Analysis (by Michael Hammersly)

Strengths: He has shown he can produce a burst on any type of surface (turf, dirt, Cushion Track, Tapeta Footing). His third-place finish in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby and fourth in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby show he is not out of his element against the best of his crop.

Weaknesses: He is one of many new shooters here, but historically the new-shooter angle just hasn’t worked. In the last 24 Preaknesses, only Red Bullet and Bernardini won this after not racing in the Derby. All of the other 22 winners were Derby refugees. And, while Yankee Bravo’s good efforts in the Louisiana Derby and Santa Anita Derby indicate he fits, they may also indicate he is not quite up to beating the best of his division.

Strategy: While he is a closer, he is capable of making an early move. In the Santa Anita Derby, for example, he was closing strongly along the inside to loom ominously into the lane but couldn’t sustain his run. That ability to accelerate whenever the jock asks gives him options, the ability to flee trouble, and the ability to take advantage of any pace or traffic scenario that arises.

Value: The fact he faltered a bit late in the Santa Anita Derby, when blinkers were added, may mean his odds will float upward. And there are those who still view the Southern California contingent with some skepticism despite a number of well-publicized lower-rung victories. He does figure quite tempting as an exotics supporter if he is 15-1 or higher.