Re: (1864 Views)

Mall wrote:
>
> First the Qs, which I understand in advance might be viewed
> as a distraction for those involved in the time-consuming &
> demanding task of running a business, something I happen to
> know a little bit about. However, in a few hrs I'm leaving on
> a 9 day trip to a no-internet access locale(no doubt welcome
> news to some), which should give you an opportunity to fit
> these Qs into your busy schedules.
> (1)My reason for the detailed rejoinder to the decision to
> summarily dismiss KAN as a Donn contender was because it
> appeared(correct me if I'm wrong) to be based on the "8 weeks
> to recover from a top" theory which, if true, surprised me a
> great deal. My memory, which is concededly not perfect, is
> that this idea originated with Robes many yrs ago & while I
> respect his & your handicapping acumen, the Q I have had from
> the start & which remains unanswered to this day is this:
> Where exactly is the hard evidence which supports the general
> rule, let alone its broad application in a wide variety of
> circumstances, including cases where the horse's
> line(i.e.KAN) shows just the opposite? The only "answer" I
> have ever heard, again many yrs ago, is that the theory is
> based on a reading of many sheets. In contrast, trainers &
> vets say, and have been quoted many times as saying, that
> some horses thrive & improve on frequent racing, which used
> to be called taking a regular turn. It is something players
> confront on a regular basis in the figures themselves. Absent
> supporting evidence, it seems to this handicapper that the "8
> week" rule is in serious need of rexamination.
> (2)The weight discussion was entertaining, but there is
> obviously nothing anyone can say which impacts the laws of
> physics, which is why I solicited the opinion of someone in
> the field. His preliminary off-the-top opinion was enough, in
> my view at least, to cast doubt on a fundamental assumption,
> raising the same Q re supporting evidence. Conceptually, I
> question the continued use of what very well may turn out to
> be insignificant weight differences to split hairs among very
> evenly matched horses.
> In this Chinese yr of the horse, my message to the Dittos, a
> few of which I have come to think of as "Jerry's Kids", is
> one which permeates my posts: Ask questions. Be skeptical of
> theories based on the assumption that one size fits all.
> Above all, try thinking for yourself for a change. In the
> end, your will enjoy this great sport of ours so much more,
> especially when you're right.

TG--There are tops and there are tops. Horses that hit the sub-1 level usually need time to recover. We'll do a run and see if the general rule is supported by "hard evidence".



TGAB