Reply #25: It didn't look like the same Bernardini today

[Awsi Dooger]

I had the same impression as the trainer, that after about 3/8 he simply didn't look right. The break was ideal but once he briefly got stuck behind a few horses on the first turn I thought he was sluggish, and less relaxed than typical. At that point I wasn't sure he would be a factor in the stretch.

No doubt Bernardini was moved too soon but I doubt it would have been the opposite result, not against the caliber of Invasor. Funny, the other day I told my dad I thought Invasor had a big chance, much better than Lava Man, but after reading Andy Beyer's damn column and emphasizing the layoff, he talked me out of it. I always do much better when I ignore Beyer's columns. His books and figures are great.

I hope they don't retire Bernardini but I never get my wish in that regard, for logical $$$ reasons.

How good is Discreet Cat, if he toyed with Invasor?