Aidan O'Brien always said that Rip Van Winkle was a miler, first and foremost. And arguably, one could say his 09' Sussex Stakes win, where he left Paco Boy and Ghanatti trailing well in his wake may have been a career best for a race that he won? But if you look at how closely Rip came to Sea The Stars in the 09' Coral-Eclipse, and look at the field he beat at York in the 2010 Juddmonte International Stakes, it's hard to say this horses wasn't just as solid at 10f as he was at a mile, IMO.
With Rip Van Winkle now retired. I think it's fair to say that this victory, his 09' Sussex Stakes win, and his 2010 Juddmonte International Stakes win are by far his three biggest successes. Although I still feel that his 09' Coral-Eclipse 2nd place finish to STS may still be the best race he's ever run. Rip was a very good colt. But he wasn't a great colt. 5 wins and 4 place efforts in 14 lifetime starts is hardly great. The great one's find a way of winning those 4 2nd place finishes he had.
What in heaven's name has happened to Zacinto. He ran a fantastic race against Rip Van Winkle in this race. Nearly scoring a G1 victory. Then, in his 2010 debut, he finished last of 9 runners in the 2010 Lockinge Stakes. Fared some better in the Queen Anne Stakes at Ascot. Finishing 4th to Goldikova and Paco Boy. Then, finished last again in the Coral-Eclipse. Before finally finishing 5th of 6 in a listed stakes at Ponterfact. Rio De La Plata and Mabait dead heated for 1st. Disappointing!!!
@JacobMilner, I'll take a 20 spot on that JacobMilner. Based on their both's form in the Irish 2000 Guineas & St James's Palace, and the Prix Jean-Prat. Both Canford Cliffs and Dick Turpin will expose Rip Van Winkle for being every bit as overrated as he is in this year's Sussex Stakes coming up at Goodwood. As a matter of fact. It won't surprise me at all if Aidan O'Brien comes up with some reason close to race time to scratch Rip Van Winkle from the race to save face.
4 horses in a Group One... bloody bookies
OmfgUcTht 4 months ago
Aidan O'Brien always said that Rip Van Winkle was a miler, first and foremost. And arguably, one could say his 09' Sussex Stakes win, where he left Paco Boy and Ghanatti trailing well in his wake may have been a career best for a race that he won? But if you look at how closely Rip came to Sea The Stars in the 09' Coral-Eclipse, and look at the field he beat at York in the 2010 Juddmonte International Stakes, it's hard to say this horses wasn't just as solid at 10f as he was at a mile, IMO.
GBeret83 8 months ago
With Rip Van Winkle now retired. I think it's fair to say that this victory, his 09' Sussex Stakes win, and his 2010 Juddmonte International Stakes win are by far his three biggest successes. Although I still feel that his 09' Coral-Eclipse 2nd place finish to STS may still be the best race he's ever run. Rip was a very good colt. But he wasn't a great colt. 5 wins and 4 place efforts in 14 lifetime starts is hardly great. The great one's find a way of winning those 4 2nd place finishes he had.
GBeret83 1 year ago
What in heaven's name has happened to Zacinto. He ran a fantastic race against Rip Van Winkle in this race. Nearly scoring a G1 victory. Then, in his 2010 debut, he finished last of 9 runners in the 2010 Lockinge Stakes. Fared some better in the Queen Anne Stakes at Ascot. Finishing 4th to Goldikova and Paco Boy. Then, finished last again in the Coral-Eclipse. Before finally finishing 5th of 6 in a listed stakes at Ponterfact. Rio De La Plata and Mabait dead heated for 1st. Disappointing!!!
GBeret83 1 year ago
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GBeret83 1 year ago
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GBeret83 1 year ago
Terrific horse! Will not lose another race this season!
JacobMilner 1 year ago
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GBeret83 1 year ago
@JacobMilner, I'll take a 20 spot on that JacobMilner. Based on their both's form in the Irish 2000 Guineas & St James's Palace, and the Prix Jean-Prat. Both Canford Cliffs and Dick Turpin will expose Rip Van Winkle for being every bit as overrated as he is in this year's Sussex Stakes coming up at Goodwood. As a matter of fact. It won't surprise me at all if Aidan O'Brien comes up with some reason close to race time to scratch Rip Van Winkle from the race to save face.
GBeret83 1 year ago
muy buen caballo este RIP VAN WINKLE, sera bueno verlo correr contra GOLDIKOVA en la B C MILE.
kiledevenezuela 2 years ago