I think it's fair to say that the "Travers", the Midsummer's Derby is a special race, a special day and here we are. A few weeks earlier than usual, no live fans and advertisements by those selling their view of reality or at least their thoughts on the race.

A sport, a nation in more disarray and confusion than I remember since say 1968. My life anyway. Turn back time to 2016 Aug 27 that years' well-subscribed edition of this classic contest.

That West Coast guy was bringing two colts to face a gang of seasoned and accomplished young racehorses.

The Desormeaux's had the favorite [b]Exaggerator[/b] @ 7/2. TAP in arguably his heyday had [b]Destin[/b] a big figure horse from earlier in the year. [b]Gift Box[/b] may be the one to break through that afternoon. Add in [b]Creator[/b], [b]Governor Malibu[/b], and [b]Gun Runner[/b] who was still in the beginning phases of becoming a beast.

CCB who everyone had started taking notice of when he entered one on turf was another being scrutinized. He a NY guy, assuming he would love to win this race, he has two going and he wins races!

All in all IMHO, one hell of a field. as it should be. Bob Baffert was on everybody's radar but he wasn't scaring anybody with [b]American Anthem[/b] he was bet to 5/1 but what had he done who had he beat really? The other one how do you pronounce his name?

Now back to the present. Trainer Baffert compares his entry today to his entry and 11/1 winner ([b]Arrogate[/b]) of 2016. Pause, really, well then the rest are running for second place if [b]Uncle Buck[/b], is it? runs his race aren't they?