I know Flat Out is a beast at Belmont Park. But I cant forget how Flat Out got out in his last race at Saratoga when he looked like a sure winner at the top of the stretch. Makes his 7th start this year at 7 against all top company. Lot to ask
Nothing but Neg 2\'s for Cross Traffic (why cant i get that Jimmy Hendrix song out Crosstown Traffic of my mind) but Unbridled Song on top and Cure the Blues on the bottom. A mile and quarter? I dont know.
Ron the Greek has seen better days. Gunfighter is solid but not a Grade One type at least yet. Alpha wont be on the lead alone in 48 and 49 like he did in his last two clear wins.
So this leaves us with both the 3YO\'s. If Palace Malice was being tubbed before the The Travers it might explain his slow break. Jockey figures to make amends and nearly send but this one could be tailing off a tad or last was just a fluke. Tricky read.
Orb ran some Neg 2\'s in the spring after a ton of development and figured to tail off a tad. Since then he has been freshened and conditioned at this distance. Orb get the loot and 3YO honors in a KILLER of Jockey Club Gold Cup.
Agree completely with you Silver but going the other way with the last two. I don\'t like seeing two Plethcer horses up front so i\'m expecting a crawlfest up front with Palice Malice taking over leaving orb, flat out and Lawyer Ron with too much to do...I don\'t like Cross Traffic at this distance at all.
Nice analysis.
But for me hard to imagine a pace scenario with Orb getting to the finish line 1st. Not much kick or speed. I hate Alpha, yet c/b a price helping in exotics. Last Gunfighter is one fierce looking stallion whose Pimlico race was visually awesome albeit a second slower than Oxbow the next day. Expecting PM or LG to win.
Orb would be a popular winner and re-affirm those who thought (this spring) he would/will be a great one. If Orb wins I think the effort will be epic.
Cross Traffic is also +9 lbs. this race.
I was surprised to hear Alan pick the G3 horse boxing with Orb. I\'m keying Alpha, apparently by myself. I don\'t see the distance limitations on Cross Traffic, but I think Alpha put us all to sleep earlier TY, and view his last as a fluke on wet surface. I think he\'s just healthy, and KM knows it.
Preliminary Beyers: RON THE GREEK - 114; PRIVATE ZONE - 108; PRINCESS OF SYLMAR - 105; LITTLE MIKE - 104; GRAYDAR - 103; LAUGHING - 96
Today at 8:06 PM