We are coming to the end of a Triple Crown season for the ages. While it may not be one of the better groups of 3YOs we've seen, they have definitely given us thrills and chills all along the way.
Now for the Test of Champions going 12 panels.
Joevia: Not surprising to anybody, but this guy needs the lead, and will likely get it. Question is, how fast, and if he can walk the dog Da'Tara style. Not likely, but at least an interesting entry that does add some flavor to the race.
Everfast: I don't know anybody that had this guy hitting the Exacta in the Preakness, but he certainly ran his race with a new top number. Was it his coming out party, or an aberration mired in a late rail bias? Either way, he can't be summarily dismissed with a pedigree that screams he can get the 12 panel distance. Could he be even bigger odds in 10 horse Belmont after a Place finish in a 13 horse Preakness?
Master Fencer: The Japan shipper certainly didn't disappoint with his solid run in the Derby with a strong finish. Connections held off and entered him here in a race that suits his training style even more. Distance shouldn't be a problem. The real question is whether he can be close enough to make a difference late.
Tax: He had a really rough race in the Derby, so his backers can easily cross that one off the board. He should be forwardly placed in here, but his endurance is certainly in question. He is a net +1 in passing horses after the 2nd call in his 6 career races which means he almost assuredly needs to be on the lead to beat these.
Bourbon War: I really liked this guy in the Fountain of Youth. While he got the perfect setup he still couldn't get it done. His Preakness was a massive let down, and he seems to be regressing when others are getting better. Yes, he is a Tapit, but I gotta pass here yet again.
Spinoff: Yes, I liked this guy in the Derby and he was never a factor while wide throughout. He gets a reprieve from me here as I see him sitting a comfortable 2nd/3rd in the pocket and ready to be really interesting in the stretch. He has a legit shot in here.
Sir Winston: Last I checked, he beat the 'wise guy' horse in the
Intrepid Heart last out while trailing him throughout till the racing really mattered. His Tampa Bay Derby wasn't too shabby either. Maybe not a win contender, but a must consideration on any and all exotics for me.
Intrepid Heart: The Wise Guy horse. Breeding out the nostrils and this guy was born for this very race. You just have to wonder if 3 races is enough foundation for a 3YO to run 12 panels even with his breeding.
War of Will: We all know about the Derby controversy, and he certainly got a great trip in the Preakness. He was a massive contender in both when all is said and done and he is the lone horse standing who will run in all 3 Triple Crown races. I very big hat tip for that simple fact. Now for the real world. Rumors are he has lost weight during this TC run, and is a bit tired. Maybe so. Maybe not. When you make up a ticket, you certainly don't want to get beat by a horse who wins 2 Triple Crown races.
Tacitus: Has never ran a bad race. His Derby was pretty damn good and he is suited as a Tapit to win this very race. His numbers are better than every horse in the field, and he is as more tactical horse than any other. He is the horse to beat.
SUMMARY: I like
Spinoff and I'll key him with
Tacitus over everybody else.
