Yes. And a lightening fast track would favor speed. But for the Derby this is where there exceptions to the Rule.

There is a 20 horse field. The run to the 1st turn is a quarter mile and creates a scramble to get out and get position. The year Monarchos won he ran the 2nd fastest time in Derby history. The Track that day was lightening fast. Monarchos came from way back. Everyone with speed tried to send and the pace collapsed. Point Given who was a heavy favorite bounced. Point Given won the Pteakness and Belmont by 10. Monarchos I'm not sure ever won again and he follows some other Derby winners who did that.

I still remember post race I was in the paddock for the next race and D Wayne and Baffert were pretty Big Rivals then. Bob was breaking his records. Wayne put his arm around my neck and pulled me in whispering in my ear "There is no such thing as a Lock out there friend." And smiled and winked as he walked away to his stall. Those two became good friends but make no mistake for a while there they wanted to kick each others A$$es. I miss D Wayne and his sense of humor...😊