Second Look

- I watched the head on shot of the Donn, and perhaps I spoke too soon when, shortly after the finish and without seeing replays, I questioned Fernando Jara's judgment in putting Invasor into a position in which he got dangerously tight inside and clipped heels. Though he was second to last, and certainly had the opportunity to get clear away from the rail, there was a pretty solid string of horses strung a good five, maybe even six wide down the backstretch. You see Jara at one point drift out a bit to look for some room; but heading into the far turn, it looked like the inside was the only open slot. McLaughlin said Invasor will continue to train in South Florida until March 15, when he is scheduled to leave for Dubai. [McClatchy]

- The $2 daily double with Invasor and 10th race winner Hal's My Hope returned $205.80, less than the $218.80 that the horse returned to win. He came out of the What A Pleasure at Calder, as did Drums of Thunder, who won that race, and ran an excellent second to Nobiz Like Shobiz in the Holy Bull. Green Vegas, second in the What a Pleasure, ran a good closing third his next time out in the Spectacular Bid stakes at GP last month; and the show horse subsequently ran a close second in an allowance.