Midnight Interlude looking like the horse to beat in the Derby

[GeorgeWashington]

I have been high on this horse for a long time now and because of the lack of competition that can get the 10f in a decent time, this horse appears to be the only horse without any question marks.

It looks like right now there are only 5 horses that can win the 10f derby.

Midnight Interlude (he is getting faster at right time)
Dialed In (probably too slow because seems to be stuck in mid 90 beyer range)
Sway Away (complete question mark right now but has run with The Factor)
Santiva (might not be fast enough but a huge question mark considering he needed last)

The Factor (distance question but if he can get 10f the Derby is his)

[afleetphil]

I'd beware of Soldat, I'm not giving up on Uncle Mo and if Elite Alex wins the Arkansas Derby watch out for him.

[tcw]

Just a reminder that it's been over 100 years (i.e. the late 1800's) since a horse has won the Derby with no starts as a 2 year old.

[Man o' Taz]

GW -- funny I didn't see you mention him before he won the Santa Anita Derby...

This was his first time going two turns...

I know Baffert is a pro at conditioning horses for the Derby...and I know he has had 4 starts this year which I like...but one route race...and then the Derby I think may be a big ask...

I mean does he really win the Santa Anita Derby if Jaycito or Premier Pegasus are in the field?

I think he may be a little bit light on experience and conditioning going two turns...and see him as a better choice for the Preakness than the Derby...

And there's that Danzig pedigree...another War Chant horse...wow...between Soldat, The Factor and now Midnight Interlude...he is well represented...

I still think between he and The Factor - I 'd go with the The Factor...but then again this is the position Baffert was in with Real Quiet and Indian Charlie...

[Curlin]

GW -- funny I didn't see you mention him before he won the Santa Anita Derby...

And there's that Danzig pedigree...another War Chant horse...wow...between Soldat, The Factor and now Midnight Interlude...he is well represented...

The other two are by War Front rather than War Chant.

Baffert made a comment on HRTV Sunday morning comparing MI to Silver Charm in terms of toughness and durability. I think he's a more-than-legit derby horse.

[Mom's Command]

And there's that Danzig pedigree...another War Chant horse...wow...between Soldat, The Factor and now Midnight Interlude...he is well represented...
Toby's Corner is also a Danzig line horse. By Bellamy Road, by Concerto, by Chief's Crown by Danzig

[Spahny]

The other two are by War Front rather than War Chant.

Baffert made a comment on HRTV Sunday morning comparing MI to Silver Charm in terms of toughness and durability. I think he's a more-than-legit derby horse.

Baffert has compared practically every 3yo he's had since 98 to Silver Charm.

Victor beat the crap out of this horse in the SA Derby. I'm not expecting a move forward off of this race. Precisely the opposite.

[Paladin]

GW -- funny I didn't see you mention him before he won the Santa Anita Derby...

In all fairness, He did pick him on the SA Derby thread. I remembered because I disagreed.

He also has him listed #3 as his Derby pick on his "signature"

[Kennedy]

I think he's simply one of the many that could be beat.

[Man o' Taz]

In all fairness, He did pick him on the SA Derby thread. I remembered because I disagreed.

He also has him listed #3 as his Derby pick on his "signature"

His signature which he updated last night?

Just kidding...i do not know when he did it...but last week I didn't see it...

I have no problem with someone thinking highly about a horse...but I wouldn't suggest that you indicate that you have been high on him for a long time and you just happened to have not mentioned him anywhere...

I have been high on this horse for a long time now and because of the lack of competition that can get the 10f in a decent time, this horse appears to be the only horse without any question marks.

Plus, the horse has a ton of question marks...

Only one route win...
Unknown whether he can get 10 furlongs...
Beyer not fast so its unlikely that he measures up well to The Factor...
Unknown how he'll do in company with more horses...

Like The Factor, his damsire does have distance abilities --- and did win the Prix Lupin which is a shade more than 10 furlongs...son on the bottom of his pedigree he may be able to get the distance...

And while he has had stakes winning sprinters...Groom Tesse won the Derby Italiano which is 15 furlongs and Le Balafre which won at just over 9 furlongs...

[gravano]

I liked how he handled the traffic. A very brave colt.

[serenassong]

Kinda funny that you are talking about him, did add him to my stable for the Roadtotheroses contest because I heard some murmurings about him- hope he does well.

[GeorgeWashington]

In all fairness, He did pick him on the SA Derby thread. I remembered because I disagreed.

He also has him listed #3 as his Derby pick on his "signature"

I moved him from #5 to #3. I had him at #5 since he beat Brock a few weeks back in a romp. He will be my derby horse unless Sway Away or Santiva show up this week. Although Santiva just needs to run a solid race and I probably will go with him.

I did pick him and planned on betting $20 to win on him but missed it because I went to see some hockey.

[reverberate]

he'll make some noise derby day that i think its safe to say

[Diver52]

I can confirm that GW was touting Midnight Interlude well before the SA Derby. Credit where credit is due.

He and Mr. Commons were physical standouts; both came out of the walking ring blooming and on their toes just enough. I've never been a fan of Comma &c. but he was really game. I'd send him to the Derby--he deserves it--except for one big Factor. Midnight Interlude, with his new stalking style, still has some upside.

Oh, and I love it that it was reported that Arnold Zetcher turned to Baffert and asked "Does this mean we can go to the Derby?"

[GeorgeWashington]

GW -- funny I didn't see you mention him before he won the Santa Anita Derby...

http://www.thoroughbredchampions.com...light=midnight

[affirmed79]

What happened to Silver Medallion....I didn;t see this race, but saw where he was going to be the favorite as Jaycito and Pegasus were out....This is another upset winner and i think he may do well in the derby, too. Can't beat BB in Calif....Hard to do...Saw First Dude win his race and he won big coming from behind...He used to be a front runner. Now BB has The Factor and MI...Either one could win the derby.

[thedodge]

How fast did he run? 103? 105? don't give me any of that 90 crap.

[dylan28]

Good luck with Midnight Interlude in the Derby.
As another poster stated, there's a reason why no horse has won the Derby without racing at 2. To discount that is completely foolish.
Even Curlin couldn't win the Derby off of his 3 scintillating races as a 3-year old, and Midnight Interlude is no Curlin.
If you like him, then you'll still get a good price on him Derby Day, but in my opinion, he doesn't have a prayer.

[Paladin]

How fast did he run? 103? 105? don't give me any of that 90 crap.

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