The Jockey Factor
Once you’re done with the speed figures, data angles and all the rest of the stuff handicappers throw into trying to figure out how to win at this game, you’re left with what your eyes show you.
Thomas on Horses: Introduction
The first thing that stands out about this year’s Kentucky Derby is depth. From a herd dynamic and emotional conformation standpoint, there are at least eight high-level horses in the 2012 field.
Profile: El Padrino
El Padrino doesn’t make space with his presence, but you can tell the other horses feel him.
Profile: Union Rags
Union Rags needs to be allowed to build his momentum, to move freely.
Profile: I’ll Have Another
Psychologically, I’ll Have Another was born to run a classic distance.
Profile: Went the Day Well
Went the Day Well shows the very rare ability to adapt to whatever situation he is in.
Profile: Creative Cause
Creative Cause has a very, very high individual herd dynamic.
Profile: Dullahan
Dullahan likes close contact, and he can use space battles to builds momentum and launch forward.
Profile: Gemologist
Gemologist has a good group dynamic and he can handle a lot of stimulus.
Profile: Done Talking
Done Talking has the skill set to take advantage of a lot of these horses late in the race.
