oh sweet BGC to travers
 

elliott walden says he's going if all goes well. just saw it on b'horse. excellent news. this is the most excitement i've felt about a 3 yo race since the derby.

battle of the 'b's this year for sure.

Be nice if Bright One went too, even though he seems a small cut below those two.

i'd like to see him go. set an honest pace for the others. praying for cash...wonder what they'll do. they've gotten some offers for him since his placing in the haskell. they haven't committed to him in the travers, i wonder if they're waiting to see what bright one does?

how large is the field going to be now? who is going to want to tackle bernardini and bluegrass cat, who appear to be at the top of their game?

I figure Praying for Cash will go, but I don't think he has a prayer. He's a very nice horse but even running a good race got him no better than 7 lengths behind BC. What will happen when he hooks Bernardini?

I'd like an honest pace, but Bernardini can be placed up front if so desired. I don't see anyone stealing off to an easy lead with that colt around.

I just hope these horses stay healthy (I worry about Bernardini every day) and that it's a fast track. It always seems to rain on Travers day.

Heres what I'm thinking and what I've read...

Bernardini - confirmed
Bluegrasss Cat - confirmed
Bright One - good chance he goes
Corinthian - 50/50 at best
Dr. Pleasure - 50/50
Hemingway's Key - Not sure
Hesanoldsalt - probably goes if trains well this month
High Cotton - will be trained up to race like he is starting for Pletch
Minister's Bid - good chance he goes
Point Determined - a big question mark
Praying for Cash - I think he'll go
Strong COntender - 50/50

Does look like a nice field.

Point Determined hasn't had any racing preps, has he? Is Baffert training him up to the Travers. Didn't work for Bellamy Road last year.

Bright One is better than BCG. Bernardini is much better than both though.

bet that hemingways key goes...he's got graded placed next to his name now from the dandy, another can't hurt.
besides, they don't put lengths lost by next to that info!

I hope they don't run Praying for Cash back so fast against such a tough field.
BGC was hand ridden as he went by PFC who was hit with the whip at least 20 times. What realistic chance does he have in a tougher longer race?

i hope you're right. but who knows? just when ya think you've seen or heard it all..

i mean, remember that guy back a few years ago who entered his poor horse who had ZERO chance in the breeders cup?? he trained him by driving his truck and leading the horse out his window. that guy was beyond pathetic.

so, no, i wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he ran.

Tough to say. Have to remember that Zito knew Bellamy Road was short last year and was willing to tell anyone who'd listen. I know Point Determined was supposed to go in the Haskell - not sure why they skipped - but if Baffert feels he can get him 100% for the race then I think he'll try it.

What's the deal with Steppenwolfer?

I haven't heard anything about him since he scratched from that race at Colonial.

What about Sweetnorthernsaint?

After Corinthian's last effort I doubt they'll enter him. . . he's too much of a spaz anyway

Sweetnorthernsaint is getting time off and may not be seen again until the winter. Steppenwolfer hasnt worked for a while so I'd expect him to be gone for about that long too.

I'm still a big believer in Sweetnorthernsaint., think he could be a big player next year.

Steppenwolfer won't make the Travers. Danny Peitz was thinking Super Derby as a fall back, but more than likely he said he'll resurface at belmont this fall. I just saw him last weekend in Saratoga, he galloped Sunday.