Several writers have hailed Officer as the best 2 YO since Spectacular Bid. Didn't we hear that about Arazi?? And Easy Goer?? And Devils Bag? I'm always skeptical when I hear that. Officer is 5 for 5 but his first 2 wins were over Cal-breds. He won a pair of Graded Stakes at Del Mar beating a 3 horse field and a 5 horse field. Then he shipped to Belmont where he won the Champagne by almost 4. His final time was several ticks faster than the 2YO filly stake but the internal fractions were slower, meaning he may have been aided by the softer pace. He does deserve to be favored and may well win but he is not value below 7 ro 5. He may go off at 3 to 5. Jump Start was 2nd behind Officer in the Champagne (w/first time blinkers) and may benefit from a faster pace. Came Home beat Jump Start by an even bigger margin than Officer did when he won the Hopeful in 1:21 4/5. But Came Home was scratched out of the Norfolk due to a cough so he may not be 100%. THe other possible upsetter might be Johannesburg, the European 2YO who is 6 for 6. He's never raced on dirt but being by Hennessey, a dirt horse, you'd think he'd move up on it. His Timeform ratings are as good as many older horses.
Breeders Cup Juvenile
- Thread starter Valuist
- Start date
I think I'm putting Johannesburg on top here. Of the mid-priced horses, I like its chances the best and I just don't see any horse as worthy of being an even money or better favorite in races of this quality.
NJO--
Good work by both of us. Every time I hear "the next Secretariat", it seems like its the kiss of death. Johannesburg was a great overlay.
Good work by both of us. Every time I hear "the next Secretariat", it seems like its the kiss of death. Johannesburg was a great overlay.
