An even tote-board as Bayern and Tapiture vied for 2/1 favortism.
Bayern broke well and took the the early lead down the backstretch. Strong Mandate broke to the outside. Bayern set the early pace. Thundergram pressured on the outside through a half in 47 and 1/5. Bayern was never comfortable and Thundergram pressured him every step of the way for the first 6 furlongs. Bayern was all in approaching the turn and flattened as they approached the stretch. He finished 3rd mainly because everyone else stopped running.
Danza broke well sat in 3rd place along the rail, waited to the turn and then exploded with an inside move to the lead and won by 5 lengths. Saved ground every step of the way. Looked like a winner on the turn. Went to the lead with a quick move and then finished with energy and was the deserving victor. This was a combination of making an inside move going into the turn and ever contender not showing up for the race. Street Boss was a sprinter and French Deputy was a sprinter and a quick turn-around coming back to Kentucky.
Tapiture broke well, was rated in 5th place, made 4 wide move entering the stretch and then flattened out late and was not ridden hard down the stretch. Goes into the Derby fresh. But did he regress or did he just flatten out and not fire his best shot. This was similar to Cairo Prince and Candy Boy in terms of flat efforts.
Ride on Curlin advanced on the turn and was placed inside horses and held 2nd place but looked distance challenged as well. But secured enough points to make the derby field. Ride on Curlin will take some action in Kentucky but has not shown speed since his maiden win that suggests he can out-sprint anyone going into the turn and making a “winning” move like most Derby’s have been won.
Strong Mandate broke to the outside, was outrun early and then the decision was made to rate in 3rd place. He got discouraged after 5 furlongs and pretty much gave up in a bad effort. Strong Mandate is now zero for five at distances at on mile or greater. He needs a break and needs to start over. Pedigree still says that of late developer. Right now he’s a head case.
Bayern was asked to do too much too soon. has nice stride but distance and inexperience caught up with him today and really had no excuse. Thundergram pressured him, but he was tired going into the turn and despite a little head bobbing for the lead did not look like he wants any part of 9 furlongs at this time.
Conquest Titan has been in training for over a year and it looks like that has finally taken it’s mark. He was washy going into the gate and should have finished with anything and finished in top 4. Too much training in the last 14 months and needs some time off.
Overall this race was a colossal failure. Nobody showed up and Danza got the dream trip at the rail. California Chrome goes to the Derby as the 5/2 favorite.