I don't know about that. He was like 3-4 wide the enitre way around until he got to the stretch. Throw in the premature move on the backstretch and it makes Dublin a very unlikely winner no matter how good he actually is.

Dublin was ridden 5 wide into the 1st turn & looked to be in the 4-path for some time on the backstretch. Nakatani hit the accelerator way too early. A really overconfident ride

In contrast, the Gomez ride on LAL was smooth and patient, and a good reason why the colt got up in time at the wire.

Not entirely... Gomez did run Lucky right into a jackpot on the backstretch when he had to check up. I get the feeling one reason Nakatani moved on Dublin when he did was to hem Gomez and Lucky in... And it worked because Noble's Promise was in front of Lucky and Cardiff Giant was down inside blocking the rail. If Lucky doesn't get up later, I think there'd be some criticism of Gomez over that move. Watch the replay again. I think Nakatani is taking more heat than necessary. Dublin's prospects aren't diminished by this outcome at all. It wasn't a great performance by any means, but I think some of what went on with the early move was a rider's call. Anyway, as seems the case now regularly, the Arkansas Derby is going to be very good.

I think it was pretty good race riding to try and block Lookin at Lucky on the backside by Dublin. Overall a good race by the top three. Everyone keeps saying Noble Promise can win at 10 furlongs. But the Arky Derby is 9. The order could be completely reversed on April 10th. And the they could reverse again on Derby Day.

Nakatani has about as much chance of riding this horse again as DrugS has of tipping a waitress 20%