Commandment's Kentucky Derby bid was compromised by a sluggish start, a wide overland trip, and late race traffic.
Racing mid-pack, he was forced to go five-wide on the far turn and was severely bounced around in tight quarters during the stretch drive, ultimately finishing seventh.
The key factors that derailed his race included a Slow Break: Commandment broke slowly and was left sitting 13th through the half-mile mark, forcing him to play catch-up.
The "Overland" Route: Under jockey Luis Saez,in which he made a strong move but was forced to race at least five paths wide on the far turn, covering much more ground than the inside horses.
Stretch Traffic: After kicking for home with a legitimate chance, he got bounced around in traffic while racing between rivals in the stretch, causing him to lose momentum and failed to threaten the leaders.Despite the trouble, the Brad Cox-trained colt came out of the race in good form and I'm expecting an entirely different outcome with this longer stretch and fewer horses.
I seen the race with the cluster of horses down the stretch and seen that No doubt Commandment was getting bounced around like a ping pong ball.
Many of other in the race that are top tier horses got bounced around as well.
Don't know if this strong closer has got what it takes to overcome this field but I sure would hate to go a different way and have Commandment run a race style that prevails and wins the Belmont at a good price based on his seventh place finish in the Derby.
Thoughts?
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