So Many Claimers
I’m not the only one puzzling over what it might mean that so many Kentucky Derby prospects have run in claiming races. Jennie Rees is wondering about the same thing:
Four of the past five major Kentucky Derby preps were won by horses who had been in claiming races: With a City [Lane’s End], Lawyer Ron [Rebel], Deputy Glitters [Tampa Bay Derby] and Like Now [Gotham].
That says something, but what? Ideas from horsemen include:
Trainers don’t know what they have.
Young horses change dramatically.
You’re better off claiming horses than spending big bucks at the sales.
Too many top horses are controlled by too few trainers.
