Re: Who is the Wise Guy Horse ??? (535 Views)
Posted by:
HP (IP Logged)
Date: April 22, 2004 08:50AM
I'll be the Tapit fan. The horse was lollygagging around in the stretch in the Wood and he still managed to get by. I posted this before - what are the odds that this horse goes backwards here? I assume he's healthy and I think he stands a very good chance of moving forward another point or two after a solid prep (but probably didn't knock him out) and three weeks at Fair Hill. If he gets a decent draw, he has the stalking/closing style you want in this field, which should have plenty going on the front end.
Getting a horse fit and ready to go 10f is right up Dickinson's alley. The "lack of preps" thing is going to get some people's attention, and others have better Beyer (and TG) figs - so I'm thinking he'll be more like 8-1.
The big issue I see with Tapit is, will he like Churchill Downs? At 8-1 or better I'm in and he's a key.
As for the others, it's early but I agree with Upper Nile on both Friends Lake and Pollard's Vision. Master David will probably be no value but can't be ignored. Imperialism (Desormeaux), Minister Eric (Day aboard) and Wimbledon (I'm more skeptical here) are others that may be sleepers. I'm on the fence with Borrego (I'd like to get at least 18-1) and I would be happyto see Pro Prado in there (30-1 at least with a real chance).
Good luck.
HP