Thread by @RajivMaragh

After working Irish War Cry for the derby I thought he was a lay up.
My strategy was , get him in a smooth rhythm, put him in a good spot and cut him loose when coming to the finish line. That simple.
Went exactly to plan to the final turn then he evened out.

On Mucho Macho Man strategy was more tactical.
I narrowed it down to isolating Nehro as my target to draft behind him.
He had good tactical speed and he was my main threat.
He would be forced to move early and I can capitalize and nail him on wire.

To the 1/4 pole was unfolding exactly to plan, didn't account for AK blowing by in the stretch.
In fact he past us so powerful it spooked MMM who jumped strides and lost momentum that would have had Nehro measured.
Instead of nailing Nehro for the win, we ended up 3rd

Alpha game plan changed as he didn't handle the crowd at all. He was washed out and hiding in the back of the saddling box for the 1 hour wait to post.
I wanted to just get him some confidence when I got on. Try to make him feel safe and protected and hope for the best

Wicked Strong, the 20 hole strategy would be run in clear until he got to his cruising speed then angle over to not get caught out for a hot dog. His minor stumbled at start was a major factor as it made him take a few extra stride to get in gear. His immaturity made it..

..challenging to navigate the large field. He had the ability in him but it was difficult to get him in a steady rhythm and continue advancing.
I couldn't ride tactically to the race dynamics, it was all about just keeping him engaged.

Mission Impazable had a beautiful run the first furlong then a 99 to 1 shot decided he wanted to make an egregious move by going from inside to outside going into the turn, while not being clear, cuts us off we clipped heels, thankfully didn't fall. He couldn't recover.