West Virginia Derby - Recap

West Virginia Derby - Recap

Prayer for Relief

Rush Now

Sherriff Cogburn

Unplaced horses listed in order of finish.

Infrattini, Awesome Bet, Little Drama, Dreamy Kid, Skipping the Score, Loranger Native

Scratched: Fred High

Prayer for Relief continues to impress!!! He’s won 4 out of his last 5 races and his most recent loss was a second place finish at a new and extended distance. In both the Iowa and West Virginia Derbies he scored the #1 post position and he's making the most from the rail – he still has time for another Derby (possibly the Pennsylvania Derby) and he may put himself in contention for the Breeder’s Cup Classic.

With 1/16 mile left in the race I thought Rush Now was a lock for the victory – I was extremely impressed with how well Prayer for Relief closed in this race.

Let me assure you that when I write that I’m scratching a horse off my list (Rush Now) that it  isn’t code that you should make sure and bet on him! Despite any evidence in the past, to the contrary.

My Da Vinci Code-esque style of analyzing horses aside….I had read that Rush Now is a horse with quite a bit of ability, and the West Virginia Derby was an excellent showcase for him. He may be the kind of horse that puts it together in the next few months and goes on a winning streak.

I rarely ask you to watch a race twice….but after you watch Prayer for Relief seal an impressive win.....you’ve got to go back and watch Infrattini’s come from behind run….when the announcer says, near the beginning of the race, that Infrattini is WAAAAYYY in the back…you’ll see two horses barely able to stay on the screen…..Infrattini is neither of those horses….he’s still several lengths behind them. As they head for home you’ll see him in the back closing – and then he goes to the far outside and does a remarkable job just to finish with a show.

Speaking of the announcer...his accent isn't like any West Virginia dialect I remember.....

Awesome Bet and Little Drama finished about where I thought they might….these are solid horses that could blossom with even more race experience.

Dreamy Kid was a big disappointment to me – what struck me as unusual was the sprint out of the gate and into the middle of the pack at the first turn. It just didn’t appear like he was running “his” race, this is a horse who has had quite a bit of success staying towards the back of the pack….Joseph Talamo is an excellent jockey and I’m sure they had their reasons --- but I think this horse is much more capable than a 7^th place finish against this group.

I’m not a big fan of horses traveling across the country ---- so that also may have been the issue for Dreamy Kid.

Video to follow:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FylkTcAuUmk

West Virginia Derby

Mountaineer Park

Saturday August 6^th  , 2011

Name: West Virginia Derby Grade: II

Purse: $750,000

Distance/Restrictions: 1 1/8 Miles, Dirt, 3 Year Olds, STAKES

Prayer For Relief

Infrattini

Little Drama

Awesome Bet

Rush Now

Sherriff Cogburn

Skipping the Score

Dreamy Kid

Loranger Native

Fred High

For the past few years the West Virginia Derby, and it’s very attractive purse of 750,000, have attracted a few top three year olds – including a few Kentucky Derby winners. Unfortunately that isn’t "as true" this year….as the headliners (and favorites) only have modest derby or stakes wins --- however both of these favorites have beaten solid horses and could pose as contenders in the upcoming Breeder’s Cup!

The two favorites for the West Virginia Derby are Iowa Derby winner #1 Prayer for Relief and Swaps Stakes winner #8 Dreamy Kid.

In his last race – Prayer for Relief enjoyed the same rail spot he’ll have this Saturday and he used it with aplomb. He remained slightly off the pace and as they hit the home stretch he was positioned without any traffic in front of him – and he strode to with winner's circle strongly.

#6 Sherriff Cogburn challenged Prayer for Relief in the final furlongs but faded into a second place finish.

#8 Dreamy Kid will also be a favorite in this race – and his style will (most likely) be in contrast to Prayer for Relief – as Dreamy Kid will likely hang back in the middle or back of the pack and make his late push shortly before the last turn.

In his last race Dreamy Kid stole a victory, with a bob of the nose, over Coil – Coil recently won the Haskell Invitational defeating Preakness Winner Shackleford and Belmont Stakes winner Ruler On Ice……so while the favorites here at the WV Derby may be relatively unknown….that doesn’t mean they can’t run.

#2 Infrattini has won one race in his last four starts, but placed in the remaining three. At 8/1 odds and a solid post position – he may be worth a look. The distance in this race is a slight concern for him as he’s never raced beyond 1 1/16 – but he’s not the only one in this field looking at a new distance.

