Do you feel that the choice of jockey is an essential handicapping factor? Poll!

[admin]

Please discuss your answers to the poll question here.

[ken]

The most critical difference is if the jockey knows when the horses needs to make its move (judging energy levels).

[senortout]

I've often noticed, no matter how poor the form looks, a leading jockey will guide his mount to an advantageous position, whether or not the steed has the conditioning to get the job done. That said, I think it means, the top jockey always anticipates a winning move and is therefore not a hindrance. There is a mantra of losing that surrounds some jockeys, like it or not.

Tom

[Mister Sanderson]

Its about the 8th thing I consider. After class, trainer, trip or race layout, speed (i.e.,early at Kee =+), post, distance and h's affinity for distance, bloodline and affinity for distance, CLASS again, and then maybe jock.

not that important, but not insignificant either.

[mop38]

Fellas...gentlemen...ladies...

I draw upon my many years involved.

How many times you see the same jockey on one particular mount?

When I see that, I get interested.

The late Mike Venicia (had a tragic event where a horse killed him instantly) once conducted an interview at belmont Park...was called Breakfast at Belmont.

When asked if the jockey mattered, he answered, most jockeys are the same...Something to that effect.

I differ with that reasoning. Certain jockeys fit certain horses, and when that fit if found, it's as beautiful as a great marriage.

Horses that use different jockeys all the time seem to have few jockeys interested in them, for many reasons.

Yes, jockeys matter. Some are aggressive, some must win and fight all the way, some are laid back and contribute little to the effort, if at all.

Yes, a resounding, YES!

[svede7]

If jockeys do not matter, why is it that only the top jocks get the best mounts.

[Ron Smith]

Seems to me that it is more trainer - jockey combo's

[mister zesterhouse]

everything else. Class or jock? Get real. Pace or jock? Get real. Trainer or jock. Trainer. Trip factor or jock? Trip. Very hard to make meaningful generalizations though.

[Tbone]

yesterday at the "Big A" 5th race,an 0, for 21 horse,Panagis won for fun at a$31.50 mutual.The difference was Ramon Dominguez.I always take a long look at good riders on horse's that don't seem to have a shot.More times then not, they win.

[ken]

I will be looking for Ramon Garcia BM, and Jesus Castanon TBD.