Tiz the Law made the Holy Bull look like a walk in the park. He just moved to the top of my Derby list.
I will admit Tiz the Law looked good today but for me, still a bit early.
I would also say that I saw nothing of interest in the Withers at Aqueduct.
Was hoping for better from Toledo in the Robert B Lewis.
Who totally impressed me today was Taraz in the Martha Washington Stakes at Oaklawn. She kicked some serious booty in that race. Sheās huge compared to many of her compatriots. Only a 4 horse field but her break was less than stellar (last), moved up to first after the first 1/4 and cruised down the stretch in a hand ride with an ever increasing distance.
Caton Bredar was saying this filly, Taraz, might be a candidate for the Rebel to see how she runs against the boys. 
So far, Taraz is undefeated in 3 races.
These days it takes a very brave owner (in this case it would be Juddmonte) to run a filly in the Derby.
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I also read that. I hope they do it. :yes:
I like this idea to see how she does against the boys before the Derby to help decide Derby or Oaks.
She is a big girl for sure. Yes, small field and the Martha Washington field didnāt have any big ānamesā in it but her stretch run looked nice.
The Honeybee at Oaklawn Park is next on tap for Taraz. A start against the boys in a pre-Derby prep hasnāt been ruled out.
Sole Volante wins handily over Independence Hall
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/238401/sole-volante-sails-home-to-land-sam-f-davis?utm_source=BHFB&utm_medium=social
I like Independence Hall, but Iām just not quite convinced yet that heās able to handle the Derby, either the chaos or the distance. I might be wrong. Heās got probably my favorite name on the trail so far. Yes, I know that names have no relevance to their speed, but still, I love a good, dignified name.
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While heās not run against much, he sure looks good winning.
Happy for his connections.
Itād be nice to see how he does in one of the KD prep races.
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/238407/3-for-3-no-parole-locks-up-premier-night-prince?utm_source=BHFB&utm_medium=social
Nadal wins the San Vicente.
The article states Storm the Court didnāt fire, but I saw a horse coming on strong towards the end, a horse that might just relish 2 turns. I liked what I saw, considering itās his first race this year.
Guess weāll see how many of these colts do once they get a bit more bottom on them & go 2 turns.
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Mr. Monomoy wins the first division of the Risen Star
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/238548/mr-monomoy-wires-risen-star-at-fair-grounds
Modernist wins the second division of the Risen Star.
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/238552/modernist-puts-mott-back-on-the-kentucky-derby-trail
Azul wins in the El Camino Real Derby
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/238550/azul-coast-takes-el-camino-real-derby-at-golden-gate
Baffert has another possible Derby contender on his hands.
Weāll have to see how he does as he steps up against better company, but he sure made this look easy.
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Caught that race. Heās still green and when the gates opened, you could clearly see he wasnāt sure what to do. He figured it out. Thatās the most impressive effort by any of the a Derby hopefuls so far. IMO. Impressive looking colt too, as he should be, Breeders paid 1,3 million for Mom at FT Nov. a few years back and he was a 700k Keeneland colt. No cute ugly duckling story there. Hope he continues to develop as they step him up to bigger fields, longer runs and better, more experienced competition.
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Taraz was just euthanized.
Authentic pretty impressive in the San Felipe, as was Mischevious Alex in the Gotham.
(Into Mischief had a good day.)
On a, IMO, better note
Nadal today in the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park (remember AP in that same race in 2015??? ). Nadal looked impressive. Two turns, blinkers off, just about led the entire wayā¦ good horses early and late and he held on.
If youāre into comparing to Justify, Charlatan ran in a 1m allowance, optional claiming race at SA (only his second start). Again led most of the race, and ended up winning by 10 1/4. Charlatanās second start.
Both trained by Baffert.
Been watching Nadal, heās maturing nicely and quite professional. Makes it look like heās not trying that hard. IIRC the fractions in that race were pretty impressive so heās working harder then it looks.
Tiz The Law makes it look EASYā¦
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/239357/tiz-the-law-triumphs-in-florida-derby
:eek: 
