Royal Assault

[Valuist]

Has anyone heard the stakes plan for this 3YO? He has been overlooked because Zito has (or had) so many top 3YOs in his barn but I was very impressed by his 2nd in a NW1X at GP on Florida Derby day.

[Valuist]

We may get a little better idea of how this horse fits after this Saturday, when Suave runs in the Illinois Derby. But I believe Royal Assault ran the superior race that day, trying to overcome Suave's slow pace.

[Valuist]

Zito said on the DRF site that Royal Assault is going in the Wood and he views him as a potential Belmont candidate. Nobody has really jumped out from this 3YO crowd. I'm hoping there will be value in the Wood w/the Assault.

[Valuist]

March 13, 2004, Suave sets a slow pace in a 1 1/8 mile NW1X at Gulfstream and Royal Assault cannot overtake him. 17 months later, its deja vu all over again, except for $250,000 in a Grade 2. I think we can say that 3/13/04 GP field was a strong NW1X.