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How Did I Forget About Him?

posted by Justin Dew on May 02, 2008 Tags: ,
Monba (Photos by Z/Keeneland)Monba (Photos by Z/Keeneland)

There’s a horse running in the Derby that I liked a lot earlier this year. Then he kind of fell off my radar screen. Then he won the Blue Grass. Then I ignored him for most of this week. And now I am warming up to him again. Better late than never.

Of course, I’m talking about Monba. I ranked him #6 back in February, but after the Fountain of Youth dud, where he had an excuse, I just forgot about him for a while. And to be perfectly honest, I wasn’t all that wowed by his win at in the Blue Grass. But as I have had time to go back and watch some of his past races, it is clear to me that he is a classy horse. I expect him to run a big race on Saturday.

He also has a win over this track. His sire, Maria’s Mon, produced 2001 Derby winner Monarchos. And Todd Pletcher, in spite of never winning the Kentucky Derby, DID saddle the last winner of a Triple Crown race, Rags to Riches.

I am getting very close to finalizing my wagering strategy for the Derby. And I think Monba is going to play a prominent role. The price will be right. The running style is right. And although Edgar Prado chose another mount, you have to respect the connections.

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jharvat

05/02/2008 1:14 pm

I wouldnt forget about Pletchers other one either - Cowboy Cal. I understand the whole dirt debate, but I think this horse will get a nice stalking trip with two closers inside of him, a gap to the main gate, and his stablemate Monba in the 15 hole. Cowboy has the breeding with Giant's Causeway, out of a Seeking the Gold mare. Johnny V stays aboard, and like I said in a previous blog, cant help but think as Pletchers #1 rider, that he was offered the Monba mount and stuck with Cowboy. The big question is how he will handle the dirt. But Pletcher said he has always trained will on it, and said it has always been in his plans to get him back on dirt. Cowboy taking a similar path as Barbaro, with both winning the Laurel Futurity and Tropical Park Derby on turf. Cowboy was a very game second to Monba in the Blue Grass after nearly a 2 month layoff, and I think he is dangerous tomorrow.

ryanmoseley

05/02/2008 6:49 pm

He's going to be on my tickets too!