Deepest Derby field in recent memory

[3kings]

Originally Posted by Rudeboyelvis

I think that's the way this horse needs to be ridden in the stretch, particularly when chasing crawling fractions.

His Risen Star was similar. He galloped out strongly in both efforts and really only needed to run the last 3/8ths or so. Additionally, he should definitely get a more favorable pace scenario in Kentucky and is a must use IMO. To toss the horse based on presumed slowness is a bit perplexing, is all.

I'm not sure he can win but I was telling Thunder Gulch the other day that he is the type of horse that will probably hit the exotics at somewhere close to 20-1,

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by miraja2

My point wasn't that people should bet on International Star. My point was that in this Derby people probably won't bet on a horse like him because there appears to be a considerable number of very talented colts in the race. That hasn't always been the case in past years.

Yes!

[Kitan]

I don't think he seems slow. His Beyers are always improving and he has one of the highest BRIS Late Pace figs in the field. In fact, he's one of only five (possibly two more depending on the race later today, neither of which will be AP regardless of if he wins by the length of the stretch or not) that I can see winning. The rest would be surprising. I'll be using him, especially in cover multiples, but I'm not overly convinced by his actual talent, irrespective of numbers. His form outside of FG is just okay, and at FG he 1) didn't beat much, and 2) may just have loved the course. I was high on War Story prior to the La. Derby and backed him in futures expecting further progress, but that didn't happen. Based on that I can't see him factoring much, neither will Stanford. Keen Ice is a plodder and Tiznow RJ is a few cuts below. I don't wish bad will on anyone, but in a sense it wouldn't be the worst thing if he didn't run well in the Derby. To be in contention and ridden like that, in America's biggest race, would not be what racing needs in terms of spotlight. I wouldn't agree with the outcry or the notion that he could run as well when not being pushed so aggressively, but the media would have a field day.