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The second leg of the Triple Crown and the last step before the Derby was robbed of considerable interest with the scratching of leading three year old filly Heaven Sent who was reportedly suffering from stomach ulcers during the week. The real story though or at least the big issue was whether leading three year old AREUTALKINTOME could win the event, and affirmatively answer the question of stamina, being tested for the first time over a distance of ground farther than he’s ever ventured. It was clear from early the colt’s dislike for being rated, a tactic that was his only hope of properly seeing out the nine furlongs; and the rider’s job was not made easier since the colt may have been quite fresh, having not raced since April when he lifted the Guineas. It was made even more difficult by La Padrino (alleged pacesetter for the bettors’ second fancy Don Portalsonny) whose dual purpose included forcing the top-rated three year old into a furious early battle. As remarkable as it was for jockey Rico Walcott to win that battle of relaxing his charge amidst being bounced and roughly treated in the first two panels, it was even more extraordinary that the colt would win after throwing his head in disgust so much early on in the contest. It takes a really exceptional individual to endure such a physical pounding early on, and still pulverize the opposition in the manner that was to soon follow. La Padrino is not by any means a slow horse, and has demonstrated the ability to carry his speed for at least five furlongs, yet the gelding was spent after just three furlongs of heckling the winner! Show Me The Money picked up the running and kept up the frantic pace as La Padrino shut down, ensuring the race was a true test. It was only then that AREUTALKINTOME lowered his head and relaxed, much to the detriment of his foes. He set tongues wagging and left the entire track in awe with his dazzling performance, galloping on to further Classic glory by a long-looking six lengths and feeling the stick only once after the wraps were taken off two and a half furlongs out. Don Portalsonny had every chance of spoiling things for the winner, but came up short again. He was up on the pace early but lost some ground when steadied around the slippery Paddock Bend. Even with three furlongs to run and a clear view of the front just two and a half lengths ahead of his position, the gelding still couldn’t gain on the runaway winner. Erados hinted improvement and surprised many with a shocking defeat of Don Portalsonny on their last meeting, and came within a length and a half of beating him again this time on even terms. He seems to be getting better as the distances increase, and the additional furlong of the Derby at least on pedigree should not harm the Edward Walcott trainee. Sweet Enough seldom runs a bad race and in the absence of Heaven Sent again led the fillies home. She again broke badly and lost some ground but quickly asserted herself to join in the early hunt for a good position. Once settled into a nice cruising speed (albeit much farther off the pace that usual), the gutsy bay crept her way through the pack and turned for the judge heading all but the winner, but tired considerably in the run up to the line. Another good run, yet nothing matched the winner’s effort. What’s frightening and so far exciting is that we are yet to see how good this son of Zwick really is, as he even carried 1lb over his allotted weight in victory. Walcott exuded confidence (perhaps still feeling the unleashed power under him), when still not popping the question to his mount while the others were flat to the boards and scrubbing for what would ultimately be the minor ends of the purse. In the aftermath of his bloodbath, likely Derby entrants must be further dumbfounded. What now must they do? They allowed him to sail early with the expectation that he’d stop, but he didn’t. They sent out teasers to run him ragged and he won even further. Perhaps all that’s left is for them to hope for some misfortune to befall their nemesis for some glimmer of hope to defeat him; but in the meantime his rapidly growing fan club will sit in anticipation of their Champion’s date with the Derby, and the potential elevation to even higher echelons of turf history to be anointed a new Triple Crown hero.  [ROG]