Dark horses for 2006

From DRF:
The retirement last week of Afleet Alex, combined with the prior retirements of such important horses of 2005 as Saint Liam, Rock Hard Ten, Roses in May, Eddington, Roman Ruler, and Ghostzapper, might have some forward-looking observers believing that next year there could be more Grade 1 races for older males than there are actual Grade 1-caliber older males to compete in them.

Although it is possible that could prove to be the case, it is, at least at this point, premature to worry about the quality of the 2006 handicap division. There is a good core group of horses who figure to be mainstays in their division next year, horses such as Flower Alley, Borrego, Perfect Drift, Commentator, Giacomo, Silver Train, and perhaps even Declan's Moon. And, this group will be bolstered by another set of horses who, though not as accomplished, have the potential to be serious players in the 2006 older male division.

Who are these horses? Here's a baker's dozen, in alphabetical order, to consider:

http://www.drf.com/news/article/70793.html

The list includes:
Bandini
Bellamy Road
Buzzards Bay
Don't Get Mad
Greeley's Galaxy
Magna Graduate
Rockport Harbor
Suave
Sun King
Surf Cat
Survivalist
Tap Day
Wilko

Let me just say, I like Rockport Harbor. I'm not sure he'll make it back to the races. I like him and I'll support him. Anyone else got any horses they like?

pretty hard to ignore that game run with Saint Liam in the Classic. Also intrigued by: Wilko and, in particular, Declan's Moon ... anyone know where's here pointing? It would be nice to see some of these three year olds step up and show some class next year, if only to further affirm Afleet Alex's greatness ... :bounce:

I like Rockport Harbor -- mostly for his striking looks and stride -- but he's got a lot to prove off of that big 2 year old win (was that the Remsen against Galloping Grocer?) oh so long ago.

From Thoroughbred Times:
Wilko, winner of the 2004 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), returned to the track for the first time in nearly seven months on Saturday at Golden Gate Fields.

The result was a solid, if not winning, third-place effort as Loyalton held off late bids from multiple stakes winner Seattles Best Joe and Wilko to prevail by a nose in the $60,800 Larkspur Stakes.

Wilko was making his first start since an unplaced finish in the Preakness Stakes (G1) on May 21, after which a bone chip was discovered in his ankle necessitating surgery.

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/todaysnews/newsview.asp?recno=59405&subsec=2