{"id":6003,"date":"2008-05-17T02:39:05","date_gmt":"2008-05-17T02:39:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blacktypebugler.com\/?p=6003"},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","slug":"oldbtb_1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/?p=6003","title":{"rendered":"Middle Jewel Stakes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional\/\/EN\"\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/html4\/loose.dtd\"><html><head><title>Untitled Document<\/title><meta http-equiv=\"Content-Type\" content=\"text\/html; charset=iso-8859-1\"><\/head><body><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The hype all spring has been on the Bluegrass Derby, but with that great race  behind us, we know turn our attention to the second race in the Triple Crown.  It&#8217;s <strong>Middle Jewel<\/strong> time, and Maryland has put on a party for  fun-loving racegoers. The G1 has drawn a topnotch field as usual. Of the 14  runners, 10 are shipping in from Kentucky. Three of the remaining four come  out of the Chief Snow Handicap in California, with the final entrant moving  out of owner-restricted stakes company. Keep an eye on those four, as no horse  has ever won the Middle Jewel without also running in the Derby. If one wins,  it would be a huge break with tradition. <\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The stakes record is owned by <strong>Unbridled Fury<\/strong>. The colt posted  a superb final time of 1: 53.4 in 2002. Other notable winners include <strong>I  Seek U<\/strong> (2003), <strong>Fly For Buda<\/strong> (2006), and <strong>Tuff  Enuff <\/strong>(2004). Up for grabs in the Middle Jewel is a G1 win, a $1million  purse, and a place in sim history. <\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<table width=\"100%\"  border=\"0\">\n<tr>\n<th width=\"3%\" rowspan=\"3\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">1<\/th>\n<th width=\"18%\" valign=\"middle\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Alydar Again <\/th>\n<th width=\"14%\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Trainer<\/th>\n<th width=\"12%\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Jockey<\/th>\n<th width=\"8%\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Top SP <\/th>\n<th width=\"9%\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Record<\/th>\n<th width=\"10%\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Earnings<\/th>\n<th width=\"6%\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Odds<\/th>\n<th width=\"6%\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\"> Rank <\/th>\n<th width=\"14%\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">\n<div align=\"center\">Residency<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"middle\">\n<div align=\"center\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/home.myuw.net\/tlaxson\/btb\/derby\/corzacan.gif\">      <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Texasace04<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">P Haynes <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">102<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">11:5-1-1-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">$433,250<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">14-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">14<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">DelPenn<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"8\">\n<p>The colt skipped the Bluegrass Derby in favor        of the DelPenn Derby, where he ran a well-beaten third behind a Zewango        trainee and Alydar Again&#8217;s stablemate WSOP. AA is perfect at 9.5f, and        if that decent third in the DelPenn race is any clue, AA appears to be        getting back in shape. Campaigned by a very crafty trainer, this colt    could turn in a surprise performance. <\/p>\n<p>Awesome Again x North Vote (Northern Baby) <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th rowspan=\"3\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"row\">2<\/th>\n<th valign=\"middle\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\">\n<div align=\"center\">Shetan<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Trainer<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Jockey<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Top SP <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Record<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Earnings<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Odds<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\"> Rank <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">\n<div align=\"center\">Residency<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"middle\">\n<div align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/home.myuw.net\/tlaxson\/btb\/derby08\/topicount.gif\">      <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Cdragon<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">V Jennings <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">104<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">8:3-2-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">$429,980<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">8-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">15<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">GR Simsters <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"8\">\n<p>Shetan is the    most accomplished of the Topicount Trio at 9.5f with a stakes win and a G2        second by a nose (lost by a nose) as well. With a pair of 104s at this        clearly-preferred distance, he must be considered a strong threat. His    ability to stalk or rate sure doesn&#8217;t hurt. <\/p>\n<p>Storm Cat x Bucephalus (Fusaichi Pegasus) <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th rowspan=\"3\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"row\">3<\/th>\n<th valign=\"middle\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\">\n<div align=\"center\">Panhandling<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Trainer<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Jockey<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Top SP <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Record<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Earnings<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Odds<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\"> Rank <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">\n<div align=\"center\">Residency<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"middle\">\n<div align=\"center\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/home.myuw.net\/tlaxson\/btb\/derby08\/dixiedotco.gif\">      <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Dixiedotco<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">C Gerhke <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">106<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">10:4-4-0<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">$407,010<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">8-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">18<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Pastures of Green <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"8\">\n<p>Panhandling a arrived in Maryland by way of        a superb win in the Chief Snow in sunny California. The colt is a confirmed        frontrunner with a strong tendency to actually hang on in the stretch        when it counts. If he isn&#8217;t out front at the first call, count him out,    but if he is, Dixiedotco just be picking up yet another big win. <\/p>\n<p>A.P. Indy x Heaven&#8217;s Gate (Seeking the Gold)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th rowspan=\"3\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"row\">4<\/th>\n<th valign=\"middle\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\">\n<div align=\"center\">Folsom Blues <\/div>\n<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Trainer<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Jockey<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Top SP <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Record<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Earnings<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Odds<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\"> Rank <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">\n<div align=\"center\">Residency<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"middle\">\n<div align=\"center\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/home.myuw.net\/tlaxson\/btb\/derby08\/lenny.jpg\">        <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Jimcougar<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">N Lawton <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">106<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">6:4-1-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">$799,320<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">7-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">3<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">GR Simsters <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"8\">\n<p>Blues is nearly impervious to failure.        Six starts, six top threes, and he&#8217;s continually posting some big figures.        Had too many horses to try to move around in the Derby to run better        than fifth, but racegoers were impressed by his strong stretch run. Should        benefit from the smaller field, and while he&#8217;s not tested at 9.5f, with        a superb win at 9 and an excellent third at 10, there&#8217;s no reason to    think he won&#8217;t love it. <\/p>\n<p>Fusaichi Pegasus x Nureyev <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th rowspan=\"3\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"row\">5<\/th>\n<th valign=\"middle\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\">\n<div align=\"center\">Tap Dances <\/div>\n<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Trainer<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Jockey<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Top SP <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Record<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Earnings<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Odds<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\"> Rank <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">\n<div align=\"center\">Residency<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"middle\">\n<div align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/home.myuw.net\/tlaxson\/btb\/derby08\/topicount.gif\">      <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Gg<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">V Gardner <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">104<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">13:6-3-0<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">$295,326<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">17-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">36<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">GR Simsters <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"8\">\n<p>The second of the Topicount Trio, Tap Dances        chose the Bluegrass Derby to post his slowest SP since July of his 2yo        season. A poor showing indeed for a horse many considered an excellent        candidate for the rose blanket. Surely he&#8217;ll have bounced back into his        pre-race form and be ready to run fast. Big concern is his  preferred        running style. Both 100+ SPs came in wire to wire wins; with Panhandling        a faster frontrunner, Tap Dances has his work cut out. <\/p>\n<p>Kingmambo x Swingtime Sal (Danzig) <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th rowspan=\"3\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"row\">6<\/th>\n<th valign=\"middle\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\">\n<div align=\"center\">Fleet Daisy <\/div>\n<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Trainer<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Jockey<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Top SP <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Record<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Earnings<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Odds<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\"> Rank <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">\n<div align=\"center\">Residency<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"middle\">\n<div align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/home.myuw.net\/tlaxson\/btb\/derby08\/opus.gif\">      <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Opus<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">J White <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">100<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">11:4-2-2<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">$1,577,970<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">13-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">4<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Minnesota Downs <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"8\">\n<p>The hero of the 2007 Breeders Bowl Juvenile hasn&#8217;t been        quite living up to his 2yo exploits. All hope is not lost, however. Daisy        finally hit his first 3-digit speed figure in the Derby, and was less        than seven lengths out of the win. Has a lovely come from behind style        of running. I suspect he&#8217;ll enjoy this distance immensely, and we should        see a much-improved placing this time around.<\/p>\n<p>Afleet Alex x Rhino Daisy (Affirmed) <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th rowspan=\"3\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"row\">7<\/th>\n<th valign=\"middle\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\">\n<div align=\"center\">Kissin Streetcry <\/div>\n<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Trainer<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Jockey<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Top SP <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Record<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Earnings<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Odds<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\"> Rank <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">\n<div align=\"center\">Residency<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"middle\">\n<div align=\"center\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/home.myuw.net\/tlaxson\/btb\/derby08\/sherwood.gif\">      <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Sherwood<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">A Rolling <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">106<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">9:5-2-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">$1,501,720<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">7-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Pastures Of Green <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"8\">\n<p>From #27 and last qualifier in the final seconds of Derby        entries to #1 in the division and 2008 Derby champ is a big leap, but        Doc&#8217;s horse managed the feat with aplomb. The 3-length win is proof enough.        