Racing critics tend to speak in broad negative strokes. Such as, the handicap division stinks behind Horse of the Year Curlin. Or the 3-year-old division is terrible other than Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown.
Instead of being accused of piling on, I'll offer an equine paraphrase of a famous lecture coach Rick Pitino gave his Boston Celtics team eight years ago: "Secretariat, Spectacular Bid and Seattle Slew are not walking through that stall door anytime soon."
Sans Curlin and Big Brown, the fields of 12 horses in the Travers on Saturday and the 11 entered in the Pacific Classic on Sunday are the best in their divisions. They are running for $1 million purses. On paper, the races are dogfights and make for outstanding betting. If the winner doesn't break a stopwatch, so be it.
If Curlin were in the Pacific Classic and Big Brown in the Travers, they probably would be 3-5 odds favorites facing five or six overmatched foes. While I love watching champions, my betting money would have stayed put.
The Travers and the Pacific Classic are big-time handicapping puzzles. I don't see a speed horse stealing the verdict. And closers will have a tricky time navigating bulky fields. A big positive is whatever horse you like, he'll be a square price.
Let me offer two price horses in each stakes for your consideration.
In the Travers, I'm looking at Colonel John (8-1) and Court Vision (12-1). Colonel John was third in a comeback try in the Swaps. He had the tough dual task of putting pressure on pacesetter Tres Borrachos, then trying to pass him late. Others will set a fast pace so Garrett Gomez can take back and make one run.
Court Vision is a stablemate of Big Brown via the IEAH Stable ownership. His nose loss in the Virginia Derby was the best race of his life. If he transfers that good form from turf to dirt for the Travers, he could be a big late factor.
In the Pacific Classic, Awesome Gem (5-1) and Mast Track (6-1) can play a role. Awesome Gem was an unlucky nose loser of the Wickerr. The placing should prove to be a perfect setup for a career-best effort.
Mast Track won the Hollywood Gold Cup on the lead in a paceless race. The half-mile in the Cup was a pedestrian 48 4/5 seconds.
Expect a much faster split Sunday. Mast Track has proved he can win sitting just off the pace. He has a rider in Rafael Bejarano who can nurse his energy efficiently and fight on late.
Richard Eng's horse racing column is published Friday. He can be reached at rich_eng@hotmail.com.
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