zito must feel good
 

his 5 ran well and the 10 ice box ran very well from a bad post..congrats nick
play ice box were ever he goes in a prep.

That was a nice turn move by Ice Box.

As usual Levine's healthy 3% at GP shows.

You certainly can't blame Levine for the trip that horse got. He was shuffled/steadied and slammed going into the first turn. I didn't like the horse, but I really think it's unfair blaming Levine for that performance.

You are right Buddy is just a slow colt

Buddy's Saint has excuses with the poor start and all. I think the winner Eskenderaya is a pretty good horse. He tracked a pretty decent pace and when he was asked to run he dusted this field. Don't be surprised to see a BSF of around 104.

close, 106 according to drf

I thought the varient would be between 10 and 12. I guess it was a tad lower. The final figs the Beyer guys give are usually on target. Pletcher seems like he has a stable full of serious contenders. Eskenderaya might be the best of them all.

Doesn't it SEEM that way most years?

He is one good looking horse. Was really struck by his appearance. Has been developing steadily and has upside yet. Tim Poole was saying they liked him from the beginning and are just seeing his best now. That post is so tough at GP. He crossed over behind the field before the first turn, but Bravo's chandelier move wasn't going to get him on the board.

By comparison, Jackson Bend may be very common looking but is honest as can be. Anyone note a parallel in this FOY of Eskenderaya-Jackson Bend to Big Brown-Smooth Air in the FL Derby 2 years ago? It's the first thing I thought of watching the 'Calder' horse chasing the Pletcher-Zayat winner home.

Ice Box will win the Belmont

Dam Spice Island was certainly a nice stakes-winning route-goer;

See looking at his page that third dam was Belle de Jour (Speak John)... Dam of? Spend a Buck.

FTFY

Steve, what did you think of Fly Down today? I think Nick is pretty high on him as well - his maiden win was a key race. I know he had a speed duel up front to help his cause, but he did make a very quick move and he hadn't run in 3 months. He looks like his grandsire, Fly So Free. To be honest, I wouldn't rush this horse, but Derby Fever is in the air..........

bump..:rolleyes:

or th G1 Fl. Derby

Lezcano wisely waited a little longer to make his move. :) The pace certainly helped matters.

The fn clock at GP wouldnt certify on an episode of Barney.. I guess the second quarter in the Swale was 21 and small change?

Nice call on this one Hooves.

The race completely fell apart up front. I know people say this every year, but these 3 year old colts look far from promising.

I don't know, I thought Rule ran a pretty big race.