Kissin did it from a mid-closing position, moving into first with a strong        move in early stretch. He didn&#8217;t win by so much that a major regression        would be expected. If he can pull off this one, the hubbub in New        York in three weeks will be huge. <\/p>\n<p>Street Cry x Kissin&#8217; Cousin II (Sadler&#8217;s Wells)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th rowspan=\"3\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"row\">8<\/th>\n<th valign=\"middle\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\">\n<div align=\"center\">Lucky&#8217;s Mash <\/div>\n<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Trainer<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Jockey<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Top SP <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Record<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Earnings<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Odds<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\"> Rank <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">\n<div align=\"center\">Residency<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"middle\">\n<div align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/home.myuw.net\/tlaxson\/btb\/derby08\/ohioracing.gif\">      <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Ohioracing<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">JR Fraser<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">101<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">12:4-2-2<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">$502,830<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">11-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">19<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Ohio Thoroughbred Racing <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"8\">\n<p>His big brother (Lucky&#8217;s Capital) skipped the Middle Jewel        last year in favor of a shot at the New Yorker, but Mash has something        to prove this year. He ran a superb fourth in the Derby, beaten just        five lengths and closing from well back. He&#8217;s a G1 winner at 9.5, and        should benefit from the smaller field and shorter distance. Big question        is, how will he handle his fifth race in 10 weeks? <\/p>\n<p>With Approval x Dandy Delight (Kris)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th rowspan=\"3\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"row\">9<\/th>\n<th valign=\"middle\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\">\n<div align=\"center\">Sunset Mesa <\/div>\n<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Trainer<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Jockey<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Top SP <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Record<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Earnings<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Odds<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\"> Rank <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">\n<div align=\"center\">Residency<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"middle\">\n<div align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/home.myuw.net\/tlaxson\/btb\/derby08\/topicount.gif\">      <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Twoofus2<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">F Gossett <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">105<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">12:4-3-2<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">$1,139,260<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">8-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">2<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">GR Simsters <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"8\">\n<p>Last of the Topicount Trio and unarguably the most accomplished        overall. Mesa was second in the Derby, and has a great 9f G1 win on his        record (the Florida Derby). Have to love a horse so inexperienced yet        so darn good routing. Really like him here, his preference for sitting        just off the pace will serve him well. <\/p>\n<p>Sky Mesa x Bayou Cajun (Fusaichi Pegasus)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th rowspan=\"3\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"row\">10<\/th>\n<th valign=\"middle\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\">\n<div align=\"center\">Roman Plutonium <\/div>\n<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Trainer<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Jockey<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Top SP <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Record<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Earnings<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Odds<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\"> Rank <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">\n<div align=\"center\">Residency<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"middle\">\n<div align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/home.myuw.net\/tlaxson\/btb\/derby08\/leiter.gif\">      <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Leiter<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">B F Abman <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">104<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">14:7-3-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">$527,318<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">10-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">6<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Minnesota<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"8\">\n<p>Roman went from a huge Corkscrew (G1) win to a dismal        Derby twelfth. Not a terrible surprise, given his propensity for running        big every other race. The good news for his connections is this race        should, based on past form, be a big one from the colt. Should hang out        just off the lead, and take over going around the turn if all goes as        planned. <\/p>\n<p>Roman Ruler x Lady Arc (Seattle Slew) <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th rowspan=\"3\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"row\">11<\/th>\n<th valign=\"middle\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\">\n<div align=\"center\">Pro Mon <\/div>\n<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Trainer<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Jockey<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Top SP <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Record<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Earnings<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Odds<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\"> Rank <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">\n<div align=\"center\">Residency<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"middle\">\n<div align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/home.myuw.net\/tlaxson\/btb\/derby08\/epic.gif\">      <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Mardigras<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">D Givins <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">107<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">10:2-1-3<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">$380,440<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">11-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">12<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">GR Simsters <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"8\">\n<p>No rainclouds in the Maryland forecast makes Pro Mon&#8217;s        trainer a very sad one. Pro is a poster-colt for the Derby lock prep        system, as he would not be here were it not for some lucky rain in Dubai        on Sand Castle Derby day. The nw3l-eligible colt actually is a decent        runner, with G2 and G3 placings on his resume to complement the G1 Sand        Castle win. Should appreciate the drop in distance, and might benefit        from the quick turnaround and lack of effort he put in on Derby day. <\/p>\n<p>Maria&#8217;s Mon x Pro Cat (Storm Cat)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th rowspan=\"3\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"row\">12<\/th>\n<th