#3 Little Drama has finished in the money four times out of his last five races – however most of his finishes have been for a show. I don’t like his chances for victory here, but he’s a solid look if you’re betting a trifecta.

#4 Awesome Bet was the recent winner in the Barbaro Stakes – and has won three out of his last four races – his trip in the Lone Star Derby was a very disappointing 7^th  - If Awesome Bet can run his race – I think he’s got a shot to upset.

#5 Rush Now recently finished 3^rd behind Awesome Bet in the Barbaro Stakes and 3^rd in the Philmont behind winner Little Drama. A number of racing experts really like this horse….he’s the horse that seemingly does everything well….but win. I’m scratching him off my list.

#7 Skipping the Stone has two races on his resume and both were 6^th place finishes. He hasn’t raced since January and he’s going at 50-1. For this long of odds I like that he’s a three year old we haven’t seen since January….meaning he could have matured into a very competitive horse for this field….and no one would know it except his trainer. However it’s his first time back and he didn’t have a lot of race experience to begin with – it’s a good long shot bet……but he's a long shot for a very good reasons.

The other long shot is 30-1 West Virginia bred - #10 Fred High – who (according to my material) will be making his racing debut in this derby. I suppose one could argue he’s never lost a race….but my guess is you won’t be able to say that at the end of this derby.

#9 Loranger Native at 12-1 odds is an interesting wild card to me. He’s had five career races and finished in the money in all five – he returned to racing for a second place finish in his last race in June, but that was after nearly a four month lay-off. The combination of having one race to shake off the rust, and yet relatively fresh legs and a solid record makes him an intriguing 12-1 bet.

In conclusion – I’m not crazy about the three top horses Dreamy Kid, Prayer for Relief, and Sherriff Cogburn traveling across the country for this race – while 12-1 Loranger Native is merely taking a small road trip over country roads ….. (yeah I went there for the West Virginia Derby, even though Bill Withers Lean On Me should be the state song because he’s from West Virginia instead of Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr. – aka John Denver who was from New Mexico….but I digress….)

Everything looks like it’s working for Prayer For Relief and I like him for the win, followed by Awesome Bet, and a stuck in traffic at the turn Dreamy Kid.

Closing Speed likes: 1-4-8

However from the betting standpoint – Infrattini, Little Drama and Loranger Native all of enough talent to make their 8-1 / 8-1 and 12-1 odds worth a very solid consideration in either a exacta or win/place bets.

And yes we’re closing with West Virginia’s Son Bill Withers…..

Belmont - Recap

Belmont Stakes- Recap

Ruler on Ice
Stay Thirsty
Brilliant Speed

Unplaced horses listed in order of finish.
Nehro, Shackleford, Animal Kingdom, Mucho Macho Man, Santiva, Monzon, Master of the Hounds, Prime Cut, Isn’t He Perfect

At the end of the race the announcer yells out – a SHOCKER in the Belmont….but after a “shocker” in the Arkansas Derby, a “bombshell” in the Kentucky Derby, and a surprise in the Preakness…..I think it’s more appropriate had he just yelled….

“A long shot wins….again – WTF?!?! “

Okay so maybe the language at the end would be a bit much for NBC….but I know that’s what many people were thinking.

Despite his fifth place finish, I thought Shackleford gave a valiant effort in the Empire State slop – he broke well from the gate – ran the race we’ve seen him run twice before, and even extended himself in the lead past a mile and ¼ before he faded. This horse kept getting better throughout the Triple Crown - but his style of racing and his troublesome post position made a fifth place finish a bit of a victory in my opinion! As we exit the Triple Crown I think you have to consider Shackleford the best “healthy” three year old horse for races 1 mile to 1 1/8 miles.

Animal Kingdom – in contrast to Shackleford – did not break well from the gate….or rather his Jockey didn’t. Three seconds out of the gate Animal Kingdom appears to slip in the mud or perhaps clip heels with rival Monzon, which nearly sends his jockey flying forward – both of them seem to regain composure and Animal Kingdom makes an impressive bolt at the 1:46 minute mark – passing up seven horses in a matter of a few seconds….and then it’s as if the Kentucky Derby Champion looks at what’s still ahead and decides to quit with the last quarter ahead of him....perhaps they should call him Animal "King" Dom.....


I'm kidding - I actually think LeBron is okay.

 
Both he and Shackleford seemed to share a similar fatigue at this point in the race.

