Time to analyze the 2021 Kentucky Derby field, in post position order, in the form of Haiku; a Japanese poem of 17 syllables, in three lines of five, seven, and five.
To read previous editions of The Haiku Handicapper, click here.
#1 – Known Agenda
A nightmare post draw
Torpedoes a true win threat
Still play underneath
#2 – Like the King
His road to Churchill
Traversed over Tapeta
Hard to envision
#3 – Brooklyn Strong
A last-minute call
When does that idea work?
Won't be on tickets
#4 – Keepmeinmind
Soph slump in effect
Likes the track, but that feels like
A lifetime ago
#5 – Sainthood
Recovered nicely
After Turfway donnybrook
He'll pass a few late
#6 – O Besos
Won't be knocked around
He'll earn his graded stakes due
In the months to come
#7 – Mandaloun
Early momentum
Was doused by a Fair Grounds dud
Rebounds don't win here
#8 – Medina Spirit
Couldn't seal the deal
Once he got the starting gig
On Baffert's depth chart
#9 – Hot Rod Charlie
The parts appear there
Just not sure how much I trust
The Fair Grounds prep route
#10 – Midnight Bourbon
Last two running lines
Have the same end: Outfinished
Leave him on the shelf
#11 – Dynamic One
Rapid improvement
Might not take home the roses
But wait for the Spa
#12 – Helium
Has seen Thanksgiving
As much as he's seen a race
Since mid-October
#13 – Hidden Stash
A late-stage grinder
Can't hang with mid-tier hopefuls
Not a potent blend
#14 – Essential Quality
The unbeaten champ
Does little else but ace tests
Why would he stop now?
#15 – Rock Your World
Turf-to-dirt success
We'll know all we need to know
After the first turn
#17 – Highly Motivated
Nearly nipped the champ
A breakout win's imminent
Worth a small “win” share
#18 – Super Stock
Surprised at Oaklawn
Breaking his “check-getter” cred
Can't get too enthused
#19 – Soup and Sandwich
An uncommon sight
An Into Mischief that's gray
Might grab a mouthful
#20 – Bourbonic
Long-priced Wood winner
Needs the home stretch seas to part
Tough “win” strategy
Prediction
Champion retains
“Quality” resume grows
Then nine, seventeen
The post The Haiku Handicapper Presented By Form2Win: 2021 Kentucky Derby appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
