Barber Road

[moses]

Barber Road has run with blinkers in his last 8 races. He’ll now take the blinkers off for the Belmont. John Ortiz, in 13 starts, is 38% win / 77% ITM when taking blinkers off.

In this particular case, I’m not sure I understand. Blinkers generally help with early speed, right? Barber Road was last in the Derby and came from 20 lengths back to finish 6th. That was with blinkers.

Can anyone explain what the thought process might be for Ortiz to take off the blinkers? Obviously he’s had some success with it but how will it help Barber Road in this race?