War Pass Falls From Best 11 No.1
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Posted by BarbaraAnne Helberg Mar 25, 2008 |
War Pass finally showed equine vulnerability by losing. The Juvenile Champion has been written off by some writers as a potent Kentucky Derby contender because he went to no-fire mode in the recent Tampa Bay Derby, finishing last.
Inexplicable was the explanation from jockey Cornelio Velasquez. Puzzled trainer Nick Zito dittoed that remark. However, it was well reported the sleek, speedy champ had suffered a fever (of some kind) in training up to the Tampa Bay.
Is this the simple answer to the non-fire? He didn't feel well. I don't run well either when bothered by the after affects of a fever. How can an individual try as hard when he's ill?
If War Pass gets completely over his some kind of fever, he'll be back in the KD running.
He's still on my Best Eleven Kentucky Derby contenders list:
- Pyro - the heir apparent for now, until War Pass's status is evaluated
- Colonel John - never off the board on synthetic services; should handle Churchill dirt
- Denis of Cork - from Unbridled line, proven record in different circumstances
- Georgie Boy - looks more and more like a contender; won San Felipe Stakes last weekend
- War Pass - if some kind of fever worries evaporate, he's the boy
- Big Truck - wow! he delivered in the Tampa Bay, beating Todd Pletcher's Atoned and No.1 War Pass
- Visionaire - still there
- Cowboy Cal - gotta look at the trainer (Pletcher), who is way overdue in the TC with a talented colt
- Liberty Bull - son of Holy Bull taking liberties aplenty; added $300,000 to bankroll at WinStar
- Giant Moon - the winningest colt on the trail
- Z Fortune - Pyro's roommate; never underestimate the motivation of a roomie
There it is, with my neck right out there! Oh, but necking is fun!