Passed tiring rivals when sixth in the Travers (GI) last out.  That was a major step up to the Alw and Opt races he’d been looking pretty good in.  It’s not going to be an easy trip here today, so I’ll have to turn my attention to a few others before I could jump on his band-wagon.

Three in a row and this horse appears to be on top of his game right now.  He came from far back to take the Met Mile (GI) then used tactical speed to handle them in the Whitney (GI) last out.  I’m kind of surprised by the change in jock but this one seems to be in a good place right about now.

Hasn’t won since March but he was been close in a couple of big races.  That second in the Suburban (GII) is probably his best race of late, and a repeat of that one should get him a piece of the pie.  The pilot remains the same, and his works seem to say he’s ready for a big effort in this one.

Has a bad case of seconditis right now – that’s three in a row after just missing in the Curlin at The Spa in his most recent trip to the gate.  He has some tactical speed which is a nice weapon, but he’s only won when he broke maiden so it’s kind of hard to go crazy on him in this group.

Nice win at DMR taking the O’Brien (GII) last out, and he’s been very tough since changing hands back in April.  That last out win certainly is an eye opener, so it’s just a matter of can he get the distance with this group – the LA Derby (GII) race says yes, but that was against his own age group.  I guess we see here today.

Bounced back from that Whiney (GI) debacle taking the Iselin Stakes (GIII) and now has for wins from his last five starts.  He seems to be an all or nothing type of a horse and I just don’t think he can take it all here.

Tired badly going a mile and a quarter last out in the Pacific (GI) at DMR, so I think backing up to this mile and an eighth distance is the right call for him.  Nice win in the PRM Cornhusker (GIII) and a repeat of that race should get him a part of this.

Nice job winning the Seacup (GIII) but came back to tire in the Woodward (GI) where a mile and a quarter may be a bit too much for him, especially off of the Suburban (GII) effort.  Maybe he can last this long, but I think a mile and a sixteenth is about as much as he want.

Hasn’t won since May but was close up in a couple of those high-dollar efforts.  Second in the Dandy (GII) and third in the Travers (GI) so you know he has ability and some class.  Maybe a small part of this one, as well?

I really like this colt but he just doesn’t seem to be able to put it all together.  Fourth in the BEL (GI) but didn’t seem to lift a hoof in the Haskel (GI) where they sent him off as the 5/2 favorite.  No matter where he finishes, I won’t be surprised.

Couple of fair ungraded tries since being purchase but he was running for $5.000 claimer back in Feb., so it’s hard to go nuts on him.  Knowing the stable, look for him to win by five.

Last of the five headed Mb Stables monster in this one – I bet they’d rather be a few post positions towards the rail.  He has some tactical speed but from out here he may be nothing more than a rabbit, trying to set it up for one of the others.

Willie’s Green Card   2  /  8  / 1   

Categories: Grade I