The "Eye-Ballers"

The Kentucky Derby trail this week will offer us 2 preps and 3 horses, who have the potential to be the "Eye-baller" for the Kentucky Derby. When I say Eyeballer I'm talking front running speed and potentially the first horse to look War Pass in the Eye and see what he is made of.

Look, there is no mystery here. War Pass has never been headed in 5 starts. He is the speed of the speed, but in his last 2 races, no horse has even attempted to run with him. This week, brings out J be K, Eaton's Gift, and Saratoga Russell.

Jbe K is 2 for 2 sprinting and has serious speed, he will try to take them as far as they can go int he Louisiana Derby.

Eaton's Gift and Saratoga Russell will battle on the Front End in the Gotham. Although this may not be a front end battle. Saratoga Russel was absolutely brilliant in his last 2 sprint wins, and I don't think they have any attention of rating in the Gotham. Ethan's Gift actually has a established a little class, and they have been giving his some long works in trying to improve his stamina.

Now play along with me now and take a look at the 3 eyeballers and their connections and why they are so important to the potential pace of the Kentucky Derby.

J be K and Eaton's Gift are both owned by Ahmed Zayat. Zayat also trains 3 closers in Halo Najib, Z Humor and Z Fortunte, do you think he may have something to gain by having Eaton's Gift going on the front end and trying to wear down War Pass in the Wood or in Louisville?

Also Saratoga Russell is owned by West Point Thoroughbreds. West Point Thoroughbreds also owns El Gato Malo, who is developing nicely as a closer, could "Saratoga" potentially be the "Rabbit" that softens War Pass just a little?

Also keep in mind that Steve Asmussen trains Pyro and J be K. Since Pyro is a closer, he wouldn't mind J be K softening up War Pass on the front end.

War Pass is a very strong front-runner. Probably the most intimidating front runner I have seen since Lost Code. It will be interesting to see what happens in Tampa and New York in his next 2 preps.

Just points to ponder as we get ready to this weeks match-ups.