Gunnevera or McCraken

[PowerUpPaynter]

I feel that at least one of these will finish in the derby super. Very similar horses who do you like better and why?

I would choose Gunnevera, he did look like he lost some weight last time out, so I hope he isnt wearing down but his Florida Derby 3rd was sneaky good and McCraken couldnt catch Irap.

[Run Nicholas Run]

gunnevera for myself between the two
as I like the closing style and rather have
castellano than BJ hernandez

[letswastemoney]

Gunnevera has a better distance pedigree, and will probably go off at higher odds.

[CincyHorseplayer]

Everybody covered the peripherals well. I just like that Gunnevera is a seasoned competitor, has always run a decent race, has agreeable numbers, and hasn't missed any training. 90% sure I am betting this horse as of this moment. I think the crowd will be on Irish War Cry, Always Dreaming, and because of the history of success of the race Gormley. Will give solid odds on G. Ready to roll!

[PowerUpPaynter]

Gunnevera reminds me of Ice Box, I just see him coming late. I can't see a scenario where he dont land in the top 4 and I love him to place. I will definitely be holding an exacta ticket of about 5 long shots over him.

[Mc990]

Originally Posted by PowerUpPaynter

Gunnevera reminds me of Ice Box, I just see him coming late. I can't see a scenario where he dont land in the top 4 and I love him to place. I will definitely be holding an exacta ticket of about 5 long shots over him.

Are you at all concerned that the Fountain of Youth fried him? Monster effort that early as a 3 year old.... Doesn't sit well with me.

He definitely had some circumstances (mostly post position) against him last out but regardless, he bounced hard. The FOY being such a dramatic top for him, I'm taking a decidedly more negative view going forward.

[f2tornado]

Gunnevera's TFUS number only slipped a few points last out suggesting the FOY might not have been a big bona fide top. He ran decent fractions in the final 3/8th and has a rider I trust. I will be using him Derby day but not as much as others. I suspect he will need a pace meltdown to win it and many front runners and pacers have held up very well through 9F this year.

[PowerUpPaynter]

Originally Posted by Mc990

Are you at all concerned that the Fountain of Youth fried him? Monster effort that early as a 3 year old.... Doesn't sit well with me.

He definitely had some circumstances (mostly post position) against him last out but regardless, he bounced hard. The FOY being such a dramatic top for him, I'm taking a decidedly more negative view going forward.

I thought he looked like he lost weight when I saw him at the Florida Derby, but his 3rd was sneaky good 4 of the 5 horses that were in the front held and he still managed to close for 3rd. I like that 3rd much better than McCraken's

[yankeelpn]

Ill Box Gunnever and McCraken.

[arw629]

I want no part of McCracken. Gunnevera had no chance last time with the poor post that I'm willing to forgive. If I can get 10-1 or more he might be my pick pending on post.
I'm also betting Irap.

[Robert Fischer]

Gunnevera was either the best horse, or the second best horse in the Florida Derby. I couldn't tell you.

[PowerUpPaynter]

Originally Posted by arw629

I want no part of McCracken. Gunnevera had no chance last time with the poor post that I'm willing to forgive. If I can get 10-1 or more he might be my pick pending on post.
I'm also betting Irap.

Iv read way too much Irap love since Saturday.

[CincyHorseplayer]

Originally Posted by PowerUpPaynter

I thought he looked like he lost weight when I saw him at the Florida Derby, but his 3rd was sneaky good 4 of the 5 horses that were in the front held and he still managed to close for 3rd. I like that 3rd much better than McCraken's

A furious finishing 3rd in a fast race is better than a straight up outrun flatulence in a slow race!

[Dahoss9698]

I actually love McCracken's race in the Bluegrass and cannot wait to bet him in the Derby, as long as he gets in.

First, he missed his prep (TB Derby) because of the ankle strain and also missed about 2 weeks of training. Second, he ran much better than it looked IMO. Was way closer than usual because of the slow pace. Dropped back to last around the turn, made a solid move into the stretch and wasn't beaten much at all.

Third, he's 3 for 3 at Churchill. Lastly, his trainer came up under Carl Nafzger who was a master at targeting a race. He understood the value of a prep and not squeezing the lemon dry before the big one.

I anticipate a much tighter McCracken for the Derby and think we'll see a peak performance by him.

[Mr. Pick 5]

youre talking about a horse that couldnt make up any lengths in the stretch against a maiden who was running on the wrong lead....hes all yours