Wednesday Morning Notes
– The bird who chirped to Ernie that I preferred Divine Park over Commentator in the Met Mile had it right, although I profited little from the opinion, getting knocked out of a small pick three the leg before and missing the (logical in hindsight) $15.40 favorites’ exacta, cashing only a straight win bet on the 2-1 Kiaran McLaughlin trainee. I can’t claim any great handicapping insight: It seemed likely that Commentator would be pressured through torrid early fractions (as happened, with First Defence pushing the 6-5 favorite into first half fractions of :22.48 and :44.52) and Divine Park, coming off a superb win in the Westchester Handicap last month, seemed the obvious beneficiary in the stretch (as was the case, with the colt getting an ideal setup, closing in :26.94 into a final quarter timed in :27.30). I’ve also been partial to the son of Chester House since he debuted over the Aqueduct inner dirt two winters ago, and while Divine Park hasn’t given any sign he’s capable of brilliance — unlike the occasionally flashy Commentator, gallant in second — he has developed into a solid, game miler as a 4-year-old. The Met was Divine Park’s third straight win this year; a skeptical Mike Watchmaker reports a Beyer of 109 for the race (DRF+).
– Those wondering how seriously to take Big Brown’s latest quarter crack should take note of the recent success of another Ian McKinlay patient:
And trainer Shug McGaughey told the Times Union:
Good to know. So, if Big Brown loses the Belmont, the hoof is a handy excuse, but the reason may well be the distance or the rigors of pursuing the Triple Crown or anything else.
– Wagering security, just not a priority. Maybe the upcoming congressional hearings on horse racing should be expanded.
