Adam Coglianese/NYRA

The Skinny
His only two career defeats came at the hooves of Smarty Jones, and Todd Pletcher's original plan after the big Peter Pan win was to avoid 'Smarty' in the Belmont. Still, Purge is in the best form of his career, and they don't give this kind of money away every day so here he is. John Velazquez knew he had the local prep won when he looked back for competition three-and-a-half furlongs out, and it was a step in the right direction that this speedy colt showed a willingness to rate. Looked good striding out in the stretch, but he should have ran well considering he stalked a pair of hopeless longshots (Sinister G and Intimidator) while racing on the preferred outside paths. Probably will have no choice but to revert to run-and-gun tactics in the Belmont, and should be prominent when the field hits the final turn. He couldn't hold off Smarty going shorter in Arkansas this spring so who's to say he'll fend off the Triple Crown hopeful in the Belmont? Lightly-raced colt still may have some upside potential, however, and may be the one to down if Smarty Jones falters. Can't fault any who land on this colt in the hope of beating the favorite.

- Dan Illman