Churchill Downs is the first leg and that may turn out as the most difficult for this season. Not only is the length a challenge, but the track surface was less than perfect and a bolting performance as the race ended displayed Orb's potential in a nutshell.
Rosario's experience will continue to pay extreme dividends and Orb brings the pedigree to keep with the pack early. Thereafter, he'll kick in that final gear and chase every else, including the Triple Crown.
He has the look of a Triple Crown winner. His general appearance and workouts at Churchill produced more pre-Derby superlatives than any other horse I've seen in my 26 years covering the race.
He backed it up in the slop Saturday. If Orb comes out of this race in good condition, he figures to be a prohibitive favorite in the Preakness in two weeks.
The Preakness Stakes will be an interesting challenge, though. As a race that is shorter than Kentucky, Orb won't have nearly the luxury of distance to make up down the stretch.
So to counteract the course length, expect Rosario to make a faster jump out of the gates. The stamina was proven during the derby, but Pimlico will bring out the acceleration and top speed.
Brief history is also on Orb's side. I'll Have Another won the first two legs last year. Even better, Orb won at Churchill Downs by a much greater degree.
The Belmont Stakes is a longer race than Churchill Downs, which is to Orb's advantage. At 12 furlongs, Rosario can choose to set the pace or lurk back until the last turn.
With more time to catch up, Orb's overall capabilities fly past the competition en route to horse racing immorality.
Link: - Japanese j-League
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