Deeper Look Part Two

Deeper Look Part Two 

4. Wicked Strong 

Hard Spun- Moyne Abbey by Charismatic 

Career Statistics:
Starts: 6
Firsts: 2
Seconds: 1
Thirds: 1
Earnings: $704,610

Connections: 

Jockey: Rajiv Maragh
Trainer: James A. Jerkens
Owner: Centennial Farms

Derby Points: 102 

Class: Though I don't question his class I do question his ability outside of New York, as his only two good stakes performances were around two turns at Aqueduct. He had real trouble shipping into Florida, and didn't seem to like it there one bit as he put in dismal efforts in both his starts there. Blame it on the surface or the ability of the horse, but I can attest for him that the surface was incredibly speed favoring this year, and that could of played an important role in his dismal efforts down at Gulfstream Park. 

Pedigree: Hard Spun was a classy, and tough individual at any distance, and he seems to pass that quality on to his foals. Wicked Strong's mother was a claimer who took four tries to break her maiden and when she did it was for a $62,500 tag. She would never win another race but with Charismatic as the broodmare sire Wicked Strong should be able to run all day; he also has With Approval a Canadian Triple Crown winner in his pedigree which adds to his route pedigree. If this one doesn't perform in the Derby look out for him in the Belmont of all the Triple Crown races that is his best shot. 

Overall Opinion: Nice quality closer who has a pedigree that doesn't stop. If he can find the right holes come Derby day he is a serious threat to win. If he doesn't win the Derby look out for this one at Belmont he's already proven he loves it there as he broke his maiden there. 

Final Decision: Wicked Strong is a contender. 

5. Samraat 

Noble Causeway- Little Indian Girl by Indian Charlie 

Career Statistics:

Starts: 6
Firsts: 5
Seconds: 1
Thirds: 0
Earnings: $773,200 

Connections: 

Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
Trainer: Richard A. Violette, Jr.
Owner: My Meadowview Farm

Derby Points: 100 

Class: I started to strongly question his class after he barely got by Social Inclusion in the Wood Memorial. I feel if he has a shot at any of the Triple Crown races it will be the Preakness as he seems to have some major distance issues. Make no mistake though this horse is a fighter and could still be right there at the finish though he may be a little bit easier to get by. His previously undefeated record can attest that he is a real hard competitor but I think the Derby distance may be a bit farther than he wants to go. He also has to get his leads figured out, as he tends to finish on the wrong lead which doesn't help him in the stretch run.  

Pedigree: Samraat's sire Noble Causeway was never really effective at a mile and a quarter which is concerning even though he had loads of stamina in his pedigree including Giant's Causeway and Seeking The Gold. Samraat's mother Little Indian Girl took six tries to break her maiden, and when she did it was for a $62,500 tag; she ran primarily at mile and a sixteenth or shorter. Samraat's broodmare sire Indian Charlie was a brilliantly fast horse who seemed to be suspect at a mile and quarter, and hasn't been able to pass his stamina on to his foals which is quite concerning for Samraat. 

Overall Opinion: This horse is a fighter, but his pedigree doesn't exactly scream a mile and a quarter. He also needs to get his leads figured out before the Derby or he may have to pay for the consequences. He may be one of the ones wilting turning for home at the top of that long Churchill stretch.  

Final Decision: Samraat is a pretender. 

6. Danza  

Street Boss- Champagne Royal by French Deputy  

Career Statistics: 

Starts: 4
Firsts: 2
Seconds: 0
Thirds: 2
Earnings: $666,428  

Connections 

Jockey: Joe Bravo
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners

Derby Points: 100 

Class: He only recently jumped onto the Derby scene with a majorly impressive performance in the Arkansas Derby. What he lacks in experience he makes up for in sheer ability and professionalism, he burst through that hole in the stretch of the Arkansas Derby like a seasoned professional, and not like a horse that had had only three previous starts. He may be peaking at just the right time, and he seems to be very tactical, and the way he strode out in the Arkansas Derby makes me think he will handle a distance of ground without question. Make no mistake this is not a one hit wonder this is a serious racehorse. 

Pedigree: His top side is pure speed and not much else. His bottom side is highly leaning towards long distances and route races. He certainly has an intriguing pedigree and he shows he's got a lot of speed question now can he carry it. 

Overall Opinion: Very talented racehorse some things that could beat him Derby day would be his lack of experience and his trainer has a 1 for 38 record or so in the Derby which is also quite concerning. 

Final Decision: Danza is a contender.  

Tune in next time as I review Hoppertunity, Intense Holiday and Wildcat Red.