Not sure what you saw Jaimie so watched the replay and not convinced about the 'scratchy gait'. Sat parked in the elements, travelled sweetly on a piece of cotton not fighting for rein but itching to go, finally allowed rein, lengthened beautifully on turning before having a bit of a look around for about 2 strides before Grant reminded him why he was there. Bang...immediate response was straighten up, head down bum up and dominate. Balanced. I think it was a calculated drive to answer some questions of the horse with good results.
Guaranteed is going to have to do everything right to beat him...cannot wait for the matchup. Not forgetting there are some pretty smart horses that can take advantage of any slip ups by the stars. Its MM and Dixon for me all the way.