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The Kentucky Derby has come and gone. It was quite a strange race this year. The
odds of the favorites were very high comparative to other years and the odds of
the "long shots" were very low. Horses that were 10-1 in this year's Derby could
have been 20-1 or 30-1 in years past. In the end, Super Saver emerged victorious
under jockey Calvin Borel for trainer Todd Pletcher. It was Borel's third
victory in four years. The win was due in large part to Borel and a sloppy
track. He rides well on an off track and he is easily the best jockey at
Churchill Downs. That is not to say he isn't a fast horse, but others aren't too
far behind. Let's look at Super Saver's strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths
Tactical Speed- The winner of the Run for the Roses could have the early lead if
he wanted. He could also take off the pace and lay mid pack. This is a great
advantage because he can adapt to the pace no matter what happens. Pimlico
Racecourse favors horses that are closer to the pace because of its sharp turns.
We can expect Calvin Borel to have him in the top three early on in the race.
Wet Tracks- Super Saver's two biggest wins came in the Kentucky Jockey Club and
the Kentucky Derby. Both wins were on a wet track. If the rain gods show up at
Pimlico on Saturday he will have no problems once again. In fact, it may even
help his chances. Knowing that he can handle an off going is critical because we
may or may not know how the other horses will fare in these conditions.
Calvin Borel- I hate to say it, but having this guy in the irons will make ANY
horse better. The Cajun rider just knows how to do it. I can't explain why or
how, but horses will run for him that won't for other jockeys. He knows Super
Saver well and he is in great sync with them. You can bet your ass that Borel
will have him in with a shot to win turning for home. He will most likely be on
the rail. He wouldn't be Calvin Borel if he didn't.
Weaknesses
Calvin Borel- Just as the jockey is a strength he can also be a weakness at
times. He can get a little cocky and loss races thinking his horse is better
than it actually is. This is demonstrated by his guarantee to win the 2007
Preakness. He quit riding toward the end of the race and Curlin came flying to
beat him by a dirty nose. He also guaranteed that Mine That Bird would take the
Belmont Stakes last year. He ended up third. Borel has already said Super Saver
will win the Triple Crown. He needs to keep his head in check or he might hurt
this ones chances.
Todd Pletcher- Don't get us wrong, Pletcher is among the best. However, he has
never found himself in this situation. How will he handle it as a trainer? He
may pass this test with flying colors and he may trip up like many have before
him. We believe he will do just fine, but the possibility is always there. He
worked Super Saver in a soft :36 3/5 for three furlongs this week. He galloped
out five furlongs in 1:02 seconds. Was that too much? Who knows, but if the
loses some may point to the work.
Everyone great warrior has chinks in his armor and that is true for Super Saver,
Calvin Borel, and Todd Pletcher. They also have great strengths. They wouldn't
have made it this far if they didn't. The Preakness will surely be interesting
for the Kentucky Derby winner.