The San Vincente does not carry any points on the Derby trail, but has been a raced used over the years by sprinters to win a stakes races and proven routers to sharpen the speed before stretching out.
Kobe’s Back will probably eventually be a sprinter. Has shown talent from his first start debuting with a flashy come from behind win at Hollywood Park. Was no match for Shared Belief in two fall starts. In the Hollywood Prevue he was coming off the layoff and Shared Belief got first jump and Kobe’s Back closed from back and basically used the race as a prep for the Cash Call. In the Cash Call Kobe’s Back was shuffled to the rear and clipped hills half way through the stretch. Solid work pattern and has been working every 7 days and several longer works. Could be using this as a prep to stretch back out. Overall a sprint pedigree influence, but running style indicates 7 furlongs is a good distance, does not seem to be pace dependent as he puts his move into the turn. With the last race being a rough trip and eased up still has room to improve.
Cherubim talented maiden winner defeated a couple of next out winners in last start. Ran debut race on synthetic surface and then busted out with a big win in maiden race with Mike Smith at Santa Anita. Has 4 works in January that indicate fitness including a fast 4 furlongs on Feb. 2. This son of Henny Hughes does not look like a typical sprinter build wise. Long legs and sturdy frame, could be the time of power sprinter who stretches out the speed as he goes longer. Cherubim was nominated to the Triple Crown and would not be surprised to see an attempt to stretch out possibly at Sunland or San Felipe.
Papa Turf looks to be a solid sprinter, but looks slower than Cherubim and Kobe’s Back. Surprised a field of Maidens at 10/1 in his only lifetime victory. In the San Pedro came from off the pace in a 4-horse field and was never really able to show his true ability. Has the speed to take the lead, but may eventually run best as a stalker, off the pace type.
Roger Rocket was a last minute entrant after the non-entry of Indianapolis. Impressed in maiden win and has been on the work tab for quite a while. Pedigree is interesting. With one race hard to get an accurate read on class level. A win would not surprise, but moving into 7 furlong race with a small field is always a tough call.
The Pace:
Cherubim looks to control the pace with Kobe’s Back the “closer”. Cherubim will try to take the field as far as possible. With lack of speed Cherubim is the speed play. This race is not far removed from a match race so trying to project anything other than Kobe’s Back trailing the field early could be tough.
The Pick:
Cherubim has some talent and looks like a horse who might be a power sprinter who can route up to a 8.5 furlongs in a small field with slow fractions. Strong works and longer price than Kobe’s Back. Cherubim is the choice.