Actually defections might help make better races. Ravel not going in the Santa Anita gives us a 10 horse field. The Illinois Derby has a bunch going because Cobalt Blue is considered vulnerable. Maybe it is good having the 2nd level horses getting it on in large races rather than all the big guys running away from each other thinking their chances will be ruined and the horses forever scarred if they lose. The Arkansas may shape up to be a similar race with a lot of unknowns (or up and coming: Curlin) with a few making a break thru. I kinda like the large fields with decent horses that dont strike fear into the hearts of trainers.

The best horses this week are at the Big A. And the best race, as far as quality, has a small field. Lots of juggling and dodging may not be so bad.