The 3YO males take some of the stage this weekend in the Jim Dandy.
While not a lot of horses are set to go to the gate (6), we do have 4 very very interesting horses getting back to the track to likely make a summer run into the fall, and maybe even a run at a Breeder's Cup race.
There may be some better wagering races (actually, little doubt about that), this one interests me a ton in how these horses move forward as contenders in future races.
Creator: This is his first time back to competition after his thrilling win in the Belmont Stakes. An always talented colt really put it together late n the Belmont as Ortiz guided him through some tough spots to get that win home. An obvious closer, he undoubtedly likes that
Laoban is in this field. Needs the race more than the win.
Laoban: Still a maiden, and the connections are still taking him down this road of competing against his best peers while settling for well below minor awards. This is a good horse, just doesn't belong at this level at this point in time. OK, maybe he'll now go gate to wire and put a full on Denver omelet in my face.
Mohaymen: This was
THE horse to beat until Nyquist put him to task in the Florida Derby in late March. His race in the Kentucky Derby was a pretty solid effort, all the while finishing a distant 4th. Before I cast him aside, lets recognize that he is still 5 for 7 lifetime, with 4 Graded Stakes wins. Problem is, we can all look back now and realize he simply didn't beat much in those races. This is by far the most interesting horse in the race for me, as this race is likely more important for him than any other in the field. I think he really needs to win this race. No questions asked.
Destin: That was a monster race he ran in the Belmont only to get beat by his rival
Creator at the wire. Take away the G3 LeComte at Fair Grounds back in January, and this guy hasn't really ever ran a poor race in his lifetime. You can even make a decent excuse for that one as it was a crap ride. He should be on the engine early in here, as usual, and likely won't give the
too much respect. I expect a solid race out of this one, but he probably won't be fully cranked.
Governor Malibu: The colt on the rise that probably should have won the Belmont if he could have found an ounce of room on the rail. Getting better each and every time out, if I can actually get him at 4/1 or better, I may actually wager on this race. Dangerous horse that may be getting really really good.
Race Me Home: Most will simply scoff at the record, the class, and the finishes of this one. His ML will be way short of what he goes off at. Personally, I don't mind the entry, and while he looks like a no chancer in a 6 horse field, the other 5 are looking towards bigger and better than the G2 Jim Dandy. Unless he bolts to the lead unexpectedly, I don't see a problem with him in here, and the connections get a good seat for the rest of the races while he runs DFL.
SUMMARY: This is a WIN bet only type of race, and maybe a cold and strong EX with it? I'm more looking forward to watching these "Power 4" clashing heads more than anything in which we begin some more sorting of this 3YO crop and who can actually run against the older males. I'll stand by this being an incredibly important race for Mohaymen (IMO) as I feel he really needs to show well here while others can get excuses for not winning or showing well.
