4/5 (SA): Santa Anita Derby (Gr. I) + 3 Gr. II Stakes

[Bobby Fischer]

Originally Posted by pgardn

I dont see how one can separate Col. John and El Gato right now, especially based on their last race. What indicates at this point that Col. John is superior to El Gato Malo?

El Gato Malo has the lack of stamina in his pedigree, most importantly in his female family. The pace of the race and the synthetic surface were the only reasons that El Gato Malo was able to run a quality 9 furlongs in a competitive graded race.

My hunch is that the slow pace in the last race was relatively important. Maybe it wasn't. Maybe El Gato Malo can run in a faster paced 9 furlong synthetic race and not flatten out. It is a tough subjective call. I am not keying against him, only observing.

[AeWingnut]

Originally Posted by Bobby Fischer

El Gato Malo has the lack of stamina in his pedigree, most importantly in his female family. The pace of the race and the synthetic surface were the only reasons that El Gato Malo was able to run a quality 9 furlongs in a competitive graded race.

My hunch is that the slow pace in the last race was relatively important. Maybe it wasn't. Maybe El Gato Malo can run in a faster paced 9 furlong synthetic race and not flatten out. It is a tough subjective call. I am not keying against him, only observing.

I agree his pedigree suggests (to you & me anyway) that the distance should be a problem.

Playing against El Gato Malo.

[Mike]

I'm also with Polonius, expecting him to be on the lead after the demise of Bob Black Jack, who seems to have proven class limitations. So much for the 10-1 odds, as several here are on him