He was 50-1 in the Derby, but had been bet down to 23-1 in the Derby pool the weekend of the Florida Derby. I don't think it was exactly "hush-hush", just another case of people going off a horse after a bad Blue Grass. There were legitimate handicapping reasons to like both Invisible Ink and Monarchos just from watching the prep races and reading the charts.

Below are my comments to Warren Eaves for an article he wrote on the Derby which was published on-line in one of the Casino newsletters about two weeks before the Derby...

Invisible Ink," begins Giglio, "in the Florida Derby, this colt got into trouble on the rail and was hit by another jockey's whip. He still managed to pull outside and finish third with determination. That move, his bloodlines, and the fact that he was still 23-to-1 in the second Derby Pool, were enough for me to make a future wager. I expected his effort in the Blue Grass would be one of conditioning. Although the chart says he was empty the last eighth, it does not mention his erratic course in the stretch."

The lady handicapper didn't stop there. "I was more concerned that Invisible Ink might have been injured rather than just being tired," she continued. "Hearing that Todd Pletcher is still bound for the Derby with Invisible Ink, I can only hope that his sire's fourth place finish in the Blue Grass is a hereditary trait, and that Invisible Ink will show up at Churchill."

Giglio's evaluation of Monarchos? "His move in the Florida Derby reminded me of Unbridled," she began. "And like Unbridled Song, I also thought he outlooked everyone in the paddock and in the post parade on Florida Derby day. Going into the Wood, trainer John Ward made it clear he was looking for maintenance as opposed to conditioning. I read into this perhaps the horse had peaked too soon."

"After watching the race and reviewing the late charge," Giglio continued," I believe Monarchos is still a viable candidate. Congaree ran his final three furlongs in 37 4/5. Monarchos covered his last three furlongs in 36 3/5. The fact that Monarchos finished strongly without a life and death effort is a good sign for the race in May. If there was any bounce in him from the Florida Derby it occurred in the Wood. That should not affect him Derby Day when he should be in a position to improve again."


Delmar Deb