Stay Thirsty had been a sharp horse to watch throughout the spring, however he never showed a proclivity for this kind of distance – in fact I had him down as fading at 1 1/16th miles….his Belmont Stakes may be the sign of a horse finding his potential ! From what I’m reading he and 3rd place Brilliant Speed may run again at the end of July in the Jim Dandy Stakes - should be worth checking out!

From what I saw in the previous week – Brilliant Speed in 3rd was the only thing that made sense to me!

I was certainly surprised by the winner Ruler on Ice – the Champions were exhausted and with a sloppy field perhaps the race was completely up for grabs – all things considered, once Animal Kingdom quit and Shackleford began to fade,  I thought Nehro would be the one to watch, however he mysteriously only seems to pick up his pace after the race is finished.

The conclusion of the Triple Crown – is a frustrating mystery, making it for me, a disappointing season.

Granted there was very little serious injury this year – which is always a blessing, however as Ruler On Ice crossed the finish line – I felt like I still needed one more race to help determine how good any of these horses are/were…..which in general is a big part of why I continue to write about the sport….if the three Triple Crown winners, and a few spring hopefuls decide to meet up for 1 1/8th miles – and we don’t have yet another longshot shocker in that race….I think it would offer some resolve to the season.

Maybe the Jim Dandy, Travers Stakes…..possibly even the West Virginia Derby - I'll continue writing regardless - however a rematch between a number of these horses would make it a lot more fun.

Video to follow:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AarU-we0FZQ

Belmont Stakes

Belmont
Saturday June 11th , 2011
Name: Belmont Stakes Grade: I
Purse: $1,000,000
Distance/Restrictions: 1 1/2 Miles, Dirt, 3 Year Olds, STAKES

Master of the Hounds
Stay Thirsty
Ruler On Ice
Santiva
Brilliant Speed
Nehro
Monzon
Prime Cut
Animal Kingdom
Mucho Macho Man
Isn’t He Perfect
Shackleford

Five of the first six horses return to Triple Crown racing after skipping the Preakness (#3 Ruler On Ice didn’t participate in the Kentucky Derby – he recently finished 2nd in the Federico Tesio stakes).

The following is how the first group of Kentucky Derby contestants faired –

(#1) Master of the Hounds – 5th
(#2) Stay Thirsty – 12th
(#4) Santiva – 6th
(#5) Brilliant Speed – 7th
(#6) Nehro – 2nd

Nehro has been a threat all year to finally “win” a big stakes race – currently he’s finished 2nd in three straight Derbies (Louisiana / Arkansas / Kentucky) – the advantage he brings against horses like Animal Kingdom and Shackleford – is he’s had more rest than the two Preakness competitors. It wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up being the “betting” favorite in this race at post time.

From what I’ve seen Santiva and Stay Thirsty won’t compete past 1 1/16th miles – I think the distance in this race knocks them out.

This will be the first time Ruler On Ice has really competed at this level - certainly he's the kind of "WHO?" horse capable of winning something like the Belmont Stakes....but there's nothing in his history to suggest he's got the ability to beat some of the better horses in this field.

Master of the Hounds should improve in this race – however outside of a 2nd place finish in the UAE Derby this horse hasn’t been very impressive – I’m leaning away from this 10-1 horse right now…..however the one longshot (15-1) I am interested in is Brilliant Speed.

Brilliant Speed has looked very solid at 1 1/8 miles – and if the price is right, after having rested a month he may be worth a look!

#7 Monzon and #8 Prime Cut return from a rematch in the Peter Pan Stakes here at Belmont where they finished sixth and third respectively. These two horses have a solid post position and familiarity with the track…but I don’t think either horse has the talent to beat most of the horses in this field.

The final four horses return in a rematch from the Preakness where Kentucky Derby victor #9 Animal Kingdom placed behind a resolute #12 Shackleford.

Finishing behind the two Triple Crown champions were #11 Isn’t He Perfect (9th place) and #10 Mucho Macho Man (6th place).

Fatigue will certainly be a concern for the returning champions Animal Kingdom and Shackleford who will be up against the longest race of their lives, after having already appeared in the most races in the shortest amount of time (3 races in 5 weeks) in their short careers.

Shackleford’s 12th position in this race didn’t do him any favors either – as he will have to break very well out of the gate – beat everyone to the first turn and cut across the track so that he can establish the lead and the pace which has served as his recipe for success so far.

I really like Shackleford – he’s a tough little go-getter and I’ve certainly enjoyed watching him come into his own during the Triple Crown – however a 12th spot for his style of racing and at this distance seems to be asking far too much.

