Preview of 2018 BC Classic-mile and 1/4 Dirt

[lone speed]

Before the field is set for the 2018 Breeder's Cup Classic and even though Diversify will not be in the race; I wanted to evaluate Diversify's losing race in the Jockey Club Gold Cup and Diversify"s smashing win in the Suburban. Both races were run at Belmont race track.

Imho, I would like to comment that both effort were the same, even though the Jockey Club Gold Cup was a losing effort. The "Big" difference was that Mendelssohn forced Diversify to run a faster 4 Furlong split time in the Jockey Club Gold Cup race.

Diversify's huge effort in the Suburban race where he won by 6 1/2 L


Diversify dueled with Mendelssohn and ran to the 4 Furlong markers 3 ticks faster than he had run in the Suburban.




The pace fractions up close:




Once again, according to Jim Bradshaw and Huey Mahl; since Diversify was forced to run 3 ticks faster at the first fraction at 4 furlongs; he should run 6 ticks slower at the end of the race.

Diversify's Suburban final winning time was 1:59 and 4 fifths.......

In the Jockey Club Gold Cup; Diversify crossed the finish line in 2:01 and 1 fifth.

6 ticks difference in final time between Diversify's winning race in the Suburban and Diversify's losing effort in the Jockey Club Gold Cup.

Diversify's two efforts were the same even though the final race outcome were different.

Pace Makes the Race.