Prep Recap

Profile by Kenny Peck

Strengths: He comes off his best Beyer Speed Figure to date, and has steadily improved in terms of his speed figures since last year. He has a proven ability to handle two turns, and his running style should suit, as honest fractions are likely, which should set up a horse from off the pace. He is trained by D. Wayne Lukas, a Hall of Famer who has posted 13 Triple Crown triumphs, which includes five wins in the Preakness.

Weaknesses: His best Beyer Figure came in the slop, and that is inadequate when compared with those of the top contenders in the race. He's winless in seven starts over a fast main track, and rainfall is not expected for Saturday. His win on the Derby undercard came via an inside trip, and the rail may have been the best part of the track on that sloppy strip.

Strategy: He comes from off the pace, but he doesn't need to be way off the lead, and his tactical speed should mean he gets the jump on the stone closers. He's likely to be positioned in the second flight, and if a contested pace develops he might be able to pick up some of the front-runners. He's not likely to pass them all, or to hold off many of the closers, however, without a major step forward.

Value: He'll be a big price, maybe the longest price in the field, thanks to his inferior Beyers, but that doesn't necessarily translate to value. He's hard to like, even underneath in exotics, since his figures are subpar.