Honestly, I don't really believe Mott's comments regarding SOVEREIGNTY. Sure he's a great horseman and will always do what's right by his horses (like not running in the Preakness if the horse didn't come out of the Derby well, and/or had some type of issue), but no one is purposely passing on a potential Triple Crown just because they don't like the quick turnaround. It's my own personal belief that SOVEREIGNTY probably didn't come out of the Derby very well, but even assuming he's 100% healthy and ready to go, he appears overmatched by JOURNALISM (who I think is a very likely winner of the Belmont). BAEZA has looked good training in California since the Derby, has run close to JOURNALISM a couple of times already, and seems to be improving. With everything taken into account, I think he's the play in exacta boxes with JOURNALISM, as he likely has an edge on SOVEREIGNTY right now and will probably be double the price of that one. Supposedly there's rain in the forecast, but all three horses ran big over a muddy track in the Derby, so that's perhaps a moot point (although it seemed to move SOVEREIGNTY up in the Derby, as he slightly outperformed expectations there). JOURNALISM galloped over a muddy Saratoga surface this morning and looked fine. In fact, he seems to have come out of his brutal Preakness trip in good shape, as he's looked terrific health-wise in the couple of weeks since then (the horse is an absolute tank, and clearly the best 3yo in the country until we know otherwise). Speaking of which, the 4th-place Derby finisher FINAL GAMBIT (my top pick in the Derby, who keyed a 1,680/1 superfecta) has passed on the Belmont to run in next Sunday's Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill, where he should be plenty tough once again (although not as much of a secret anymore). I saw him training the other day and he seems fine. A little disappointed he's not entered in the Belmont, as I think he'd probably have a better chance at the upset than either SOVEREIGNTY or BAEZA (I could go into the reasons why, but it's kind of pointless right now). Solid colt who should be followed, as he could easily turn up in the Jim Dandy and/or the Travers Stakes at Saratoga (and later of course the Breeders Cup).
Nice job on 5,000, Mut! Your content deserves the follow, especially since we don’t get much media criticism these days (and thanks for no Jordachick talk).
As for the NCAA expansion, this just tracks. NBA expanded to a pseudo-playoff play-in, NFL expanded, MLB expanded, NCAA football expanded. If they can suck any more money out of us they will, especially since TV revenue is shifting.
Just don’t you dare try to stream an in-market game. That’ll cost $100 more.
Ha, thanks for the note, Dan. I'm worried this little expansion will just lead to more...in the NIL era it does not make sense. I guess the NCAA hopes people will watch/bet on those First 8 games.
I think you’re right. Advertising dollars are there for TV of course, but DK or FanDuel will pay huge money to be the exclusive betting partner for the NCAA play-in tourney and would love to get their tendrils in on small schools to NIL the next Fred Vanvleet.
Honestly, I don't really believe Mott's comments regarding SOVEREIGNTY. Sure he's a great horseman and will always do what's right by his horses (like not running in the Preakness if the horse didn't come out of the Derby well, and/or had some type of issue), but no one is purposely passing on a potential Triple Crown just because they don't like the quick turnaround. It's my own personal belief that SOVEREIGNTY probably didn't come out of the Derby very well, but even assuming he's 100% healthy and ready to go, he appears overmatched by JOURNALISM (who I think is a very likely winner of the Belmont). BAEZA has looked good training in California since the Derby, has run close to JOURNALISM a couple of times already, and seems to be improving. With everything taken into account, I think he's the play in exacta boxes with JOURNALISM, as he likely has an edge on SOVEREIGNTY right now and will probably be double the price of that one. Supposedly there's rain in the forecast, but all three horses ran big over a muddy track in the Derby, so that's perhaps a moot point (although it seemed to move SOVEREIGNTY up in the Derby, as he slightly outperformed expectations there). JOURNALISM galloped over a muddy Saratoga surface this morning and looked fine. In fact, he seems to have come out of his brutal Preakness trip in good shape, as he's looked terrific health-wise in the couple of weeks since then (the horse is an absolute tank, and clearly the best 3yo in the country until we know otherwise). Speaking of which, the 4th-place Derby finisher FINAL GAMBIT (my top pick in the Derby, who keyed a 1,680/1 superfecta) has passed on the Belmont to run in next Sunday's Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill, where he should be plenty tough once again (although not as much of a secret anymore). I saw him training the other day and he seems fine. A little disappointed he's not entered in the Belmont, as I think he'd probably have a better chance at the upset than either SOVEREIGNTY or BAEZA (I could go into the reasons why, but it's kind of pointless right now). Solid colt who should be followed, as he could easily turn up in the Jim Dandy and/or the Travers Stakes at Saratoga (and later of course the Breeders Cup).
Redsox are, a team. So hard to get encouraged but the rookies do look good overall. Just need evryone to be healthy
Rookies batting cleanup and 5th today - big spots@!
Uhm........ 2 hits, and shutout. Not a good look
Gunna be interesting to see, there's no need for them to put any pressure on themselves, just keep at. LFG
Congrats Mut! I am proud to one of the 5,021!
Nobody wants additional play in games on tru tv. Have a great weekend Mut!
Nice job on 5,000, Mut! Your content deserves the follow, especially since we don’t get much media criticism these days (and thanks for no Jordachick talk).
As for the NCAA expansion, this just tracks. NBA expanded to a pseudo-playoff play-in, NFL expanded, MLB expanded, NCAA football expanded. If they can suck any more money out of us they will, especially since TV revenue is shifting.
Just don’t you dare try to stream an in-market game. That’ll cost $100 more.
Ha, thanks for the note, Dan. I'm worried this little expansion will just lead to more...in the NIL era it does not make sense. I guess the NCAA hopes people will watch/bet on those First 8 games.
I think you’re right. Advertising dollars are there for TV of course, but DK or FanDuel will pay huge money to be the exclusive betting partner for the NCAA play-in tourney and would love to get their tendrils in on small schools to NIL the next Fred Vanvleet.
Congrats on hitting 5k!
Thank you for being an expert contributor and recommending the newsletter, Steve. I sincerely appreciate it.