Seems to have become the forgotten horse after turning in a superior work today. 12 or sub 12 fractions at Payson are not the norm and a 23 and change final quarter isnt either.
When a Hall of Fame conditioner says something like this: \"I\'ve never had a horse show so much improvement over this short period of time at this time of the year,\" it might be wise to take note. His disposition appears to also be comeing around \"What I liked to see was that he was very settled going to the track, warming up and coming home,\" McGaughey said. \"Walking around here now, he\'s as calm as can be. That\'s what we\'ve got to have the next two weeks.\" And I guess the Plan is to leave now and arrive early....not Derby week like so many other Fla Shippers have done in years past.
On a Derby Day where the 14-Day weather forcast now projects 84 and Sunny, Orb may walk into the paddock in front of 125,000 people and melt like ice. But he also might look around like a new found grownup and say \"I got this\". If so its gonna take somebodys A-Game to beat him.
Agree....you can use Payson insight in many races. Superior works there often translate into form on the track. Orb has not run the fastest race of the preps, but his improvement during the series is clear, which cannot be said for others. The fastest prep was Goldencents in the SA Derby....freakishly fast....I think they have the cameras on the wrong guy at Churchill....this horse will bounce unless O\'Neill helps him big time. And I don\'t doubt that he will try. It was the same last year until they took away O\'Neill\'s privacy at Belmont. I hope they can make him fold his tent earlier this time; Orb is my bet, regardless, but I would like a level playing field.
All of the really good ones were stabled up there at Payson (Point of Entry, Data Link, Hungry Island, Orb and others). And thats even though they have a place in Aventura and a barn right at GP\'s next to the far turn. Lotta miles were logged going back and forth from there to Payson a couple of days a week. Trainer was sticking around late on Saturdays watching Santa Anita Derby Preps. So far none of this process is happening blindfolded by throwing darts. Dont discount the level of Derby Fever.....
Silver,
Forgotten horse? 75% of the public handicappers I have seen on TV or print have picked him.
He is the exact opposite of a forgotten horse.
May go off favored.