#1 – Master Of Hounds
Derby trip got buzz
Transatlantic trips bring pause
Not buying the hype
#2 – Stay Thirsty
Sidekick did little
To kick Uncle Mo’s shadow
Best will come later
#3 – Ruler On Ice
Mid-tier near-misses
Give him ho-hum resume
Doesn’t inspire
#4 – Santiva
In Derby’s top half
Shows solid dirt form at three
Has wild card chops
#5 – Brilliant Speed
A turf, synth standout
Didn’t bomb in dirt return
Keep on your radar
#6 – Nehro
The Derby bridesmaid
Stricken with seconditis
Threat to hit the board
#7 – Monzon
Mid-Atlantic steed
Class jumps were a disaster
Stick to overnights
#8 – Prime Cut
Making breakthrough start
From decent second-tier tries
Deep gimmicks at best
#9 – Animal Kingdom
Crown campaign fell short
Has the tools for 12 panels
Two for three ain’t bad
#10 – Mucho Macho Man
Hard-luck campaigner
Preakness trip was traumatic
What does he have left?
#11 – Isn’t He Perfect
Preakness afterthought
Homecoming doesn’t mean much
Isn’t he a toss?
#12 – Shackleford
Held strong in Preakness
Blistering pace is rare here
Lots more ground to keep
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Who wins the Belmont?
Animal Kingdom’s a beast
Four and five follow
The Michigan-Bred Claimer 