Post position will possibly play a large role here but who will be the early leader as they head into the turn and down the backside?
Fast and Accurate sat off the pace in his Spiral victory after two front running wins on poly and turf.
State of Honor led his races 3 back and 2 back but then they took the blinkers off and did not lead in the Fla Derby sitting in 2nd and then 3rd early.
Irish War Cry has sat just off the lead in his last two after leading wire to wire three back.
Always Dreaming led in his slow fractions AlwN1X score two back but sat 3rd then 2nd in the Fla Derby.
Battle of Midway was sent in the SA derby as the right decision according to Hollendorfer but he told Zoe Cadman he doesn\'t plan on being on the lead in Kentucky and prefers to be off the pace if possible.
Irap has never led at the first or second call.
Thunder Snow has far more early foot than most probably believe for a Euro and has been in front at some point in the race in all but one race in his career. In his dirt races he was very close to the front both times but not leading.
Gormley has led in a G1 victory wire to wire as a 2yo but Sheriffs wants him off the pace as evidenced by his workout the other day.
Girvin showed speed from the rail in his debut at 6f from the rail when he had to but has been further back and more relaxed early every race since.
So....who is your leader for the opening half or so? A pent up Always Dreaming at this point? Irish War Cry is sent? Fast and Accurate gives his owners a thrill for 4 furlongs? Your guess is as good as mine.
We got at least one volunteer today when majority owner Kendal Hansen stated that Fast and Accurate will be sent to the lead next Saturday per DRF\'s Byron King. Now if only Royal Mo draws in there could be some fireworks early.
Brian
I\'m thinking State of Honor.
Blinkers on or off they weren\'t beating Three Rules to the front in the Fla Derby so their only option was to let him go and tuck in from the rail.
Looked like he got rank in behind the Three Rules so I\'m guessing they just send on Saturday with no real early gas to deal with.
Second choice Fast and Accurate.
Agree re State of Honor, and I believe Casse said something to that effect after his workout 4/28.