The Darp - makes it 3 for 3 , running good races when asked to do something within his ability.
Maybe they randomly try him in a series of tough stakes and polytrack races now that he is looking good again?
Speed was back got a good trip with other speed being weak. Was the 2nd best in the race and ran a pretty good one. I underestimated him here. I knew his last 3 were tosses, but I kind of bought the idea that he was being conditioned to fail and maybe losing some of the speed, as well as the "bad" placement decisions never being a good sign. Tip my hat to Werner for having him ready to run.
Knock out Cat - was no factor whatsoever. It was a mistake for me to over-analyze and think that Asmussen/Bridgmohan would have him significantly more off the pace today. He was still kind of stalking. Bridgmohan was patient, even hesitant coming off the turn, and when finally asked he was checked pretty good. By that time the better horses had already took over the race. If Asmussen moves him up, he could still turn out ok.
Other than trying to toss the favorite and liking a non-factor 2nd time starter looked pretty formful and/or as expected.