Timing is Everything

[Silver Charm]

Looking at PP\'s of Afleet Alex it is not difficult to imagine him gunning for the Triple Crown in Saturday\'s Belmont Stakes. Instead he is far and away the class of a listless bunch.

Derby Day fractions were much hotter than those in the Preakness and yet Alex was a little closer to that pace and moving earlier. This is not a criticism of Jeremy Rose and his ride just an observation. After all if Alex had not been sick the day John V rode him at Oaklawn, Rose might not even be on him come Saturday.

If NYRA is able to package a good overall card on Saturday, Belmont Stakes Day will be a BIG EVENT without the big prize (Triple Crown) being on the line. It should have become habit forming enough that the people still show up.

Too bad Alex has to drop down to this crew in the Belmont. If only he ran in Riva Ridge against Lost in the Fog.  

[Saddlecloth]

I posted right after the derby that AA was moved to soon into a wicked pace, not blaming the rider, he just mistimed it slightly, in a 20 horse field that happens.

I really think the Derby came down to rides more then it did to horses.