The magic number to get in is on the rise, anything in the 20's used to be good enough.If you toss the poly and Dubai points out it's still a 30 something target.
Trainers who have been trending to only 2 derby preps had better have their horses primed for a top effort, there is no room for a stumble. For Kool Aide drinkers this could create an interesting dilemma? The TAP approach with Destin will be watched closely, what to do with the big top too early? IMHO I simply can't see a lightly raced 3 yr old giving a peak performance at 10f off 8 weeks on the bench.
We will see.
My prediction is you will see more trainers targeting 3 preps again in a more old school approach to bring them along building to the 1st Saturday in May.Brody's Cause is a perfect example this year. A BIG X in Tampa forced him to have to win or be 2nd in the Bluegrass to get in. Cherry Wine and My Man Sam switch who's in and who is out by a head.
It should be a very interesting next 3 weeks with some nice looking forward moving patterns of horses who have yet to run fast?
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Good luck,
Frank D.
