Well he has one win in 5 starts. . . (I actually like him a little but to say that he's anywhere close to DofC at this point is ridiculous). . .

It's not that cut and dry. Exceptions are usually made with derby horses.

It's odd that Albarado would honor the commitment on a horse that, in all likelihood, goes back to Bejarano when he returns.

This, to me, is what stood out...

"Albarado also was the most recent rider for Carroll's other Kentucky Derby prospect, Blackberry Road, who will run in the Illinois Derby or one week later in the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn. Regardless, Blackberry Road will get a new rider, Carroll said."

I expect Dennis of Cork to be severely overbet next time out. Had a dream pace scenario in the Southwest with the :45 1/5 yet they finished in 1:37 amd change. The field was strung out 15-20 lengths. Sierra Sunset, who finished 2nd, ran a superior race by being much closer to the blazing pace.

debatable

Oaklawn is a speed track. Sierra Sunset cruised eight lengths behind Sacred Journey. Because OP is a 8furlong oval, you only get 16 seconds from the stretch to the finish line.

If this was Fairgrounds, with the 24 second stretch, and DOC only wins by 3, then you have a huge argument.

Pyro was only a length ahead of My Pal Charlie @ 16 seconds in the La.

It is a close call whether Sunset or Cork ran a better race @ oaklawn that day. I'll go with the bold move and strong finish, but you have a good argument.