[Rupert Pupkin]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

Be wary of debuters that break slow. He may break much sharper next time, and be very close to the pace. Given his bullet works (a 3f in :33+ even!), he could have some front-running ability. You may actually see him tire down the lane next out.

As far as the quality of the field, a good barometer (and actually an example of what I mentioned above) is Nochangenweather, who was 4th beaten 4 lengths after rallying smartly around the far turn before entering the stretch very wide and hanging down the lane. He ran similarly in his debut, finishing 5th beaten 3 by some other O'Neill horse. Next out, he broke running and was gunned to the lead where he set testing fractions, got away from a pace rival into the stretch before hitting a brick wall and again finished 5th beaten 3. I forget who won that race, but obviously, none of the colts from those maiden races have done anything to suggest they are a standout amongst the CA division. That Pete Miller horse that won the little stakes race probably still has to be considered the top.

The Pete Miller horse (Backbackbackgone) will be on the shelf for a little while. He's got a shin. He should be back in a few months.