Bob Ehalt and Tom Pedulla turned quick buddies after they met on their first day at Fordham Preparatory Faculty within the Bronx, N.Y., in 1970. Bob launched Tom to Thoroughbred racing quickly after that.
They’ve had their tough moments on the observe, with Tom taking exception when Bob repeatedly smacks him on the again with a program as one in every of their horses launches an all-out stretch drive. A lot to Tom’s chagrin and the amusement of onlookers, Bob has been recognized to name for safety as they cashed a $27 triple. They’ve owned quite a few sluggish horses collectively and may typically be seen carrying on on the observe as in the event that they by no means left their teenage years.
Their tackle the $7 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Traditional:
PEDULLA: Bob, as we each know, Japan has been making big good points on the worldwide stage. Every part says it’s time for a Japan-based runner to win the Traditional, with a Kentucky Derby very probably not far behind. Perpetually Younger missed by a few noses on this 12 months’s Kentucky Derby Introduced by Woodford Reserve and lots of would argue he deserved higher. That race proved that the arduous ship is not any downside for him. He has made just one begin because the Derby, however he was razor sharp in that. Along with your having turn out to be a grandfather for the primary time, there is no such thing as a higher time to suppose Perpetually Younger.
EHALT: Thomas, I often again the Japanese horses, however this time, I can’t resist the morning-line value on Sierra Leone. I simply hope it stays at 12-1 or that neighborhood. He’s taken some huge cash in main races and rewarded the present and trifecta bettors, not the win gamers. I’ve a sense this the time he lastly comes of age for coach Chad Brown and wins the Traditional at a pleasant value.
PEDULLA: Aidan O’Brien calls Metropolis of Troy the very best horse he ever skilled. I’m taking him at his phrase. This highly effective son of Justify figures to be forwardly positioned, so that can restrict kickback, usually an enormous problem for European runners shifting from turf to grime. Granted, the change in floor looms as a significant query. I believe he will probably be proper there.
EHALT: Fierceness confirmed he’s not only a good-race, bad-race horse by profitable the Travers. I believe he’ll flip in an excellent effort right here for Todd Pletcher and “The Commish,” however I believe the tempo will meet up with him late and go away him susceptible for a late cost, which I hope comes from Sierra Leone.
PEDULLA: I used to be rewarded for taking a stand in opposition to Fierceness within the Kentucky Derby and I’m doing so once more. There’s each cause to anticipate a sizzling tempo and it could be time for him to throw in one other clunker as he tries to win three straight for the primary time in his profession. Extremely-consistent Sierra Leone has by no means didn’t crack the highest three in eight lifetime begins. He could not win, however he at all times reveals up. With an emphasis on “present.”
EHALT: If Metropolis of Troy wins, I can’t be shocked. You don’t achieve acclaim because the world’s greatest horse for profitable claiming races. However I can’t take the low win odds on a horse operating on grime for the primary time. But on class alone, he ought to be capable of hit the board.
PEDULLA: Bob, you understand I’m not a lot for longshots. Chalk tends to be the demise of me. I’ve a intestine feeling about Pyrenees that won’t go away. He reveals each signal of being a late bloomer and, like Sierra Leone, will profit from the anticipated sizzling tempo. Bombs away with him.
EHALT: Hopefully, your cash doesn’t go away after that decide, Thomas. I can’t miss the Japanese runners, so I’ll go together with Perpetually Younger for fourth. He virtually received the Kentucky Derby and with the anticipated maturation as an older 3-year-old, I’m certain he will probably be proper there on the end. Good luck to us all.
