I am a Point Determined fan, but not because of Point Given, rather he reminds me of his broodmare sire, Broad Brush. In the Santa Anita Derby, PD accelerated twice - did not "move" on the turn as has been discussed - and gained ground in the stretch. Having been there that day and watching Bejarano, it was a safe bet that the jock would not try to make a move on the turn since that had cost both him and a few others the win in earlier races that day. So I don't know whether it is a case of a horse who cannot accelerate on the turn (as Sunday Silence could), or a green horse in earlier races with a jockey in the SA Derby that wisely chose not to do so last time.

In any event, here's my dilemma...used to be that if you were on the lead in the Derby at the 1/8th pole you were seldom passed for the win. But in the last few years this has certainly changed. I believe that the true 1 1/4 horse is now at a disadvantage as it seems that more "milers" are running in and winning these races. I know that last year certainly jolted me on the passing issue as all my exotics were live to Closing Argument, and Giacomo went by him after the 1/16th pole! Backwheels do not make up for Pick 4's, Pick 3's and DD's!

In any event, I am curious as to whether anyone out there thinks that the profile of the Derby winner is changing in this regard and what aspects of milers (positional speed, acceleration?) would be worth noting. My feeling is that an Unbridled, Sunday Silence or Victory Gallup would be at a disadvantage today.

Delmar Deb