Moving on to round 3, we have the group out of whom  G-t-W believes will yield the winner.  But the trio below, even though their victory would not be a surprise, won’t be it because:

• Pyro – I’ve never liked his running style for the 20-horse Derby, as expect for the La Derby he is always seems to be either really far back and/or behind a wall of horses.  I have a feeling he will be again on Saturday.  It can be done (see Street Sense last year), but it is extremely difficult.  Will come with a run late, but it will be too late when he breaks through.

• Eight Belles – Has been running faster than a lot of the boys, and has a legitimate shot to be the first filly in 20 years, and fourth ever, to win the Derby.  But the races that she has won most handily, she has already been broken clear at the top of the stretch, which I do not expect to happen unless she perhaps challenges the early speed, which would be unadvisable. I don’t see her them winning an all out battle down the stretch.

• Denis of Cork – Looked good beating week fields and lost to an unimpressive bunch in Illinois.  Would be looking for first two turn win.  Was it the track? Was it the weight (only victory over a length was when carrying 117).  All combined I think too many uncertainties pointing to not enough on Saturday.

Tune back tomorrow for the final round…