Alm,

I am guessing that you are referring to either Indian Express and Peace Rules or possibly Funny Cide. All three did the re-break trick in recent races. However, Pat Day has been getting horses to re-break for years and some horses are just game (Affirmed and John Henry come to mind - they both cost me some money betting against them because of that same nasty habit) so I don't know if that is necessarily an indication of EPO.

That being said, I think your observation is right on with regard to some Derby entrants likely running in the Derby "EPO-enhanced." For all we know, they may all be on the stuff. I read in one column that someone suggested that all Derby entrants be tested for EPO and the results be made public. Sounds like a good idea but I doubt that it would ever happen.

EPO supposedly enhances stamina so it certainly may change the dynamics of the Derby. Horses whose breeding and running style would limit their chances in past years may now have a shot a much better shot at getting the Derby distance. We will have to wait and see.

Keep in mind that EPO is probably only the tip of the iceberg...

Cheers.

Chris