Lentenor finished third in his race yesterday, about 1 1/2 lengths behind the leader. In my opinion, he broke extremely well and was laying in what the announcer called "perfect second" as they turned for home. He just didn't "fire" when asked.
I think there were a few issues. First, Lenny did not respond well to being "asked" to kick into a higher gear at the top of the stretch. I suspect he had trouble changing leads around the turn and that set him up to veer into the lane a bit down the stretch. At the moment that Inauguration (the eventual winner) passed him, his head was back as if he was trying to figure out what to do first, change leads or go faster.
But then the good news, he got it, albeit a bit late to hit the wire first, but he definitely re-settled and made a nice move at the end. That was actually impressive and indicated that if he can get the lead change issue resolved, he will be in fine shape. He has a nice long stride and truly made up ground at the end. Maybe a longer distance or maybe just a lot of practice around turns.
I am disappointed but encouraged. The fractions were fast and the race turned out to be more impressive than I had anticipated. Remember also that this is his first time back on the track in 5 months so I think it is significant that he did not tire, as indicated by his late surge.
Lenny needs a few more races under his belt. He will get it--it just may take some time.
All of which reminds us, once again, how truly remarkable Barbaro really was.
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