Byword is still quite a competitive horse in races run at distances that best suit him. Which, IMO, is races from 9f to 10f. Never thought the 12f in the Prix Foy suited him at all. Byword just isn't an "Arc-type" horse. I also never thought dropping him back in trip all the way to 8f for the BC Mile suited him either. He's looked his best in the G1 Prince of Wales and G1 Juddmonte International, and G2 Prix Dollar at 10f, and in his first run in the G1 Prix D' Ispahan at 9f, IMO.
(Continued...) Goldikoiva will track the speed and because I think Strong Suit's early exertions will take his stamina (he is best at 7f, not a mile), she might be produced to lead well over 1f out. That is where she is vulnerable to hold up horses and I must say, the way Byword travelled when beating Champion Stakes winner Cirrus Des Aigles was very menacing, and I think he'll come to claim them on the line.
I totally agree- he is an optimum 9-10f (1 1/8- 1 1/4 mile) animal.
The reason I think he has a great chance at Churchill Downs on Saturday is that the race ought to go at a decent clip. Strong Suit is drawn badly and Richard Hughes wants him on the speed. He'll have to roust him along early which means he could be a bit keen and they could go a quick pace (CONT)
GBeret83 Says:
3/07/2012 4:18:19 PM
Byword is still quite a competitive horse in races run at distances that best suit him. Which, IMO, is races from 9f to 10f. Never thought the 12f in the Prix Foy suited him at all. Byword just isn't an "Arc-type" horse. I also never thought dropping him back in trip all the way to 8f for the BC Mile suited him either. He's looked his best in the G1 Prince of Wales and G1 Juddmonte International, and G2 Prix Dollar at 10f, and in his first run in the G1 Prix D' Ispahan at 9f, IMO.
forsoup Says:
4/11/2011 10:03:43 PM
(Continued...) Goldikoiva will track the speed and because I think Strong Suit's early exertions will take his stamina (he is best at 7f, not a mile), she might be produced to lead well over 1f out. That is where she is vulnerable to hold up horses and I must say, the way Byword travelled when beating Champion Stakes winner Cirrus Des Aigles was very menacing, and I think he'll come to claim them on the line.
Fascinating race.
forsoup Says:
4/11/2011 10:00:53 PM
I totally agree- he is an optimum 9-10f (1 1/8- 1 1/4 mile) animal.
The reason I think he has a great chance at Churchill Downs on Saturday is that the race ought to go at a decent clip. Strong Suit is drawn badly and Richard Hughes wants him on the speed. He'll have to roust him along early which means he could be a bit keen and they could go a quick pace (CONT)
forsoup Says:
4/11/2011 11:18:36 AM
Excellent call GBeret.
Do you think Byword is a value bet at 15/2 in the Breeders Cup mile? I think he has a massive chance.