All things considered this race lines up very well for Animal Kingdom v Nehro – both of these horses prefer to close late and you have to wonder which is more likely –

Animal Kingdom, despite fatigue, continues to showcase more talent than any of the other competitors?
Or
Nehro finally gets a much anticipated trip to the Winner’s Circle?

From a bettors point of view – I like betting $24 on Mucho Macho Man, Brilliant Speed, Nehro and Animal Kingdom for a tri-fecta box. With a little luck Mucho or Brilliant Speed may end up splitting the two favorites….or even better winning!!

Sadly my “selections” are pretty boring with the two favorites winning and placing….

Closing Speed likes: Animal Kingdom, Nehro and Brilliant Speed

Just because it's a great song for the weekend!

Preakness Stakes

Preakness Stakes - Recap

Shackleford

Animal Kingdom

Astrology

Unplaced horses listed in order of finish.

Dialed In, Dance City, Mucho Macho Man, King Congie, Mr. Commons, Isn’t He Perfect, Concealed Identity, Norman Asbjornson, Sway Away, Midnight Interlude, Flashpoint

At the end of the Preakness I was certainly a believer in the “rapture”  --- because all of my horses had “disappeared”….

Thank you, thank you - tip your virtual bartenders

Please forgive – how often can you use a rapture joke in horse racing?

The horses I’m really talking about are Flashpoint – and to some extent Sway Away.  I really thought Flashpoint was capable of having the race Shackleford pulled off – and even if I didn’t think Sway Away would win the Preakness, he’s got more ability than a 12^th place finish against a number of these horses.

More and more Sway Away appears to be the athlete with all of the talent, but none of the drive!

Last week I wrote that Shackleford appeared to be a much better horse than the racing world had come to accept. Now with his Preakness victory - the future looks very bright for this early speedster, and I don’t know how anyone couldn’t have a great deal of respect for him at this point.

Watching the race, you’ll notice he stumbles out of the gate (#5) – regains his composure – and runs stride for stride with Flashpoint….the contrast in Flashpoint’s finish (last) versus Shackleford’s (First) is a very telling sign of their talents.

Personally I didn’t think Shackleford had a mile and 3/16^th in him….I thought he would fall back after a mile and 1/16 – and someone (my guess and hope was Animal Kingdom) would surpass him in the last furlong.

Another horse I thought might "be there" was Mucho Macho Man - but out of the gate he leans outwards and bumps into the horse next to him....he captures solid footing, but then runs into a pocket of horses in the first turn. I think at that point his chances of winning were over.

In the end – Shackleford had enough fight to pull off a historic victory. One interesting bit to look for as you watch the race is in the last few yards. Shackleford swerves into the middle of the track, almost at the last moment, just enough to have Animal Kingdom break his momentum.

Hats off to Animal Kingdom as well – both he and Shackleford have been relatively neglected during this racing campaign – and granted the lack of attention is justifiable – but as we close the end of an unpredictable Triple Crown Trail….these two horses have been very solid in their last three outings.

I’m reading that they may face off again in the Belmont Stakes --- however the length of that race certainly favors Animal Kingdom….my hope is that Nehro, The Factor, Uncle Mo, Animal Kingdom and Shackleford can compete in at least one race before it’s all said and done. It probably won’t happen – however perhaps the Travers Stakes in Saratoga or the West Virginia Derby can find a way to field these great horses in August….one can hope.

Video to follow:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwJnqJ1Yvj4

Preakness

Pimlico

Saturday May 21st , 2011
Name: Preakness Stakes Grade: I
Purse: $1,000,000
Distance/Restrictions: 1 3/16 Miles, Dirt, 3 Year Olds, STAKES

Astrology

Norman Asbjornson

King Congie

Flashpoint
Shackleford
Sway Away
Midnight Interlude
Dance City
Mucho Macho Man

Dialed In

Animal Kingdom
Isn’t He Perfect
Concealed Identity
Mr. Commons

You see this wasn’t how it was supposed to happen……many of us foresaw a season where Uncle Mo would make a serious run at becoming the first horse to win both the Triple Crown and the Juvenile Championship..….instead he scratched days before the Kentucky Derby…..please play following link for effect:

In California and in Arkansas The Factor piqued our interest with three straight victories…and then he fizzled in the Arkansas Derby - recent news indicates he's dealing with an injury.

