These times the horses are finishing in are all slow this year.

1.51 in the Wood. 1.50 in the Blue Grass. Only Angel of Empire in the Arkansas cracked 1:50.

Forte's time in the Florida Derby was nothing special.

I still like Red Route One, but he had a terrible trip in the Arkansas. Maybe he'd do better in the Belmont with a smaller field. If you give me 30-1 or 40-1 on him in the Kentucky Derby, I would still consider him.

Happy Easter, everyone!

I'm certainly not saying Forte can't win, but his figs don't stand above those of a lot of horses in the field. He's absolutely going to be a bad underlay.

It seems to me that Tapit Trice is the best horse, but he has issues of his own.

Verifying looks like he's set up pretty nicely for a big effort on Derby Day.

Two Phils has the best fig anyone has run this year. It happened on synthetic so I'm not sure what to make of it, but you can't find a more honest horse in the field.

Skinner has a chance but his problem is Victor. Nothing against Victor, but he can't ride effectively since he broke his back. His doctors have probably told him he shouldn't even be riding. At this level you need every advantage you can possibly get.

The Japanese people didn't bring Mandarin Hero over here just to change their watches. He raced huge yesterday and he should be a player on May 6.

_________________
Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
I thought I saw him walkin' up to The Hill
With Elon, Kash, and Don

[quote="Joe Orr Road Rod"]I'm certainly not saying Forte can't win, but his figs don't stand above those of a lot of horses in the field. He's absolutely going to be a bad underlay.

It seems to me that Tapit Trice is the best horse, but he has issues of his own.

Verifying looks like he's set up pretty nicely for a big effort on Derby Day.

Two Phils has the best fig anyone has run this year. It happened on synthetic so I'm not sure what to make of it, but you can't find a more honest horse in the field.

Skinner has a chance but his problem is Victor. Nothing against Victor, but he can't ride effectively since he broke his back. His doctors have probably told him he shouldn't even be riding. At this level you need every advantage you can possibly get.

The Japanese people didn't bring Mandarin Hero over here just to change their watches. He raced huge yesterday and he should be a player on May 6.[/qu
Mandarian Hero on the outside lookin in

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I'm going to bounce from the spot for awhile but I will be back at some point to argue with you about this hoops stuff again. Playoffs have been great this season. See ya up the road.

I'm out.

What impresses me about Two Phils is that he had trouble with 1 1/8 mi. in the Risen Star but coasted at the same distance in the Jeff Ruby. He's gotten stronger and more fit as he's matured. Two Phils has as good of a chance as any horse to win on the first Sat. in May.

Mandarin Hero is sitting at No. 22. I think he should be able to get into the race.

_________________
Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
I thought I saw him walkin' up to The Hill
With Elon, Kash, and Don