The driving tactics played out just as I expected. Minstrel was in front, with Swayzee pressing on for the lead. If any horse other than Minstrel had been in that position, Hart would have raced to the front, and it would have been all over. Hall knew that Minstrel would not surrender the lead, so he took off, confident he would get the perfect trail. Swayzee's connections did not seem unduly concerned about sitting in the death position, as Grimson was enthusiastic about their chances. However, I should note that this was probably the first time Swayzee found himself in this position and ended up out of the money. Catch A Wave was never really in contention. Barrier 10 for Swayzee can be a reasonably good draw, but Barrier 9 for Catch A Wave at GP is a death wish. You know my conspiracy theories with barrier draws I don't think they wanted Catch A Wave to win the race again after winning the double last year.
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