SC

I love Zito. I had Birdstone on Belmont and Travers day. (Dummy me ad Smarty on top in Supers only but was all over the exacta box that day and tri) Was all over him at Keeneland last year with Cliffs Edge (lost in Fla Derby would have scored big if he was second in that one). Had tapit-CE- Smarty National Pic 3 last year for 395 for $20 straight, so Im a Zito Guy. (Zito on the undercard Belmont day last year). I think more highly of this horse than before and do not think 5 weeks compromises this horse at all,especially with more than one 9F races underneath him. He will have to concern himself with Post position draw and with Consolidator,High Limit Pace (BBB if he even tries the derby). He will have Bailey - the best Jockey to position and rate a horse, a great trainer in Zito.

None the less, I bet Sweet Catomine in the Derby Futures. I am anxiously watching this weekends races to see if she really belongs or not. I based my selection on what I saw as extroidanary strong and powerful moves, good TG Figs, and up till pool 1 a weak 3 yo male crop. High Fly and High Limit seem to both be more than capable as well at this point. I like her style for this years field so far. This weekend will clear the picture quite a bit. JB even says you really should wait till May to formulate final decision due to preps and post position(ie ground loss potential). Nows the time to pair down the contenders from the pretenders.

One last thing- Isn't it Ironic that both major male contenders have the word HIGH in the name in a year of drug scandals, shakes et al. Probably just a strange coincedence.

NC Tony