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Post by frangooch on May 3, 2018 17:29:26 GMT -5
Going into the race, I think most of us agree it's really good. For yuks I went back and looked at some historical fields to compare. I didn't look at 'em all, but I did look at a lot of 'em. I think you have to go back to 1957 to find a field with this kind of quality depth. Iron Liege, Gallant Man, Round Table, Bold Ruler. The favorite, General Duke, was scratched the day before the race.
Not as many legit contenders as this year, but there were only 9 horses in the race.
I'm sure some contenders will turn into pretenders on Derby Day, but in any case, 2018 is really something to savor.
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shoes
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Post by shoes on May 3, 2018 18:24:55 GMT -5
I think part it is that there are more "final preps." Hence more contenders who were an impressive winner (or in some cases second) an a final derby prep. In the past top contenders would run in the Florida Derby AND the Wood or Bluegrass for instance. This year we have a Dubai winner, who unlike most years is considered a major contender. That said I agree that based on everything I've seen it really does seem like the strongest group at this point than any year that I can remember, and I'm old.
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Post by bobtailnag on May 3, 2018 19:14:47 GMT -5
Shoes, if you were born after 1950, you're not old yet - just approaching your vintage years.
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eye123
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Post by eye123 on May 3, 2018 19:42:36 GMT -5
Bobtail...when you were watching Apollo run, did you think it would be this long without another runner winning the derby without a start as a 2yr old.  Horses keep you young at heart, and a quote I use often..... Satchel Paige (when asked about pitching at his age) "Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." (keep kicking up your heels) Great group this year....keep second guessing myself on a single. (the tri box or key is looking like the way to go)(will take a stand against Justify and Mendelssohn).....and fingers crossed on the Oaks results(make or break on the weekend).... |
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Post by bobtailnag on May 3, 2018 22:47:01 GMT -5
Apollo's race? I was an old man when he ran. The first wager I ever made was getting 5/2 on the Philistines over Samson. One of the money changers in the temple convinced me when he told me to put it one the Philistines and said, "They'll moider da bum"!
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Post by triguy237 on May 3, 2018 23:02:13 GMT -5
Apollo's race? I was an old man when he ran. The first wager I ever made was getting 5/2 on the Philistines over Samson. One of the money changers in the temple convinced me when he told me to put it one the Philistines and said, "They'll moider da bum"! Where do the years go? I can remember trying to convince my great grandfather (who taught me about breeding and how to read the Racing Form) to bet on Riva Ridge. He didn't but I did (actually he did..for me...) |
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