I can’t see investing more than token money in this Travers. These are competent horses, but you have to suspect most of them are survivors more than the cream of the crop. Some still think Bellamania is the crop’s top horse and what he does at Saratoga Saturday will shed additional light upon whether the Wood was a one time anomaly or whether he’s got the potential to be mentioned in the same breath as Afleet Alex or Smarty Jones. There’s a lot to factor in trying to ascertain where Bellmania stands. First and foremost being whether he’s run as fast as some of the reputation figure makers maintain. In that regard, I know private figure makers that have his Wood only one length faster than Flower Alley’s Jim Dandy.

Another issue with the Travers is to ask what impacted Bellamania’s fade in the Derby? Some are convinced he was on the golden part of the track until the stretch run, but that running over the deeper going late wasn’t why he faded. Where you were on the strip appears to have played as big a role in the Derby as how fast you ran early. At least that is the consensus among some pretty astute handicappers. In that regard Flower Alley ran the Derby quicksand and all things considered held up pretty dang well. He’s also golden at the Spa and a projected third choice with Bellamania going off at a probable 7-5 upon fast figure reputation.

Lastly, you have to wonder about the sudden change of plans by Zito. Its quite probable Zito eyed the entries and said “This is a chance to speed pop em like we did in the Wood and even if he’s not up to the trip, his presence gives Andromeda’s Hero a lift”. (You have to remember Hero and Alley have run dead close to each other.) But in the end analysis, these are not the top horses of the crop and other than Bellamania there is no committed front ender. If Bellamania can’t beat the survivor tier with the tactical situation he likes, you can kiss those 120 Beyers goodbye. You won’t see them again, even if you think you saw them the first time. But that said, Flower Alley ain’t no Shrinking Violet and unless Alley’s saddle slips at the four mark pole, don’t count upon another Wood optical illusion.

But then, I’m looking to beat Foggy in the King’ Bishop as well. “Some men see thing that are and ask why?” I dream things that never were and ask: “Why not?”

P.S. Roman Ruler’s foot issues are healed. Sure he could pop another, but its additional speculation.




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/27/2005 03:59PM by Chuckles_the_Clown2.