Here is my take on the ROTW.

DEPUTY STORM – Earned a 3-1/2 in his 3 yr old debut in his lat start going 7F (the perfect distance prep for a 1-turn mile) for PLETCHER. The 3rd fastest horse coming into the race – will be on the engine coming out of PP #1. The main danger to EDDINGTON. 4/1 or longer.

EDDINGTON – Has a strong profile. After regressing in his 2nd start, this one follow through with a new top - 5-1/2 (previous top was a 6) in his next race. Took it to a new level with a 1-3/4 (coming off the 5-1/2) in his last start. A Potential star is in the making. It would have made better sense to go straight to the Wood Memorial if Triple Crown plans are in the future for this one. Definitely the one to beat! 8/5 or longer!

WAR PROSPECT – Yet to reproduce anything close to the 4 he earned on November 7th of last year. Also, recent numbers are dreadful. In addition, the last race was simply a gift from Aqueduct’s inner-track since speed dominated the card that day. Pass!

POMEROY – Connections have been weak on the West Coast lately. This one is several lengths slower than several in here. Also, the fact that the layoff was a result of the events that led to the BO reference in his last race makes this one a bet against. Pass!

SARATOGA COUNTRY – 3yr #s are an improvement from last year, but still several lengths slower than the main contenders. Nevertheless, spots a healthy pattern and his eligible to step it up a notch and find himself in the money. Another positive sign is that this one also exit a 7F race, which is the perfect distance prep for a 1-turn mile. Belongs in the exotics. Take a flyer at 8/1 or longer.

REDSKIN WARRIOR – This one displayed enough talent in his 2nd and 3rd starts last year that were very encouraging. However, the race on October 30th resulted in this one being vanned off – which was a major concern going into his 3 yr old debut (last start). This one is certainly talented. The last race number – 1 is an outstanding number, but the likelihood that this one will regress is strong. Pass!

ROCKHEWN – Simply too slow. PASS!

QUICK ACTION – Best number was earned over a wet track, which I am guessing was over a beach-like surface. Thus the jump to 4-1/2. Pass!



colt