The Four Contenders

The more you watch it all starts to fall together. Last year based on the videos I eliminated my prior pick, Stormello. This year again it becomes more and more obvious from the tape. There are but four exceptional horses, and coincidentally 3 of the 4 also have the strongest training jobs.

Based on recorded works last year I puzzled over Hard Spun and how he could look so strong with so little breezing. It's all out now, for this morning we saw L. Jones demonstrate his methods. The filly Eight Belles galloped most of her Wednesday mile at 2 min lick or faster. At one point I timed her in :28 for 2f, and that's carrying 200 lbs. It was most impressive and shows why Jones breezes sporadically. There's more here than what appears in the sheets, which finally explains this intelligent trainer.

Big Brown Wed. morning galloped 3/4 mile on his left lead with the exercise rider seeming to forget about the lead change at the 3/16 pole. Concerning of course in injury prevention terms. Nevertheless watching the horse it's hard to send too much flack Dutrow Jr.'s way for noting he's got possibly the best horse ever in his shedrown, and plaudits to Dutrow for crediting the horse. This also possibly is the second best training job.

Colonel John continues to look good, and while Dutrow may consider BB unbeatable, they might want to look in the rear view mirror around the eight pole.

Only a horse with exceptional talent will be able to keep up with the three above, and there's one other, which would be Dennis of Cork. Dennis's training will prevent a win, but there's enough bottom that combined with the talent, Dennis seems the only other that would have a shot.

Training:
Wed. 4/30 riderless light work for both before tomorrow's speed. Skipped tack work when it was discovered Art had sprung yet another shoe.