Imperialism got "bottled" up on the far turn and into the stretch, according to his jockey, Kent Desormeaux. When he got out (and what was he doing inside to begin with?), he unleashed his "patented" late run. However, I still think of him as a late running sprinter who can get up to 1 1/16. Had he not been bottled up and forced to delay his run, I think he would have tired out by the 1/8th pole.

So, obviously, he is going to be my "bet against" in the Preakness.

I am, however, interested in seeing the numbers on the local Pimlico horse who has yet to lose there.



Delmar Deb