Re: Patterns going into the Preakness (374 Views)
Posted by:
Chuckles_the_Clown2 (IP Logged)
Date: May 13, 2005 10:23AM
Its debatable what Alex beat in the Ark, but whats not debatable is that until he was motored down at the wire (pre wire actually) he was increasing the lead on every horse in the field. It was a Bellamania type race from Wide and off the Pace. He did come home in an 11 and change, regardless of the downhill debate.
Alex got the distance and the furlong didn't beat him. The bounce did. Its not like Giacomo and Closing Argument out pedigreed him, but they did outform him. I'm sure the connections of Wild Desert are kicking themselves for not trying to make the field.
Personally I'm of the opinion that Alex is the star of the crop. Held that opinion since the B.C. Juvenile (though considered a Derby bomb) and nothing in the Derby shakes that notion. Still that could be wrong and have lost a good deal on those two races. Just wish the entire Fab Four had been right for the Derby is all.
The Preakness is another matter and Alex as favorite looks vulnerable, but not on distance limitation or training regime.