What a contrast between this and the Blue Grass. In that one I gave 8 of 11 as a chance to get a piece whereas here I completely tossed 8 of the 13. As usual, the Wood is a weak race!
Resilience 6-1 ML Puts blinkers on and draws a much better post from the Risen Star. Mott should have him ready for his best after fading late in last. Maybe the slop wasn't what he wanted. I am going with the mild upset and making him my top selection!
El Grande 8-1 ML Don't think a mile and an eighth is his best distance and the slow pace he got away with in the Withers isn't likely to repeat itself today. I think he holds on for a piece but hard to see him winning.
Lonesome Boy 50-1 ML Lost a maiden claimer in December at Parx. OUCH! He clearly likes the slop and it probably won't be an off track. TOSS
Deterministic 7-5 ML The heavy favorite improved in the slop and while he looks to next to impossible to leave out of the gimmicks I think he is going to get beat.
Protective 30-1 What the hell is Pletcher and Repole thinking entering this maiden who lost at Tampa at 3-5. TOSS
Evening News 20-1 ML Only dirt race was awful, yes I know it was his first race but he lost a maiden claimer at Turfway. That doesn't instill much confidence. TOSS
Merit 20-1 ML His Brisnet numbers are going the wrong way, 92, 88, 81. He is the one who may doom the
by going to the front, his only hope, albeit slim. Think the distance doesn't do him any favors. TOSS
Elysian Meadows 15-1 ML New York bred got a solid pace to run into in the Sam Davis but didn't reduce the lengths behind from the six furlongs to the finish while passing a bunch of future claimers. TOSS
Tuscan Sky 4-1 ML I almost made him my top pick. Both races on the off track and his last was really a two horse race as the third horse was close to 30 lengths behind. Damn does he look almost identical to Just a Touch in the Blue Grass. He also ran two Brisnet figures of 97. Looks solid!
Gettysburg Address 30-1 ML Have to admit I love the name but that is about it. Brisnet numbers going the wrong way, 85, 81, 77. Notice the trainer change, as the owner dumped Cox for Stewart. That may alone move him up a few notches. Got crushed to the
last race. TOSS
Society Man 30-1 ML Got crushed in the Withers and then benefited from fast fractions to break his maiden. TOSS
Deposition 50-1 ML His Withers was strong but he followed it up with a horrendous showing in the Gotham at 82-1. TOSS
Uncle Heavy 8-1 ML Pennsylvania bred came to New York and won the Withers. Has a chance to repeat but post 12 is a huge drawback. Should be there at the end!
My selections are
Don't see anyone else having a chance!
