Post 1 HILL ROAD Quality Road DP = 3-2-9-2-0 (16) DI = 1.46 CD = 0.38 ANZ = 2.08 Mare Profile = 10-2-3-6-10 Speed = 12 Stamina = 16 Index = 0.86 Triads = 15-11-19 REASON TO WIN: This is one hell of a horse and he's coming into his own at just the right time and attempting just the right distance. The 8.5 dirt races at Tampa Bay and DelMar were too short for him but he still produced severe evidence of his speed talent. At 9f, he smoked the field but he still was traveling too short and this may produce an explosion at 10f for this guy. It builds up and builds up and then he's unleashed on the perfect track at the perfect distance. He is the only colt bred with severe Chef Stamina on the field and should things get testy out front, he will continue faster and faster - on a clear fast track. Never underestimate a 1.46 index colt with Lemon Drop Kid sitting in the second generation. Its perfect. REASON TO LOSE: Looking at his last race in the Peter Pan, the visuals were magnificent and he ran that field down like a Champ, however, his beyers across the board fall under those of Heart of Honor in the Preakness. Both sat in 8th position, with the big difference coming from the talent of the jockeys. Prat wasted no time in easing Hill Road from that 8th spot and gradually kicked him into gear after the 2nd call. Saffie waited until the last freakin second and paid the price, but, overall, Heart of Honor received better beyers. Hill Road doesn't have Prat this time around. He has the maniac Irad Ortiz, and you never know what will end up transpiring with him aboard. Hopefully, Chad Brown gives Irad strict instructions because if he doesn't, we could see Hill Road running completely against his style. You just never know what you're going to get with Irad aboard.
