Making the Grade, which will run through the 2017 Belmont Stakes, focuses on the winners or top performers of the big races, usually from the previous weekend, who could make an impact in Triple Crown races. We’ll be taking a close look at impressive winners and evaluating their chances to win classic races based upon ability, running style, connections (owner, trainer, jockey) and pedigree.
This week we take a closer look at Always Dreaming, winner of the Grade 1, $2 million Kentucky Derby on May 6 at Churchill Downs.
Ability: After finishing third and second, respectively, in sprint races in New York as a 2-year-old, Always Dreaming was given an extended break.