Quote:
Originally Posted by f2tornado
I said the same after American Pharoah walked the dog in the Rebel. Oops. And he had some genuine speed to contend with in the Derby. |
The difference between American Pharoah and Maximum Security (based solely on your argument) is that the former ran in another prep after his cakewalk (which was his first out off an injury and layoff).
American Pharoah next romped in the Arkansas Derby which featured one of the fastest early paces in the entire prep season. American Pharoah showed a new dimension by settling beautifully 2 or 3 lengths off the longshot pacesetter before pouring it on in the stretch under a hand ride.
Meanwhile, Maximum Security unsurprisingly had a bit of kick heading to the quarter pole after the pedestrian pace, when he separated himself from the maiden Bodexpress by a couple of lengths. His jock was all over him through the lane yet the horse was never able to shake Bodexpress completely off while holding sway to the wire.
American Pharoah, on the other hand, won his cakewalk Rebel with dominating authority despite tossing a shoe at the start. Never got more than a vigorous hand ride from Victor Espinoza before drawing away with every stride.
