Mr. Z has earned the right to be here, but has no business in this race (or probably any race over a mile and 1/16th). Says something yet again about this field that a horse that has been in 11 straight stakes, and placed in 9 of them, has no shot whatsoever to hit the board (I'd bet against the top 10, after today's work). Another 100 yards and he finishes behind Madefromlucky in Oaklawn. I'm not knocking him. He'll be a millionaire with some G2 mile wins if managed well.

Regarding the TC, there are a couple on the bench that could pose a real challenge in the Preaknesss and Belmont. Welsch was asking for Blofeld's phone number after he outworked Palice Malice. Competitive Edge looks ready to go, and if we're hearing things right, Texas Red is going to start working (though it might be too soon for him).