Solid Grade I for this time of year.

The key of course is how sharp Roses In May and Saint Liam return.

Normally, I don't like horses returning off a layoff of more than 60 days in a Grade I race. That's especially true early in the year. Both of these horses could have huge campaigns ahead of them. Typically, a trainer wouldn't want a horse like this peaking in February. :-)

However, they really are the only legit Grade I horses in the race. Plus there isn't much speed to press them and demand 100% fitness.

Eddington and Pies Prospect are newly turned 4 year olds that showed some potential last year. Either could develop further this year. They both come off solid victories. If the top two are off their game a bit, either could sneak a Grade I on to their resumes.

Seek Gold has one good race, but has been out for awhile also. I consider him a notch below the second string. The best thing he has going for him is that he's trained by Zito and doesn't figure to win. :-)

Back to the stars....

I think Roses In May has run big races a little more consistently than St Liam (whose only really spectacular race came when he battled Ghostzapper so gamely). RIM's BC and Whitney were both terrific. His overall record is more impressive.

On the flip side SL has already run very well off a layoff against a top horse and has been almost as impressive since Dutrow took over.

It's a tough race to bet.

I can't see betting on either of the top two because they will both be very short odds and you don't know how much horse you are getting at this stage.

Between Pies P and Eddington, (if you put a gun to my head), I might take Eddington at a big price (if you can get it) because he was clearly prepped for this. IMO his overall record looks as though he has more potential for improvment. He has been decent against the best all along.



Post Edited (02-04-05 16:50)