CTC,

I have a neutral opinion on the Keeneland rail issue you mention. Actually the head-on view replay of the Blue Grass shows that Zanjero was relatively well off the rail. Interestingly in the next race that day a group of ladies went 1 1/8 and the winner skimmed home hugging the rail. In any case, if Zanjero's path was bad, so much the better his effort.

My main focus is what Zanjero got out the Blue Grass in terms of conditioning and willingness to show more gate speed. Asmussen's stated intentions are to have the horse placed more forwardly in the Derby. In that context, the Blue Grass looks to be an excellent prep. Note that Bridgmohan was able to negotiate a stalking trip over the CD strip in a smart allowance win last fall. Not to say I expect a stalking trip on Saturday, but if Bridgmohan calls for run from mid-pack instead of the clouds, and Zanjero responds, maybe he gets a jump on the bevy of more highly regarded closers.


Chuckles_the_Clown2 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> I don't want to offer a suggestion on Zangero. I
> will mention some facts and you can chose to do as
> you wish.
>
> He did finish right there in the Blugrass and he
> was on the deeper part of the track. Being inside
> was a bad place. (Review the replay to be sure I'm
> right about his inside trip.)
>
> He was getting to Circular Quay (marginally) in
> the Louisiana Derby and in doing so he came from
> further back.
>
> some think he's sitting on a bad pattern. I don't
> believe that. I think he'll give his best race
> Saturday.
>
> He is by Cherokee Run out of an A.p. Inday
> broodmare. I like his back side pedigree a little
> better than his Sire side, but I have a soft spot
> for Cherokee Run having cashed him first out at
> 8-1 and having counseled my best friend upon a
> straight trifecta and to back him in the Breeders
> Cup Sprint he won also. That friend is gone now,
> but he taught me how to handicap.
>