BC Contenders: Clearly Now

This is the first post in a new series of posts called BC contenders. Twice a month, 2 horses (1 per post) will be featured for a division. These posts will include a profile, as well as pros and cons on winning the race.

Division: Dirt Mile/Sprint

Name: Clearly Now

Year Born: 2010

Sex: Colt

Sire: Horse Greeley

Dam: Bend

Broodmare Sire: Arch

Trainer: Brian Lynch

Owner: Up Hill Stable

Profile: Even though he has only won once this year, Clearly Now has only one the off the board finish (Met Mile). At his prefered sprint distances he has finished no worse than 3^rd, that includes his win in the Belmont Sprint Championship (formally the James Marvin) in his last race. Even though he perfers a distance 7 furlongs or shorter, he did finish third in last year's Holy Bull. However his two G1 mile starts since didn't go as well.

Why He'll Win: The sprint division really has had a problem the past couple of years in that there has been no standout. Secret Circle, the defending Sprint champion hasn't raced since February. Points offthebench, the Eclipse Champion for the division sadly broke down before last year's Breeders' Cup and had to be euthanzied. In fact, no favorite has won the Sprint since Midnight Lute's first win in 2007 (he was not the favorite in his second win (08)). We really won't know the three year old picture until the King's Bishop towards the end of the Saratoga meet.

Why He Won't: If he where a female then the 7 furlong distance would be great for him. Sadly, he seems to be in a little bit of a pickle. The 6 furlongs of the Sprint might be too short for him, and even though the Dirt Mile on paper looks to be a better race for him, he might not be good enough to hang with the likes of Goldencents, Palace Malice (if he doesn't go to the Classic), Itsmyluckyday ect.

Which race will he go into?: I'm thinking he will more than likely the Sprint, but would not be surprised if does go in the Dirt Mile.

Will he win?: Which ever race he ends up in, I'm not sure he'll win the Sprint (unless he wins a race like the Vanderbilt) but he will def hit the board. The Dirt Mile could be loaded and he would be up against it.