You have to think that Jackson and Asmussen are relieved in a way. Instead of losing the Apple Blossom in front of the entire world and 'proving' that Zenyatta is the superior horse, they lost off a layoff and can always explain that "it wasn't Rachel". To boot, they get a "get out of Apple Blossom free" card... and now can set the race schedule to Jackson/Asmussen's liking.
Well, Asmussen certainly let everyone know that Rachel wasn't 100% fit. I guess he knew what he was talking about.
Schoolyard Dreams is way underrated. He was left out of the Derby Future Wager (implying that he's not in the Top 23), but he ran a 93 Beyer with a tough trip in the Sam Davis. Of the 23 Future Wager horses in Pool 2, only 8 of them have run better than a 93 Beyer going a route of ground this year. Also think it's interesting that users of this site have rated Dreams much higher than other polls. I'm looking for a big effort on Saturday. Got him in Vegas at 75-1...
I think Eskendereya is the real deal, but 6-1 is ridiculous. For some really funny reading, in Watchmaker's blog, he blasts the linemaker (Battaglia) for not having the balls to pick a favorite between Lucky and E, and making them both 6-1. He's spot on. How lame is that when someone doesn't want to "risk" being wrong in a morning line for a horse bet.
Any horse with a name like Mendip couldn't possibly win the Derby...
Makes 4yo debut in Wednesday's third at Gulfstream.
Quite possibly ran the best race in the Risen Star. The only closer to get close in this field, finished 5th and only a couple lengths off the winner.
Nice 2nd in Risen Star for a jump from a maiden win to a Grade 2. Pace was real easy up front, so he will have to show more next time.
Nothing wrong with that loss at all. Sets him up for Dubai perfectly. That race set up like a dream for Karelian.
His time was very similar to Rule's.
