I like a different take on things. As I have always preached on this forum, you cannot win without numbers and you cannot win just using numbers.

Interesting viewpoint you have. I was at Aqueduct on Saturday and as soon as BOB & JOHN went after KEYED ENTRY into the first turn, my reaction was that Baffert had him cranked to win. He could have easily let B&J run his own race and close for second and then get ready for the big one. Similar to what Ward did with MONARCHOS versus CONGAREE. My thoughts are that Baffert knows he does not have a prime contender for the Derby and what's wrong with a $750K purse.

You may counter with the point that B&J needed a tough race and that would be fine. Baffert did that with SILVER CHARM. Still would have liked to see a better finishing time, even if he was running out of his comfort zone and on a tiring track. He made the McLaughlin horse look a lot better than he is. Makes me wonder how far he really wants to go.

Look at it this way. If you're right, you'll be right at better than 10-1.



Good Luck,
Joe B.