Don't forget that Zayat is not averse to making deals nor is Baffert shy about accepting appearance fees. Monmouth obviously is the target, but perhaps the lure of a more lucrative package, weaker competition, and more time off from the Belmont Stakes will win out. Canterbury is making a play, and it wouldn't be a shock to see an established second-tier Derby (i.e. West Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Indiana) follow suit. Certainly, the owners of past Triple Crown winners have been successfully hooked by such opportunistic one-offs (see Secretariat, see Seattle Slew).
Waiting for a later race would also cut down hope of a Travers start or a race against older horses before the BC Classic.
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