I’m either throwing a little perspective on all of this or I’m being a Debbie Downer depends on who you bet in the futures pool I guess. This past weekend’s events were all Gr III’s, and going in we were all talking about how these races could be Allowance NW2. The only serious contender who was a proven commodity this year was Any Given Saturday. So, excuse me if I don’t jump up and down and proclaim that the three million to purchase Curlin was the best buy since Manhattan for thirteen bucks and some beads. I also think the ride on AGS was poor, and like usual J Velazquez (3rd in Jockey Standings) gets great rides, but doesn’t give them, and Cobalt Blue couldn’t have had it easier. A little more on Johnny: I know you have to be concerned with the closing kick of Street Sense, but with all that looking around and waiting John missed the jump. He should have just let AGS run his race. The standings on the left haven’t budged with this last weekend’s proceedings, the 15 points for winning a Gr III, just don’t make much of an impact, and neither does Merv’s sweet old man act. Anyone catch the Joe Namath moment on ESPN when ol’ Merv threatened to kiss a frightened Jeannie Edwards (I think it was her). Really, all of this won’t sort itself out until the big preps start coming up 2-4 weeks from now. Who will ride where for whom? The Todd squad will be the most interesting shake out of the season as he has a horse in ever big prep everyday from now until May 5th. What race will produce the Derby champ? Right now I think it’s the Bluegrass. The race is long overdue (last winner of the derby to prep in the BG was Thunder Gulch finished 4th in the BG) and right now it might be the deepest field. I wonder what Great Hunter’s odds will be; could he be the 3rd choice? That’s music to my ears. Also anyone have any idea about who’s going to the Arkansas Derby. After being a hotbed the last couple of years this one seems a little light.