The Peter Pan is a traditional prep for the Belmont at one turn and 9 furlongs and place the week after the Kentucky Derby, several horses in recent years have used this to prepare for the Belmont Stakes.
2016 Peter Pan Field
Supah Czech is another son of Uncle Mo attempting a stakes race. Earned his diploma last race in snow time at 11/1. Needs to improve by 6-8 lengths to be competitive in this spot.
Singleton is still a maiden but has faced solid horses in 3 of his 4 career starts. Sharp Azteca, Direct Message and Boalt Hall are horses he has placed company with. Pressing running style should fit well with this group and has 3 distance races to get him in shape for this. Best case scenario fills out the superfecta.
Adventist drops in class and goes back to Irad Ortiz. Races have been against the bias the past couple of times. But this is a 3 time loser in softer grade 2 and 3 company. Is fit and has the class, but does not outclass this field. Capable of winning if Unified stops running.
Decorated Soldier picked up a gutty win last race at Oaklawn, making a move going into the turn and hold off the challengers down the stretch. Fits with the this group and may get first run on Adventist.
Governor Malibu was disqualified from victory in the last race. Slow and steady is his game and makes his move down the stretch. Seems outpaced and will have to improve to finish in the top 3.
Wild About Deb overpowered a group in the slop last race but faced Preakness bound Uncle Lino last fall. Pedigree says 9 furlongs and trainer is sharp with maiden winners. Capable at at a price.
Unified is the deserving favorite. Has dominated on the engine in both his wins. Not sure how far he wants to go, but is the controlling speed and should sit positioned from the outside in this race. Speed and pace edge make him the top choice. Even money and go to the bar and collect.
Lost Iron is a maiden winner in most recent start and improved dramatically, another with a strong pedigree who has run (3) 9 furlong races. Alvarado stays in the saddle and may outfinish some of the favories.
The Choice:
Unified is the deserving favorite and fits on pace, speed and class. Just needs to stretch his speed out and run evenly as he could make some noise this summer at Belmont and Saratoga. Wild About Deb and Lost Iron are the choices to fill out the exacta.