Bloodhorse contributor Steve Haskins suggests that Street Sense’s effort in the BC Juvenile may have been “too good” to gage his true ability.  Huh?  Without making specific reference to “the curse” it appears that it is on Steve’s mind.  It looks to me like he is looking for a reason to dismiss Street Sense but until he races again he would look like a fool for doing so.  I mean - it has to be worth something to win the toughest 2yo race in the world by 10 lengths going away… Even if the race in question is the jumping off point for the curse.

Even if Street Sense wins both of his remaining Derby preps (Hutcheson and Blue Grass), there will be a very healthy number of people talking about the curse. 

I certainly hope so anyway.  It will help me get a better price on such a cursed horse in the Derby.

Steve and I agree on one thing - that it would be foolish to get locked in on a horse based on his 2yo season.  As he points out (Bloodhorse Jan 20, No.3) this time last year the Derby winner had not yet raced on dirt and the eventual Preakness winner was still a maiden.

So here’s the point - the BC Juvenile winner definitely should be considered the favorite until he gives a reason to be removed.  He should be that much stronger of a favorite if his running style in winning the BC Juvenile is right for the Derby (which it was).  But don’t fall in love with Street Sense and miss a horse who either did not run in the Juvenile or is just recently coming to form.  There could be one lurking out there who is the best of the best waiting to be discovered.