A key race in any a number of P3s, 4s, 5s, an 6s. And a loaded race at that.
Honest Mischief: Not gonna lie, I've been following this horse and after his monster last out with a Sheet number of a 2, there is no way in Hades he'll go off at 6/1. At worst he'll be 3rd favorite. Major contender.
Much Better: Front running Baffert didn't bring his best last out and Mind Control seems to have his number. Near back to back bullet works coming in should spark interest. Toss in Mike Smith in the irons and he becomes very interesting.
Borracho: Rolls in off of his best career race followed by 2 solid bullet works. I'd typically say no chance, but this is a 3YO likely on the rise. In a race with plenty of speed, he could sit a great trip. Monster price with a likely solid shot.
Complexity: Name pretty well says it all. This very lightly raced 3YO makes his 3YO beau in a very tough field. He was supposed to be a Triple Crown contending horse, but lands here in a 7F sprint with other options available. He'll get bet. Is this Baffert good enough off the bench as a 3YO firster amid these?
Landeskog: Front-runner will need things to go his way. His 'friend' just to his outside closed and finished him off last out, but that was after brutal fractions of :21.1 and :44.1. Little doubt he is fast, but can he stay 6F, much less 7?
Nitrous: As mentioned in the previous, he got the perfect setup to win last out. Lost to a number of other rivals in here, and isn't the best closer in this bunch. Would need a career best to maybe even hit the board.
Strike Silver: Getting better, but not sure he is read for this group. Casse/Ortiz are interesting. Could be a good one, maybe not ready just yet.
Hog Creek Hustle: Doesn't get much respect at the windows in his last 4. Seems to always run his race, but would likely need a lot of help to hit the board. While he has 2 Place finishes while not getting bet in his last 4, he was no threat to win. Bottom of exotics seems like his ceiling here.
Mind Control: At his best, he is on or near the lead. However, he doesn't need the lead. ML favorite is as tactical and talented as any horse in the field. Major contender that has to be respected that is working well coming in.
Lexitonian: Nice win last out at a number, but he was spanked 2 back by Borracho who will be a price in here. Not sure he is getting any better, even after a win.
Wendell Fong: Really interesting horse that hasn't done much wrong other than losing to Alwaysmining. Works are great, and he just won on this strip. Serious shot at a 10/1 ML.
SUMMARY: I'm a sucker for the
.
should be appetizing prices.
