London Bridge was the 1 horse in the field the distance was never going to
be an issue for. He'd already ran over 12f multiple times in Great Britain
and he came into this race off a 4th, beaten only 2 lengths in a listed
race in France over 1m 7f. If you look at London Bridge's record he's been
a steadily improving horse all season in the UK having gone 5-3-0-1 in 5
starts leading up to the BC Marathon. Plus, several months trainer Jo
Hughes said the BC Marathon was the end of season target.
This was a wonderful effort from the winner. Even so, we should discuss the
significance of a horse who just eight months ago was finishing unplaced in
a maiden on the all-weather at Wolverhampton winning at the Breeders Cup. I
feel two things are happening: 1) London Bridge really has done himself
great credit; 2) US racing has for too long put too much emphasis on 8-9
furlong races, with many races having their distances cut. More staying
races are needed.
Perhaps he should not have been, but that he was is down to the paucity of
staying types among the American population, which in turn is due to the
breeding and race planning policy.
Breeders' cup "marathon"... Remember the 2 mile JCGC? The 2 1/4 mile
Latonia cup? THOSE were marathons... And then there's the 4 mile races of
the olden days...
It's like watching an American version of the Ascot Stakes
Dan Smith - Don't Burn Down The Bridge
Dan Smith - Don't Burn Down The Bridge - The John O'Leary - Alan Glen All Stars Back To The Flamingo - at The Bull's Head, Barnes, London February 2015 ...