Eight Belles to the Derby?

[Samarta]

I am no fan of the connections of EB, but after watching all the preps since the beginning of the year, I think they may be sitting on the best 3 year old in the country. Now I'm a little hesitant in saying for 2 reasons, the first is the fact that she doesn't get out of the gate well. That's a disaster waiting to happen in the Derby. Race could be over two jumps in. The second is I didn't like the last two rides she had with Dominguez. The Honeybee, I just thought he wrapped up on her way too early (I know, nice problem to have) and in the Fantasy, he basically did the same thing and Alina had something left and he had to get after her and then for whatever reason she lugged in real bad at the finish. Steve I think your assessment of RP is right on and he is the one making the call, just as he made the call about Dominguez and not Thompson. I think if Jones had is way,Thompson would still be on this mount. But after all that is said, she is the best 3 year old I've seen this year. (taking Big Brown out of the mix now because of the 3 races)