I\'m going to go on record and declare we saw FOUR Champions yesterday. Now there are a lot more races still to go so nothing is final.
Book M Danno has to be Champion Sprinter. Those three Saratoga wins in dominating fashion are nearly enough. One more win, almost anywhere, seals it. Some broken down Baffert Sprinter (Hajiz, Speed Boat Beach) is not deserving with a one off win in the BC Sprint. Its also some redemption for Paco Lopez who started the year in the Dog House. Kept a low profile and and made amends.
The Ortiz Brothers. One of them will win Champion Jockey. And both rode until 11PM Friday at Charlestown and Irad was there riding at The Spa in the first at 11AM. Then winning the last at 7PM. Both stil focused, riding hard, and not making sloppy decisions. Pratt has Nysos and Sierra Leone so he wont be going quietly. Expect there to be a lot of frequent flyer miles between Pacific Claßic Day and Cigar Mile Day.
Sovereignty probably has the 3YO Champion in his grasp and staring at possibly Horse of the Year. But what if Journalism wins the Pacific Classic then whips him in the Breeders Cup? To be determined but good lord how did we get 8-1 on this horse Derby Day. We need them both back next year. Great for the game.
Thorpedo Anna. If she wins the Spinster Champion Older Filly is a lock. If she wins the Distaff AGAIN she is a Finalist for Horse of the Year. She won\'t win, but her Campaign and performance are worthy. And lets not start with a \"she is lucky the older mares are not super fast\". She keeps winning. She is running everywhere you are supposed to be. She was tired late yesterday, knew where the Wire was and lunged and snatched away the victory from near defeat.
Appreciate all the above while you are getting to see it. Collectively this is as good as it gets