(see ESPN stories --------------------------------------->)

After finishing 2nd in three consecutive derbies maybe Nehro would be the horse to watch in the Preakness? Nope! He’s taking the day off.

So….do you believe in #10 Animal Kingdom?

I can tell you I “want” to believe he can end the 33 year draught without a Triple Crown – but this season in particular has been so unpredictable, I’m close to advising....

Closing Speed likes: Picking a long shot….any long shot – even if the horse has given you absolutely no reason to believe they’ll be solid this Saturday.....and if they don’t win blame the Jockey.

But that seems very defeatist (along with pitiful, bitter, frustrated……etc). It also seems too easy of a way out.....

So let’s take a look at the field…..

There are only two horses who enter the Preakness off an immediate victory - Kentucky Derby winner, Animal Kingdom and recent stakes winner Concealed Identity.

#13 Concealed Identity has two consecutive victories here at Pimlico, and in my opinion this field is so unpredictable – a home field advantage is enough to make this horse at least a consideration.

Along with Animal Kingdom, four additional horses return from the Kentucky Derby -

Early speedster #5 Shackleford closed out an impressive 4th in the KY Derby and will enjoy a great starting spot in this race - a mile and 1/16 seems like the perfect distance for this horse....unfortunately the Preakness is one more furlong (1/8 of a mile).

#7 Midnight Interlude continued the grand tradition of coming out of California racing and proving to be a disappointment (16th KY Derby). He enjoyed a solid position in the KY Derby and failing to deliver. I’m reading where several people think this is the horse to watch….I’m not buying it.

#9 Mucho Macho Man – (3rd KY Derby) – he ran the kind of race we expected, but couldn’t close out as strongly as Animal Kingdom. The distance here is shorter….but I don’t know if that matters. Keep in mind the KY Derby was Mucho’s first return to racing since losing his shoe in the Louisiana Derby….so it’s possible he still wasn’t 100% going into the KY Derby. Could make a better step forward here.

#10 Dialed In – (8th KY Derby) – When this horse won the Florida Derby, I think a number of folks believed that Shackleford (60-1 odds and beaten by a nose) was just a fluke that day and that, in contrast, Dialed In was the kind of horse with plenty of late speed who would improve as the distances got longer (which they do in the Triple Crown). However, looking back I’m not so sure that Shackleford isn’t a much better horse than people are giving him credit for…and that Dialed In was only slightly better that day.

The Preakness is really going to show if Dialed In just had a bad day in Kentucky or if he was completely over hyped as the favorite. Many experts feel he fell too far behind early on in the race – we’ll see if there are any adjustments made for the Preakness.

#4 Flashpoint finished fourth in the Florida Derby (against the aforementioned Dialed In and Shackleford) – he may contend as a pace setter in this outing – and that could effect Shackleford’s performance. Flashpoint was brilliant in races under a mile.....if he somehow digs up some endurance - he'll be very dangerous....possible but very unlikely.

#1 Astrology and #12 Isn’t He Perfect last squared off in the Jerome Handicap – Astrology finished 2nd while Isn’t He Perfect loped in at 5th.

Astrology came into this season with a lot of buzz and promise – that has still by and large been unfulfilled. He is apart of one of the last wave of horses sired by A.P. Indy – which is kind of a big deal to Horse Racing people. There’s reason to believe that this horse has the talent he just hasn’t put the pieces together yet – it’s possible it happens in the Preakness. I like his 15-1 odds – but I’m not crazy about his starting spot.

Personally I believe that #6 Sway Away has the ability to be a great horse…..somebody just needs to help this horse understand that being the first to cross the wire is a good thing. When this horse wants to make up ground in the final stretch it is impressive….problem is he just hasn’t wanted to do it lately?? He’s another horse that I believe could blossom at any moment.

#3 King Congie enjoyed three straight victories on Turf before his ownership made a last second bid to get into the Kentucky Derby – by running him in the Blue Grass Stakes where he finished 3rd. I like his starting spot – and this horse will fight for the finish…..question remains if he’s any good on dirt? Which is the question Animal Kingdom may have answered in Kentucky.

#2 Norman Asbjornson – finished a respectable 4th in the Wood Memorial, and 2nd in the Gotham Stakes in New York. He may be solid enough to end up in the top 3 – but I don’t see him winning.

#14 Mr. Commons finished 3rd in the Santa Anita Derby (losing to Midnight Interlude) – unless he creeps up to 50-1, 100-1 --- there’s nothing here of interest.

