Frank,

I hear you. he is a horse I would usually bet against as well, but am having a hard time getting enthused about anybody else. I had high hopes for Bayern, but he was ugly yesterday.

I don't know that california Chrome is a front runner. I really don't. He rated kindly in many of his races. I have no problem seeing him sitting 5th to 7th early, at the head of the second flight or the back of the first flight. I think he has been near the front the last two races just because he is so much better than the competition and has been "on his toes".

Right now, I have two other horses I can consider and that is it. I believe Constitution can run faster than he has shown. What he did first time out amazed me, his second race was solid albeit bias aided and he was gutsy although not fast last time, fighting the bit for a half mile, then coming through a hole on the fence. If he improves, he is interesting, at least to me. The only other horse I can play, albeit while holding my nose, is wicked strong. He would be my "pace collapse" horse. I have to believe he "hated Gulfstream", as opposed to being "pro-Aqueduct". I do like how he ran the last 1/8th of a mile in the Wood. yes, it was visually enhanced by the others looking for a place to lie down, but he was running. And if we get the "giacomo" type race, I would take my chances with him.

Those are slim pickens. Was really hoping to make a case for somebody else.

The only other horse I have "open", if he gets in the race is Cairo Prince. I hated his last race, no matter how much ground loss gets padded into his figure. he was horrible, horrible. But he was so good before that, if he gets into the Derby, works well over the surface and draws OK, he has to be considered.

The rest are garbage to me. All of them.

I don't remember feeling this way about the Derby horses in the last 10+ years.