Don't Believe the Hype

Godolphin's Bernardini looked awfully good Saturday in the Jim Dandy but talk of him as champion 3-year old or even horse of the year is nonsense. Let's withhold judgment through at least the Travers. The Preakness and Jim Dandy both appear to be very weak, suspect fields. Bernardini's brilliance may simply derive from his placement next to some pretty dim competition. Brother Derek and Sweetnorthernsaint put in grueling three-year old campaigns prior to the Preakness. And we'll never know what Barbaro could have done. There was nothing in the Jim Dandy field except second-place finisher Minister's Bid, who was running the third race of his career (and has impressed each time). Bernadini missed each key first-half test for 3-year olds apart from the Preakness.The road to the 3-year old championship should run along the Derby trail and through the Triple Crown, especially Louisville. Bernadini started late and missed the Derby because he didn't have the earnings. He won the Preakness and Godolphin then decided the skip the Belmont. This should not work to his advantage at the end of year. The light schedule gives Bernadini a huge edge in the second half against other 3-year olds who have endured a full campaign. Anything short of a Breeders' Cup Classic victory should deny him champion horse honors.