2/25 (FG): Risen Star (G2), Mineshaft, Rachel, FG H. (G3's)

[Linny]

On paper El Padrino should have crushed them. He crushed all but Mark Valeski who was dead game inside the winner while exchanging contact. While El Padrino may be a nice one he's not yet any kind of sensation in my book. Last fall he had some serious work on his legs before the Remsen, which I think he may have been rushed to make. His slop return was a monster but he's bred to move up on wet going and did. Maybe he bounced today and will run a monster next time.
Mark Valeski impressed me in defeat, moving up in class and getting a "gut check" race. When it come to the Derby, I like to see horses looked in the eye (figuratively and literally) and not back down. I don't know if he's going to prove on par with the top of the clas, but he showed class today.