That's a different question. We're talking about a single, specific result here.
Not really. We're talking about race-reading.
First things first, I'm not for a second trying to imply that I am a better race-reader than anyone else on this forum. Then again, I don't always agree with others' reading of a race. That's what this forum should be about anyway, surely.
I only looked at the times yesterday evening to see
if they went anyway to confirming what the naked eye was telling me. I'd said en route I reserved the right to change my mind.
To be honest, I half-expected to have to change my mind, swallow a little pride, suck it up and take the flak, etc
So I was, I suppose I have to admit, gratified that the study of times - as primitive as it may have been - appear to confirm what I first said, namely that they went too fast in the race, that Cue Card didn't get an efficient ride and WP did.
I stand by my opinion that Cue Card would have won had Brennan employed less aggressive tactics but he maybe felt he could win by taking the field out of its comfort zone. Maybe he felt CC's stamina would make that possible. Let's face it, he was very nearly right. CC beat everything else a fair bit.
WP got the best tactical ride [in that race] on the day. He may well improve past CC should they meet again but that's irrelevant in the context of yesterday's race. WP might well be a one-dimensional hold-up horse who won't get near the lead against top-class opposition who don't overdo the pace through the race. Only time will tell.
But I do genuinely believe yesterday WP won because of the way the race played out.