Journeyman Handicapper Question Bel 8th

[infield_line]

Sorry this is late in the day, not trying to redboard, but since I am announcing a loss I guess I am safe.

I played the 4,6,7,8 ex box in this turf race.... race ran 4,5

This is the time of year when we are alerted to be on the lookout for rapidly improving three year olds, and my assessment was that the 4 had every indication of being just that. I won't bore you with the rest of my race analysis but in broad terms I thought that at least one of the more experienced, stakes and graded stakes tested horses would be in the mix. I used the 8 on the very acceptable race at 1 1/4, cutting back off a layoff with Dynaformer and McGaughey

Before anyone offer "dude, the 5 was Giant's Causeway", I know, but he was Pletcher who for me has been a bet against, and had won only a minor allowance.

Any insights? The 4 was much the best, but what can I learn from the way this pace played out or any other clues among the other contender's that they were not up to the test.... thx