valign=\"middle\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\">\n<div align=\"center\">Gideon&#8217;s Trumpet<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Trainer<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Jockey<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Top SP <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Record<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Earnings<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Odds<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\"> Rank <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">\n<div align=\"center\">Residency<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"middle\">\n<div align=\"center\">\n<p><strong>(no silks) <\/strong>        <\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Floralpark<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">P Davis <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">105<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">9:4-1-0<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">$241,120<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">10-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">40<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Northwest Racing Circuit <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"8\">\n<p>Second in the Chief Snow behind Panhandling, Trumpet earned        his way in the hard way. His only G1 start ended in failure as he ran        a comparatively slow 92 in the Wooden Indian, but the Chief Snow indicates        that G1 was more an aberration. Really like him stretching out an extra        sixteenth, and have to like him with the extra week&#8217;s rest compared to        the Derby starters. Plus, what a beauty of a classic pedigree this colt        carries. <\/p>\n<p>Awesome Again x Forty Niner <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th rowspan=\"3\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"row\">13<\/th>\n<th valign=\"middle\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\">\n<div align=\"center\">Very Funny <\/div>\n<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Trainer<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Jockey<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Top SP <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Record<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Earnings<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Odds<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\"> Rank <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">\n<div align=\"center\">Residency<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"middle\">\n<div align=\"center\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/home.myuw.net\/tlaxson\/btb\/derby08\/flagdown.gif\">        <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Kissnsocal<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">D Fendlay Jr <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">98<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">9:3-2-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">$286,360<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">21-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">24<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Pastures Of Green <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"8\">\n<p>And we have the third place finisher in the Chief Snow        as well. Will need to keep a closer eye on that race in the future if        more horses use it as a Middle Jewel launch pad. Very Funny wasn&#8217;t laughing        when he lost by nine in California, but hey, a third is a third. Most        concerning with this colt is his lack of a triple-digit speed figure        on the resume. While continuing to route makes sense with this horse,        when you have an undefeated sprinter you really have to wonder if shortening        up might help him get back to the winner&#8217;s circle. <\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s No Joke x Initial Corn (Belong To Me) <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th rowspan=\"3\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"row\">14<\/th>\n<th valign=\"middle\" bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\">\n<div align=\"center\">Wireless Eavesdrop<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Trainer<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Jockey<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Top SP <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Record<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Earnings<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">Odds<\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\"> Rank <\/th>\n<th bgcolor=\"#BBBBEE\" scope=\"col\">\n<div align=\"center\">Residency<\/div>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"middle\">\n<div align=\"center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/home.myuw.net\/tlaxson\/btb\/derby08\/kbsweet.gif\">      <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">Econ<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">W McLendon <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">107<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">8:6-0-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">$469,580<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">7-1<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">7<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<div align=\"center\">State Tag Series <\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"8\">\n<p>Now under new management, Wireless returns from an uncharacteristic        11th place on the hunt for revenge. Can&#8217;t believe 10f is too long, but        dropping back a bit in distance sure won&#8217;t hurt the colt. He&#8217;ll need        to stay a bit closer to the lead to really have a strong chance, but        will be easier in this smaller field. Expect him to run much better than        he did in the Derby. <\/p>\n<p>Smarty Jones x Eye of Singularity (Danzig) <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>So who&#8217;s the winner? On sheer entrant-to-field-size ratio, you have to think  <em>Topicount&#8217;s<\/em> got the winner. <strong>Sunset Mesa<\/strong> is in fantastic  form, but if he can&#8217;t get it done, <strong>Shetan<\/strong> and <strong>Tap  Dances<\/strong> are there to pick up the pieces. Of course, Topicount probably  wouldn&#8217;t mind seeing Tap Dances if for nothing else than to have two active  Middle Jewel winners in the same stable (Fly For Buda is TD&#8217;s stablemate).  When you have a convincing Derby winner like <strong>Kissin  Streetcry<\/strong>,  you always have to hope that we&#8217;ll be privileged to see another Triple Crown  winner. <strong>Roman  Plutonium<\/strong>  is perfectly set for a huge race here. <em>Lenny&#8217;s<\/em> still  looking for his Triple Crown winner, maybe his Derby second-stringer <strong>Folsom  Blues<\/strong> can  go from third to first this time around. Would be a very interesting story  if the management switch somehow propels <strong>Wireless Eavesdrop<\/strong> to  the winner&#8217;s circle. Every entrant (except<strong> Pro Mon<\/strong> due to  lack of water on the track) has a legitimate shot at a win. <\/p>\n<p><\/body><\/html><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Race for the Triple Crown continues<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6003","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-previews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6003","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6003"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6003\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6003"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6003"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6003"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}