Miff:

First Rule of Racing: You go out fast, you come back slow.
Second Rule of Racing: You go out slow, you come back fast.
Third Rule of Racing: Don't reference Secretariat unless he's in the field.

Hard Spun is capable of wiring the Preakness because of his high cruising speed. On the other hand, he is able to rate kindly should someone be intent on the lead. If they choose a post outside of the other speed, you can count on him to stalk.

As to Secretariat, I was at Saratoga the only time he was not a favorite. In those days, they saddled under the trees. The chalk in the race was Linda's Chief who was owned by Neil Hellman, a local horseman who attracted more than his share of betting action. There was a large crowd around Linda's Chief's tree and only a few people around the tree about which Secretariat circled as he awaited being saddled. He had a bit of yellow powder on the left side of his neck to treat, I suspect, a slight skin rash. Otherwise, he looked like a walking statue. A patron standing near me noted the powder and remarked that "there is something wrong with that horse. ... he's a throwout." I bring up this story not suggest that Hard Spun is close to being Secretariat, but rather to note that some people may discount a horse for something inconsequential (yellow powder or a slow closing fraction following a hot early pace which set up a deep closer's perfect trip victory) and neglect to notice the obvious quality of a unbelievably talented horse.

P.S. Secretariat will not be competing in Maryland.