The aftermath of the Tampa Bay Derby has revealed no clue that would help in the explanation of War Pass’ dismal effort, or lack thereof, in Saturday’s Tampa Bay Derby, which is of no comfort to his connections or those holding future wagers on the champion two-year-old of 2007.
Post-race examinations, trainer Nick Zito said on Sunday, revealed no malady that would have resulted in the swoon at 1-20 odds. Even those who believe that distance would eventually reveal itself as War Pass’ Achilles heel have already seen him win convincingly at 1 1/16 miles. Zito said unless some infirmity manifests itself in the near term, War Pass will press on toward Louisville, but at this stage of the process, a poor effort from which the colt will derive no benefit is difficult to dismiss.
Still, we have seen enough of War Pass to be left thoroughly baffled by the Tampa Bay debacle. There must be a cause for an effort so poor by a horse who was until Saturday a study in dominance. When a rocket blows up on the launch pad, there is always a reason, immediately evident or not.
A reader not particularly fond of Court Vision’s chances in the Derby questions the support the Bill Mott-trained colt has maintained in many current polls, pointing out less than flashy speed figures and a well-beaten third place finish in the Fountain of Youth Stakes, his only start of the year.
True, Court Vision must move forward from that initial effort and seems to be another one-run closer in a cast of many at this point. But, a two-time graded winner at age two, including the Remsen as nine furlongs in a troubled and determined effort, Court Vision is by Gulch, sire of a Derby winner, from a mare who is a full sister to Preakness winner Summer Squall and a half-sister to AP Indy. The jury will remain out until this colt’s next appearance and a solid advancement is required if he is to remain one of the major players, but based purely on pedigree, he is the type with potential to improve with added distance, is in very capable hands, though the Triple Crown has never been Mott’s forte, and aside from War Pass in races other than the Tampa Bay Derby, this is not a group of three-year-olds who have put up glitzy speed and pace figures.
Monday, March 17, 2008
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2 comments:
Thanks for the response.
I'm willing to allow that he has upside given the pedigree, 2YO foundation, and connections, but I'm definitely willing to go against all that given his likely price in his next start.
Paul,
Having attended the Tampa Derby on Saturday, there was no one reason for War Pass's race, but he was pinched out of the gate, rushed up to be checked out of the turn and then was caught wide down the backstretch. Tampa is the type of track that can be strange to some animals, but War Pass had never been in tight quarters like Saturday and other than the BC Juvenile, had only been around two turns once and that was in the slop where the colt seems to like the going.
Time will tell, but Mr. LaPenta's comment about a fever earlier in the week could also indicate a factor.
Alydarjk
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