One thing that Jerry once mentioned here in passing that has stuck with me is that many times jockeys/connections will be cautious in the big races. You'll look at the PP's and assume that there are speed horses that will be gunning for the lead and they are....kind of checking it out when the gate opens. Speed may be even more valuable in these races because a lot of times the jockeys are a little more cautious and lay back and if someone can save ground and make their own trip they are in even better shape than usual.

War Emblem springs to mind as a prime example of this...and imagine if Lion Heart had been ridden 1w/1w...

JBelfior may be right, but it didn't surprise me that they held back with Azeri. Looking at the PPs for the Classic I was thinking they would go faster early...

HP