This is a full baby brother to Barbaro. There is actually another one, I believe named Lentenor, who is either a weanling or a yearling this year as well. The Jacksons bred the Carson City dam back to Dynaformer twice more after Barbaro, hoping to catch lightning in a bottle again....
I would love to see this horse be a world-beater, and in fact, I'll be "cheering" for him, but my money won't be on his nose, at least not today.
Trainer Matz is 1 for his last 47 first time starters, and 0 for his last 16 when he debuts them at a mile or greater. Matz is an incredible horseman, and there is no doubt Nicanor is fit to go today, but his horses rarely win at first asking.
I think the 10 horse, Dubinsky will be the obvious choice in here. He shows a nice workout pattern and came up with a big effort, though overmatched, in his last start. Outside post could put Castellano in a nice stalking position.
The 13 will be an interesting proposition if he draws in off the AE list. The switch to dirt may be just what this colt needs.
And for a longshot, I think #1 Unbridled Cardinal has an outside shot at all the marbles. He could not have gotten off to a worse start in his debut on 1/15, but now has a mile race under his belt and gets the red hot Leparoux for this assignment.
That said, c'mon Nicanor. I mean, who doesn't like a feel good story? And if one sport needs one, it's horse racing right now.
