Pedigree Query

Here are the entries for the UAE Derby worth 100-40-20-10 derby points across the board. Of note is Pletcher's entry named Master Plan, who ran a close 2nd to Tapwrit in the off the turf Pulpit Stakes. He's been more of a synthetic and turf runner, but his race against Tapwrit over a sloppy track, is the only clue to his ability to run over dirt. Click on the 4th race in the link below. TJ

http://www.dubaiworldcup.com/race/racin ... ecards?id=

This race is sort of a crap shoot for me, and I often don't pay attention to the winner. But, I am interested in seeing how Master Plan does, because a win would reflect well on Tapwrit, and McCraken for that matter, and not reflect well if he doesn't do well. Of course, this all depends on how well he travels to Dubai.

Thunder Snow
Epicharis
Cosmo Charlie
Adirato

These are two very nice horses and I'd expect both to cross the pond and compete in the Derby. TJ
Here's the finish of the UAE Derby:
Thunder Snow...got up in the last stride in a lunging finish at the wire.
Epicharis...on the lead all the way but the final stride, was a game 2nd.
Master Plan...handled the dirt well, a good closing 3rd beaten about 2.
Lancaster Bomber...also handled the dirt well, finishing 4th beaten 3/4's for the show.

That was an excellent race!

My thoughts after re-watching:
Thunder Snow runs with high-kneed action, and he was a green son of a gun in the stretch.
Epicharis looks like a chariot horse, very powerful.

These 2 looked tougher than anything we've seen in North America.

Master Plan ran best of the rest, he wasn't catching the top 2, but he put in a very good effort. I hope they don't push him to the Derby.

Epicharis' connections will not compete in the Derby, but is being considered for the Preakness and/or the Belmont Stakes.
Thunder Snow was a late Derby nominee and trainer, bin Suroor said the decision to run will be up to Sheikh Mohammed. TJ