Pace (or lack of) makes the race, and often times can be very telling as to future class.

Case in point: Monarchos Derby vs. 2005-

Identical track conditions, BUT 1:59:4 on a
:44:4 pace vs 2:02:3 on a 45:1; the last half in 53 and change?? Good harness horses can almost do that!!

At least Congaree, Point Given, and Balto Star
came out of this and were good horses; it will be interesting to see if any of this year's group amount to much.

Many unanswered questions here; are todays training methods putting horses "over the top"
too soon? Are all these speed-oriented pedigrees finally catching up with the breeder's?? Less 2YO foundation???

I can't fathom how any sheet maker can make this race fit a profile; did all the good one's bounce, and what kind of # do you give the winner? Brave new world....