**Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we got the fever, "** We’re counting down the days to the **Tampa Bay Derby**, just **56 days away** from the Kentucky Derby, and with it, another exciting hurdle to overcome for our contenders, and perhaps a *stumble and fall* for those who can’t quite measure up. It’s that time of year, folks, when the **strong speed types**, with their early precocious genes and DNA, **dominate the track**. But watch out—**it’s time to separate the men from the boys**!
Can these young 'uns make it through the **9 furlongs** and rise to the occasion when it’s time to stretch to **10 furlongs** on the **first Saturday in May**? Oh, you bet they can, but they’ve got to prove it! and prove it now, while these Derby hopefuls will carry **126 pounds** in the big race, they won’t come close to that weight as they chase down their spots in the starting gate.
Take the **Tampa Bay Derby**, for example. All but **one** in the field will carry **120 pounds**, but there’s a standout: **Chancer McPatrick**! carrying **124 pounds**, folks, a bit more weight to bear, but why? Well, he’s a **one-turn Grade 1 winner**, making his first start of the season. But there’s a twist—he’s got to solve the riddle of those **two turns** and the extra distance. Up until now, Chancer’s been more of a **closer**, but he’ll need to handle the entire race this time.
His **lone effort** around two turns at that **ridiculously short price** in the **Breeders' Cup Juvenile**? Let’s just say, he came in a **non-threatening sixth** at Del Mar. So, the question is, can he turn it around this time? **Will he rise to the challenge?**
*So hold on to your hats and glasses, because we’re diving into a game of **high stakes** and **big questions** so here’s the big question: **Can Chancer McPatrick step up his game, or will Chad Brown’s magic fall short in the Tampa Bay Derby?**
**Chad Brown’s asking the question**, folks, and it’s all about progress, progression, and that final step into the **Derby**! Chancer McPatrick will need to answer in **progressive fashion**, showing Chad that he’s got what it takes to **compete at the highest level and classic distance**. Will he earn the trust and blind faith from Chad, or the distance rub the magic off?
But don’t blink, because Chad **has an ace up his sleeve**! Enter **Hill Road** – finished ahead of Chancer' in the **Breeders' Cup Juvenile**, and that **third-place finish** at 61-1 has got everyone talking! **Flavien Prat** takes the reins on Chancer McPatrick, while **Tyler Gaffalione** gets to work with Hill Road. The battle is heating up, folks, as these two go head-to-head in their own race to make a run for the roses.
**Patch**! **Oh, Patch, Patch, Patch**... he **lost all chance** with that **big premature move down the backstretch**, and you could just see him faltering in the Southwest Stakes. He was **shiny new penny**-- looking dazzling when he's in control of the pace, just like in his **impressive maiden win**. But here’s the thing: he’s **bred to be a sprinter**, folks. And you’ve gotta wonder... **Does he have the mental makeup to be a Derby horse?** Will he be able to sustain that speed and get the distance needed? He’s **fresh**, and he’s **looking to redeem himself**, but is he **cut out for the 9 furlongs**? We’re about to find out!
**But hold on to your hats, folks!** We’ve got **Owen Almighty** in the mix—**the winged wonder** who **looked like a winner** until the very **last few strides** when **John Hancock** rebroke, making him taste the **agony of defeat**. Ouch! But don’t count him out yet, because **he’s asked to come back in under a month**, and now the big question is—**can he route**? We’ve seen his talent, but will he be able to handle the **added distance**? We have a **tendency to shy away** from this type of runner—**talented**, yes, but with **distance limitations**.
So, who’s moving on to the **next round**? And who’s going to need to **regroup**? Which connections are going to decide: “Do we keep **fitting the square peg in the round hole**, or do we start looking for a **better suited distance** and horses that fits our profile?”
It’s all about strategy, folks. **Will they stick to their plan, or will they pivot?** Because, as they say, it’s **Derby fever**, and sometimes you just need to call the doctor for a remedy! **Stay tuned—this is only getting started!**