Again, I don't subscribe to the "game or cur" theory.
I agree and think the dog sounds like a green prospect with some talent.
The foot has a ton of nerve endings on it, and a green tired dog is a green tired dog.
Whether he would take his death, or not, is of no importance.
Whether he has the ability to win, and runs his scratches good, is all that matters.
Hesitating on a scratch bothers me more than a confused, dominant, young dog on top.
Is the dog an ace? Hardly.
IMO, I want to see my dog with DOG in his mouth ... or trying to GET dog in his mouth.
When I see any dog just sitting there, not trying to get dog in his mouth, I am looking at a replaceable animal IMO.
Dogs that lay out of holds, when ahead, or who stay on top (like king of the mountain) are only peripheral-quality dogs to me, regardless of other talents.
It is a form of "lack of focus" to me, which can easily be translated into lack of gameness.
That said, if the dog is young, I wouldn't be judging him yet.
But if it was an experienced dog, I certainly wouldn't build a bloodline on him.
What is the age and # of rolls under its belt?
Jack