Derby Run Down, by Chuckles the Clown

[Chuckles_the_Clown2]

Caveat: Early commentary to be altered by intervening events, including the Post Position Draw.

Adriano-Prado gives up both Monba and Tale of Ekati to get on this one. Adriano looked good in winning the Lanes End, but then, he\'s looked good winning on Turf too and not good in his lone dirt attempt. Granting the Lane\'s End was powerful looking and that he put daylight between himself the others, (which is rare on Poly), the question remains, \"What did he beat in the Lane's End?\"

Anak Nakal Obviously likes Churchill, Just as obviously was off form until the last race when you can argue he got some back. His Daddy liked this track too and if he moves forward again, as he did last race, he could be a factor. Zito is blaming juicing on lack of backstretch security, which to my mind tells me Zito is full of shit and Anak Nakal improvement could suddenly be compromised.

Atoned Will give him a pass on the Poly last. If you like Court Vision, theres no reason not to like this one. Who's up on him?

Behindatthebar -  

Big Brown – We know what his number is. To me, it's now a matter of the little things. Things like Dutrow sleeping with him and skipping Dubai. Things like Gasmussen saddling Z Fortune in the Ark instead of Pyro in the Bluegrass. I know, Gas is a Cajun and Oaklawn is closer to home, but comeon! Respect the horse!

Big Truck – Gets a pass on the Bluegrass. To my mind this is Tagg's best remaining runner. Elysium Fields, probably with more potential.

Bob Black Jack – Is he running? If he is will revisit.

Colonel John – Don't like what I've heard and read about his affinity for dirt. He's gonna be one of the top choices.

Cool Coal Man – Suddenly a very difficult horse to gauge with the non effort in the Bluegrass. Zito's griping about backstretch "insecurity" causing the "juicing problem" is enough to put one off all his mounts. (Still Deliberating.)

Court Vision –

Cowboy Cal -

Denis of Cork- Guess he's on the Bubble.  Further evidence that you don't depart from your Prep plan unless you Have to. Now he's struggling with form too. Lets see if he even gets in.

Eight Belles – Gonna beat a lot of colts if she goes. If she runs her A race, (and she doesn't always), could be very interesting.

El Gato Malo - Earnings difficulties

Gayego – Has applied his Poly Form to Dirt and been graded out well. How many of the Poly others can say the same?

Monba - I am worried about this one. (Still Deliberating)

My Pal Charlie – Big claim to fame: "Beaten 3 lengths by Pyro".

Proud Spell – What are her owners waiting for? Just do it!

Pyro – Folks I respect think he's gonna run a big one. I don't see it, but I've been wrong before too.

Recapturetheglory - Respect the connentions. Still deliberating, leaning towards best at bottom of the exotics right now.

Salute the Sarge –

Smooth Air – A must use

Tale of Ekati –

Tomcito – One of two horses that could shake this race up if he got in.

Visionaire – I think he's progressed in the right direction and don't believe there's any reason Grand Slam can't get a Classic horse. I'm also giving Matz the benefit of the doubt, because I considered Barbaro's pedigree light on the female side.

Z Fortune – Beginning to believe Gas knew it all along.