[froggy]

The three finishers in their last 4 races had their highest total energy output of any of their previous races.

Curlin's figures had gotten better in each race from the previous race with the exception of the Derby when he got into traffic problems.

Street Sense's energy figures were up and down depending on what traffic there was and how wide he had to run.

Hard Spun's total energy output was in a decline in each of his last four races when he had no or very little traffic since he liked to run on the lead.

Street Sense and Curlin both had a time in days between their last 4 races of 28, 21 and 14.

Hard Spun had a time in days, between his last 4 races of 33, 42 and 14.

To me that 42 day period was like a lay off and then he ran for all he was worth in the Derby.

Both Street Sense and Curlin to me looked like they had more to give in the Derby. Both are powerful closers.

I thought Hard Spun would bounce in the Preakness.

I was wrong.

Total energy of the three finishers was 164.96, 164.92 and 164.77.
only a .19 difference.

Hard Spun just got caught up in his own running style.

He needs to break 3rd and be within a length at the first call.

Through no fault of his own in the Preakness he broke 9th and was 7th at the first call.

The rabbits had beaten him to the punch and were just fast enough to keep him from catching up with their punishing fractions.

Now I ask you, what is all of this stuff that the Hat and Richie are trying to teach us?

And without computers no less.

After all it's just a horse race isn't it?.

Froggy