Look at the Derby replay. Ice Box was beating only 5 stragglers (out of 20 horses) right before coming into the stretch. Was on the rail, in the mud/slop. He checked once, pulled, went outside. Checked again about 3 wide, pulled and went outside again. Must have finished 6 wide..... flying. He was checking and pulling exiting the curve, meaning he was almost going sideways for at least 2 seconds or so. One second is about 5 lengths..... so maybe not 2 seconds lost, maybe 1 second... He lost by 2-1/2 lengths. :scared
This of course means nothing for actual handicapping the next race, but you gotta think about it.
This of course means nothing for actual handicapping the next race, but you gotta think about it.
