My preliminary take is remembering this classic prep was downgraded to a Grade 2 recently. Initially, I thought the downgrade was a function of the race winners under-performing in the classics. Maybe. I've long thought that wintering in N.Y. was no advantage for triple crown preparation.

So outside of the nine dots for a minute. South Florida trainer Joseph Saffie Jr. ships two arguably in fair to good form runners, from warm South Florida to a cool NY. Many will opine that the climates are a non-factor.

Mr. Saffie may not have the celebrity or home-field advantage of locals Pletcher, Brown but seemingly he anticipates easy pickings if not Saturday then maybe at Belmont soon after?

In the heart of Corporate America, it's nearly impossible to get by Plectcher Inc. Asmussen is likely to get a piece as his trainees are as dependable as the U.S. mail used to be. Lastly, Mike Maker's undefeated N.Y. Bred has winningest Aqu jockey up. Congrats Dylan.

So where do the Floridians fit in? The right brain likes them the left brain doesn't or is that vice-a-versa? If they end up taking money I'll really be confused!