If you found him in the past performances, you hit the all button, or perhaps your name was rich.

At the top of the stretch, I thought I was cashing. Epicenter made the lead, Crown Pride and Messier were fading but right there, and Zendon was closing.

But unknown Rich Strike got the “Mine That Bird trip” up the rail and spoiled my best laid plans. Nearly impossible to find in the PP’s the app had him at the bottom of the barrel, I guess the horse for course angle may have been his best redeeming quality. I did hear that time form had Rich Strike high in late pace, but that’s not a product I have used much. (Too much data can lead to analysis paralysis).

Trip thoughts ? Mo Donegal took the worst of it nearly 10 wide, and closed faster than anyone but the winner. Irad didn’t have many choices other than the overland route, and I think he’s definitely bettable- back wherever he ends up. He will need some pace set up, which might limit his opportunities, but I’ll be watching closely.

Epicenter clearly was strongest, not unduly far from the pace, and held off Zandon (who looks to not want that last furlong), before getting nailed late. Zandon got his trip and couldn’t get it done, I’d look for him to shorten up, and be aware of his pace scenario next out.

The California horses were unspectacular. Messier made the lead and surrendered, and lacked the late stamina we’ve seen from past Baffert runners. Victim of the pace ? Possibly, but will look at him with a raised eyebrow before reaching for my wallet. Taiba ran about how I expected. Let him regroup and the talent may shine again.

Simplification was the most underlet horse on the board, and ran repectably – will look for his next appearance.

Barber Road and Tiz The Bomb, both horses I used underneath, ran decently. They both need a little pace, but are near the top of the class.

I don’t expect we’ll see Crown Pride back anytime soon, but looks like 9f is about his limit. I used him significantly based on his works, and didn’t think he’d be quite so sharp and on the pace. His last 3/8 in Dubai weren’t that fast, turns out that was the data to lean on.

Finally, Jack Christopher returned in impressive fashion on the undercard – he’ll be one to watch in the division moving forward.

Onward !