Quality Road was one of the favorites to win the Kentucky Derby before he was injured after winning the Grade I Florida Derby March 28. He returned to the races in the Grade II Amersterdam at 6 1/2 furlongs and won impressively despite stumbling at the break Aug 3. He looks like he's back and is clearly the one to beat, HF 15 style. Our Edge has rattled off three straight wins and earned a big rating when dominating the Grade III Barbaro at Delaware Park July 19. He may be this good and will likely try to take these wire-to-wire. Summer Bird, the upset winner of the Belmont Stakes, finished a distant 2nd to the filly Rachel Alexandra in the Grade I Haskell Aug 2 at Monmouth. He didn't get the pace to run at that day, but could get it in this spot and can't be counted out. Kensei has rattled off two straight Grade II victories and all appears sharp enough to be considered. Analysis by Will Clarke
CLOSERS: Fastest in the stretch in recent races at or near this distance have been: Our Edge :25.5 - Kensei :26.4 - Hold Me Back and Charitable Man :26.6