Mor Spirit headlines the 2016 Robert B. Lewis, but this race may be set for a coming out party for a fast horse on the stretch-out.
2016 Robert B Lewis Field
Let’s Meet in Rio is slow on paper but finishes strong in his races. He is 2nd fiddle in the stable to Mor Spirit. Should run late to pick up some of the minor awards. Overall he is a fringe player at the G2 level and most likely not a lot of upside.
I Will Score is 2 for 2 and now stretches out after back to back fast sprint victories. Showed some grit in last race, being sent from the gate at the rail and gamely fighting off two contenders in a spirited stretch duel. Pedigree says 8.5 furlongs should not be an issue and the female family brings some stamina. Very fast, strong recent workouts. This could be the horse everyone is talking about after the race.
Dressed in Hermes picks a nice spot to try dirt. Has some class, but overall speed and stride suggests turf is his ultimate game. Throws his hat into the ring after being scratched from the Sham Stakes at the beginning of the month.
Laoban is a maiden and has some speed, but not the sprint speed that Uncle Lino and the speed and class that I Will Score brings to the table. Looks like he has some upside but placed over his head again may be his downfall.
Mor Spirit has the box office appeal. Won the G1 Los Al Futurity. Hall of Famers Gary Stevens and Bob Baffert are the human connections. Ran a corker in a dazzling maiden win. Sits in the top 5 in most Kentucky Derby lists. Should be favored, but will need to show some speed otherwise he will have to make up a ton of ground late. Good horse, may be pace compromised in this spot.
Path of David goes to the dirt and may offer more upside and a longer price than Dressed in Hermes. Look for him to settle in the 2nd flight and may get first run at the leaders if good enough.
Uncle Lino ran with I Will Score in the last race and closed late. Should sit in the 2nd spot and be ready to pounce if fractions take the toll on the front-runner. Very capable of getting a great trip in this spot.
The Choice:
Mor Spirit is a big heavy horse, who figures to improve with racing, may need a race to fire his best shot and runs with a lot of power. I Will Score is the horse to beat. He is the speed, has the class, and been working a long string of works to prepare for this spot. Speed, class and on the stretch-out is worth a shot as the 2nd favorite.