I think its likely AGS topped marginally. Maybe I should say I think its likely it will be scored a marginal top. How he got there is for you to deliberate but his action probably wont play as well on other surfaces and its probable that the next race is where to take a stand.

Its also quite possible the Triple Crown competitors needed another race after participating in every leg of the series. I think the place and show horses exceeded 1.49 and thats not particularly fast. Add to that fact the fickle nature of Monmouth and there could easily be a reversal.

Hard Spun is definitely a trier. He put away a Monmouth Track Record Holder, maybe he can spring a nice surprise with the Haskell under his belt. But I don't think you've seen the "A-Race" from the Place and Show horses since a couple races back.

Dana666 Wrote:
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> Regardless of any track bias, Any Given Saturday
> ran a tremendous race. He beat two really good
> horses very soundly. I had a chance to be there in
> person, and I was very impressed physically by AGS
> -- he's got a chest like king kong, and what an
> impressive turn of foot! He's a true classic
> contender this year. The ride by Garret Gomez was
> perfect all the way, too.
>
> Curlin is rather imposing physically as well
> though I think he matured very early and I would
> not expect him to get much better -- we've
> probably seen the best from him (and that best is
> pretty darn good).
>
> As far as Hard Spun, I still think the Derby
> knocked him out, and he still hasn't completely
> recovered (I know the sheets don't say that
> exactly, he susposedly ran faster in the
> Preakness, I think he was totally spent in the
> Preakness and expected his regression in the
> Belmont) -- he might also be a notch below the top
> colts, but he's still very good.