miff Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Chuck,
>
> KE is now definite for the Derby and tell the
> truth you bet on Zito@Kee as opposed to Sun King.

Miff, I didn't have Little Cliff in my Bluegrass bet at all. But yes, I considered the Zito Factor as well as the fact that I've always believed Sun King is suited for 7 and 8 poles. I just wish Spanish Chestnut had broke better.

>
>
> Richiebee,
>
> The semi-suck up by Stepenwolffer was his best
> effort to date.He didn't hang at all. The pace on
> that surface yesterday was very fast and S-WOLF
> made a pretty long sustained run from way back.

Depending upon what they do up front Derby Day, Steppenwolfer is one of those that has me looking over my shoulder. Theres a couple including Jazil, Sunriver and Point Determined. My guess is Like Now will pass on the Derby, but even without him you've got:

Sinister Minister
Sharp Humor
Keyed Entry
First Samurai (apparently)
Bluegrass Cat (apparently)
Brother Derek
Lawyer Ron
Barbaro
Sweetnorthernsaint (some say he will be right on it, though I have a different view.)

Then theres Wanna Runner. I think Baffert could send him. I believe that Winstar Derby or whatever he won was graded.

At this point I think Sinister Minister has the most speed and its gonna be a question of can someone run with him. Speculating, but Pletcher may run hard at him with Keyed Entry to try and find a way for Bluegrass Cat and Sunriver to rally. Its going to be tremendously intriguing figuring out the tactics. But we really can't get a grasp upon them until the field is set.

Right now, the biggest current event to my mind is "How fast did Sinister Minister run?". If you believe any of the three favorits paired behind him then he just ran a Bellamy Road Wood number or better. If you think the favorites all faltered then its not as fast, but its obviously still a big big race. If Storm Treasure equaled his top of 4 with adding weight, that puts Sinister in the Neg. 2 to 3 range per my reckoning and potentially the fastest horse going into the Derby.

I'm speculating of course. I wonder what Parcell Beyer is gonna make of it. Anyone have an opinion on that?


>
> Jean Luc is the ultimate "passenger" and has been
> for a while. Pat Kelly is a real oldschool kinda
> loyal guy who obviously could ride someone better
> when he's got a shot.
>
> Mike