Jim

I know I posted a bit on this before and TGJB responded that u two have discussed this as well. But I am just not seeing the evidence out there with regards to pedigree making a difference in the derby and specifically the 1 1/8 vs 1 1/4. Many winners had what people considered suspect pedigrees. But with the exception of the Giacomo and Mine the bird years, fast horses with solid preps at 1 1/8 win. Horses aren't running new tops at 1 1/4 as u have often pointed out. That extra 1/8th of a mile hasn't really seemed to be a big difference.

On the other hand I would argue that the Belmont, at the unique and aberrationally long distance for U.S. dirt horses, has resulted in more examples of horses with distance pedigrees winning.

Narrowing it down to Hoopertunity and wicked strong off pedigree seems like a HUGE leap. But good luck.

Wicked strong is on my list as well. But still feel like Hoopertunity is a Belmont not derby horse.

Jim