Derby Favorite

[RollerDoc]

Originally Posted by Smarty Cide

with his size do you think his is nimble enough to navigate thru a 20 horse field?

If Dortmund doesn't get a clean break from the gate, I can see that being a concern. I'm realy curious to see how he breaks in the Santa Anita Derby. At 5 for 5 in wins, and the fact that he has carried 5 more pounds than his competitors, which he won't have to anymore are more reasons to like this Brownie.

[Smarty Cide]

Originally Posted by RollerDoc

If Dortmund doesn't get a clean break from the gate, I can see that being a concern. I'm realy curious to see how he breaks in the Santa Anita Derby. At 5 for 5 in wins, and the fact that he has carried 5 more pounds than his competitors, which he won't have to anymore are more reasons to like this Brownie.

thast true although he hasnt exactly been winning by huge margins

[RollerDoc]

Originally Posted by Smarty Cide

thast true although he hasnt exactly been winning by huge margins

I say the same thing, but he hasn't let anyone pass him so he knows how to win. That kind of experience will probably come in handy assuming he is right there in the Santa Anita, and even more so in the KD. Baffert says he is still maturing too.

Big Brown had the amazing extra gear at the top of the stretch in the FL Derby, KY Derby, and Preakness. I think Dortmund has it too, except his kicks in at the 1 1/16 as he looks like he wants to pull away. I think this bodes well for him.

[Thunder Gulch]

I also worry about how Dortmund may or may not be able to find those holes with his size. I love Derby contenders that move on the turn, and I haven't seen it from him. He does make that 2nd move, which reminds me of Silver Charm in a way. You have to sneak up on him because he'll come back if he sees you. He's going to run hard, it's about the trip.