Rail Trip, Tanda and Fly Down

Last year Rail Trip proved that he was one of the top handicap horses in America, highlighted by a smashing victory in the Hollywood Gold Cup. This year he may be even better. Making his first start in eight months, and since a minor injury that kept him out of last Fall’s Breeders’ Cup Classic, Rail Trip turned the Mervyn Leroy Handicap into a personal showcase of his immense talent. The 3 ½ length win was as effortless as it was impressive, as he stalked Three Drunks early and then took over the race at his pleasing. The Jay Em Ess owned colt looks bigger, stronger, and more confident than ever now as a five-year-old. Competition in the Mervyn Leroy was not the strongest, and things will surely get tougher for the Ron Ellis trained horse, but on Saturday he served notice that he will be the one to beat in all big handicap races this year in California. A possible showdown with super mare Zenyatta may be in his future, and hopefully the son of Jump Start will take to a dirt surface come Breeders’ Cup Classic time. One thing is for sure, this winner of 7 of 10 lifetime races, is one serious racehorse. ***The remainder of today's column can be found on Youbet.com*** Click Here