need help on soldat

[TopForm]

I appreciate any thoughts on soldat headed into the derby. At first glance I was not very optimistic about this horses chances after his non effort in the FLA derby. After a closer look, I am struggling with whether his effort was an inevitable X ( as he was cycling toward a 0-2-x) or if it was a result of not getting the lead he is accustomed to. If it was a result of his pattern, can we expect him to run back to a 0? If that is the case, we would seem to have a live one on our hands. Although I have yet to see a horse in the archives that won the derby going in on a 0-2-x. Would love to hear any thoughts on one of many difficult reads in this years race.

[FrankD.]

Top,

If you go back a couple of pages from 4/11 - 4/25 there is a long debate on Soldat with several comments about being a true 0-2-X or not.

IMO: Suspect top numbers earned in the slop and being loose on the lead on a speed favoring track.
BUT: This year he cannot be left out of the equation on both horizontal and vertical tickets if you even sip kool aide !

Good luck,

Frank D.

[FrankD.]

Top,

Also the string tittled recent Beyers started by jimbo on 4/18.

[TopForm]

thanks frank, i will check it out

[Flighted Iron]

“It was very hot at Gulfstream Park on Florida Derby day, but cool weather is like a vitamin shot for a horse and should especially be a big plus for us,” said McLaughlin. “He couldn’t be doing better and right now it’s more about the post position than anything else. Obviously he’ll be forwardly placed no matter what, but he could be first or fifth during the early stages of the race depending upon how we draw and how we break.”

Sounds like they\'re gonna press the nos button from the gate.Last work according
to mclaughlin as perfect,however they made no mention of him working in company.Can\'t confirm they went together,but Regal Ransom listed on worktab with
same 5f time.

good luck

[pres711]

soldat washed out badly in the florida derby and got caught inside behind others at the start.  Has trained forwardly in florida, must see how he looks once on the grounds.  KM says he\'s going great.  I have a substantial winter position so I\'m probably biased but he still has the fastest # of any horse here (though wet) and has a second figure that looks like it could win saturday.  He is a must use for me. I think he wins the rubber match with SHAK.  (AAA,MMM,BS,POF, and MO/Nerho are still in the mix). post position, next weeks appearance and the weather will sort things out.

[pres711]

left AK off by omission, he remains alive on my list.