MIKE WELSCH

WE THE PEOPLE RICH STRIKE MO DONEGAL BARBER ROAD

Hate stringing along with the likely to be overbet “buzz” horse coming into any race, as WE THE PEOPLE figures to be in final leg of the Triple Crown, but the

Peter Pan winner just checks too many of the relevant boxes to side against in this year’s Belmont Stakes. Most notably the box marked “pace,” as it’s hard to envision any scenario other than a disastrous break that doesn’t put this guy on a very easy lead and enhance his ability to stay the 1 1/2 miles if able to get away with soft early fractions. We the People has certainly given every indication coming out of his one-sided and well-graded victory in the Peter Pan that he should be sitting on another big effort on Saturday.

Was convinced RICH STRIKE would never be able to repeat the sensational and certainly unexpected performance that led to his unlikely triumph in the Kentucky Derby and that he would be worth taking a stand against in his next start. But those notions have been more than tempered considering the manner in which he’s trained ever since shocking the world on the first Saturday in May.

His work prior to leaving Churchill Downs was even more impressive and professional than his final breeze a week before the Derby and he has shown no signs of letting up on that energy level since arriving in New York to complete his preparations. The lone caveat being, of course, his stretch running style is not likely to fit the profile or be flattered in this race as it was by the torrid pace scenario in the Derby.

MO DONEGAL had his best chances compromised the moment he drew the rail six days before the Derby, and his connections’ worst fears pretty much came to fruition as the Wood Memorial winner suffered through a rough trip en route to a perhaps better than it looks on paper fifth-place finish. Could be primed for his best yet after pairing up career-best Beyers in his last two starts, although he, too, logically figures to be pace-compromised in this spot.

BARBER ROAD is winless in his last six starts but the Beyers keep heading in the right direction, and like Mo Donegal, he also suffered through a pretty tough run after being shuffled back to last during the early going in the Derby. Can envision him coming on to pick up at least some minor pieces here.