Finally there’s #8 Dance City, who recently finished 3rd in the Arkansas Derby. I believe that Dance City has some talent – and his starting spot is favorable. The Arkansas Derby was a big step up for this horse, and he may have just needed the race to adjust to the talent level – (Similar to Norman Asbjornson) – I wouldn’t be surprised if he cracked the top three here – I just don’t see him winning.

But no matter what I see in these other horses – whether it’s untapped potential poised for fruition – like Astrology or Sway Away….or horses that are looking to rebound off of a poor race – like Dialed In, Mucho Macho Man and King Congie – the real question still remains –

Do you believe in Animal Kingdom??

His Kentucky Derby victory was remarkable – he overcame a less than preferable post, he weaved well through the traffic – and he won with driving conviction. Was he just in the zone that day?? Or is this horse a legit Triple Crown threat….that’s what Saturday is going to be all about!

From a bettors perspective - I think you roll with the unpredictable nature of this season - $2 win bets on Flashpoint, King Congie, and Astrology will cost a total of $8 - and if one of them pulls off the mild upset it should net you around $35 to $60 - not bad. With all three I like their odds and the starting spots are solid.

In Flashpoint - I see him parting from the field early, and hitting the wire before the late chargers can catch him.

In King Congie - I see a horse liking his first outing on Dirt - and returning to the winner's circle.

In Concealed Identity - home field advantage, against a questionable field - 30-1 odds and rising?

With Astrology - His talent finally comes together.

But that's not what I'm hoping for.....what I'd like to see is an even more impressive victory by Animal Kingdom, with Mucho Macho Man fighting off Sway Away for 2nd and 3rd place.

Closing Speed likes: #11, #9, #6

Kentucky Derby - Recap

Kentucky Derby - Recap

Animal Kingdom

Nehro
Mucho Macho Man

Unplaced horses listed in order of finish.

Shackleford, Master of the Hounds, Santiva, Brilliant Speed, Dialed In, Pants On Fire, Twice the Appeal, Soldat, Stay Thirsty, Derby Kitten, Decisive Moment, Archarcharch, Midnight Interlude, Twinspired, Watch Me Go, Comma to the Top.

I really am considering changing my blog title too – Right Idea, Wrong Horse!

I certainly wasn’t surprised that a relative long shot (20-1) won this race…..Right Idea!

However I did not see Animal Kingdom (especially coming out of the 16 spot) as a possibility – Wrong Horse!

I wasn’t sold on Dialed In for this race – and despite the size of this field – 8th place is pretty pathetic for the Kentucky Derby favorite. A number of analysis feel he fell too far behind the pack in the first mile of the race to make up enough ground for a victory....either that or he was completely over-hyped.

We’ll really know how good this horse is – should he run in the Preakness.

In contrast – the winner Animal Kingdom – only fell back as far as 12th (while Dialed In remained at 19th for the first ¾ of the race).
 
Last week my instinct told me that Animal Kingdom would have to do the following to win this race:

• Go nearly 5 wide (or more) in the final turn
• Not fall too far behind Shackleford / Pants On Fire and Soldat
• Surpass Mucho Macho Man
• Close better than Nehro

It seemed a lot to ask of a horse without a “major” victory – and a new jockey. And that’s why I scratched him off my list – in the end, he was able to do all of it – and (most surprising) he wins with conviction! This isn’t a bob of the head victory…..

I didn’t like Nehro for the victory here – because this horse just seems to love being the bridesmaid -

I'll give Kristen Wiig free advertising....

If Nehro runs in the Preakness it will be his fourth race in little less than two months – by today’s standards that’s quite a bit of racing. For Animal Kingdom it will be his third race in the same amount of time – which is standard.

We'll see if Nehro breaks his second fiddle streak in Baltimore...***spoiler alert - don't count on it.....



I’m disappointed in Pants On Fire – but I’m not surprised – I think he needed to running 1st or 2nd by the ¾ mile marker – and instead he only reached 4th before beginning to fade. He needed to be closer to the rail – to really challenge here.

For the most part – it has been the kind of year – where many horses are having difficulty following up their victories.

My analytical side doubts Animal Kingdom will be the best horse in the field in the Preakness – and that horses like Nehro, Mucho Macho Man, Soldat or maybe even Dialed In will prevail with less horses in the field.

However anyone who reads my blog knows that I’ll be rooting for Animal Kingdom to just keep improving and give us a long awaited Triple Crown!!! Good Luck Animal Kingdom!!

Video to follow:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxtLK9WT7J8