would compromise him during a race.

Apparently it was nothing visible on his hoof, nor was it obvious by watching him gallop.

princeofdoc said...

Apparently it was nothing visible on his hoof, nor was it obvious by watching him gallop.

 
Unless you ignore the fact that many of us saw him "stumble" in his last gallop.   Which was posted here before the race, by me and others.