RACE NINE OBSERVATIONS by The Wizard on Saturday, March 14, 2009

2-1 favorite FRIESAN FIRE simply demolished the field relishing the wet track. Rated kindly by Seaz. Asked for run approaching the stretch and left the others in his wake. This is an improving and serious 3 year old for the classics. The fact that he can handle a wet or dry surface, rated beautifully and has one of the best trainers in the country makes him an obvious major contender for the Derby. PAPA CLEM making his first start on dirt, set the pace from the start. Offered no resistance to the winner but held gamely for second over TERRAIN who made multiple moves during the running. Dead aim for second through the stretch but could not get by. GIANT OAK had no early speed as expected, passing tired horses late. Those behind the winner are clearly not Derby horses.