The Haiku Handicapper: Belmont Stakes field

DRF Breeding staff writer Joe Nevills analyzes the Belmont Stakes field, in post position order, in the form of Haiku; a Japanese poem of 17 syllables, in three lines of five, seven, and five.

Frac Daddy
Sophomore slump hits hard
Still seeking the follow-up
To his maiden win

Freedom Child
Crushed the local prep
Not a strong precursor to
Belmont Stakes success

Overanalyze
He’s due for a win
If his form pattern holds up
Doubt he’s good enough

Giant Finish
New York-bred comes home
Looks like a nice Grade 3 horse
In a Grade 1 race

Orb
A deflating loss
But he seems built for this race
The pressure is off

Incognito
Bred to run all day
But his résumé’s lacking
Could sneak on the board

Oxbow
The Preakness winner
Pace will dictate destiny
Won’t sneak off again

Midnight Taboo
Raw maiden winner
Faces heroic class jump
Doesn’t have a prayer

Revolutionary
Got his trip last out
Javier climbs back aboard
Should fire again

Will Take Charge
Traffic in Derby
Just plain got beat in Preakness
Will pass in Belmont

Vyjack
A dud at Churchill
Trainer’s under microscope
Can’t get excited

Palace Malice
The blinkers come off
After suicide Derby
A wild card here

Unlimited Budget
Girl power in force
Class ought to trump Oaks setback
Repole’s best shot

Golden Soul
Surprised at Churchill
Was it the race of his life
Or just warming up?

Prediction:
Who gets carnations?
¡Viva la Revolución!
Five, six fill the tri