Friesan Fire runs third in return off layoff at 2/5

[RolloTomasi]

Fresian Fire on paper seems quite dependent on the pace. IIRC, all his "good" races were in slow paced races (:48 and slower). Faster fractions and he doesn't show up with a run. Unfortunately, most big races don't cater to that style.

This horse has been exposed repeatedly. He was found out at 2 in the Futurity and buried in the Derby and Preakness (where he was coming apart at the seems anyways) at 3.

He went to the sidelines with multiple injuries, which more than bad luck, probably accounts for his poor breaks from the gate in the 2 classics. The time off doesn't necessarily mean he will come back 100% (which probably wasn't that great to begin with), either.

It was pretty bold to declare the Donn the main target given all that. And when you factor in the good series of easier stakes at the FG leading up to the relatively important New Orleans Handicap, its almost downright foolish to point to a race in FL. The only thing I could figure is they're desperate to get a Grade 1 win with him before time runs out.

Good luck with that.