I completely agree with you, if you look at Bull's worktab it's quite clear Baffert has him on a dead send mission. Would be a little surprised if Rod duels the entire way, but it may come down to who gets away the cleanest. Understanding Bull let a maiden get in front of him last race, who they likely didn't see as a threat at all and didn't care, the training pattern indicates that's not going to happen this time. Say what you like about the other speeds in the race, but betting against Baffert to get a horse on the lead when he wants to seems risky.

Not to mention the fact that mud/slop now seems like a real possibility. Another incredible Derby weekend ruined with weather, been epidemic the last 20 years. The amt of rain they are predicting Fri/Sat means high probability for an aberrant turf course, likely with the dreaded dead rail. Maybe it's time to move the Derby to Santa Anita?