War Pass, Juvenile Male Champion 2007 and the Nick Zito barn's No.1 hope for the 2008 season was injured, bumping him off the Derby trail. Here's his rallying cry.
War Pass: (circled with his Derby-bound stablemates) "All right, guys, this is the big one. Now it's up to you."
Anak Nakal: "I don't know if I feel well..."
Cool Coal Man: "There's a filly, you know."
War Pass: "Hey! Knock that off, both of you! You go to win!"
Anak Nakal: (snifflilng) "What about the filly, Your Highness?"
War Pass: "What about her? She knows the score. She belongs in that silly Oaks. Did you speak to her, Nakie?"
Anak Nakal: (pushing a hoof nervously through the straw) "Well...I --"
War Pass: (eyes rolling) "Oh, good grief! Don't tell me you're falling for her?"
Anak Nakal: (brightening) "She's sure pretty. That dark gray and those big brown eyes."
Cool Coal Man: "Geez! Why don't you just give her the quarter pole lead?"
War Pass: "Is this serious, Nakie? Did you have a hay date?"
Anak Nakal: (ducking his head) "Well..."
War Pass: "Knock that off! Don't be confusing those big brown eyes with today's target, the real Big Brown! Ohhh -- Man, you'll have to occupy the filly!"
Cool Coal Man: (smiling) "Cool!"
The Derby is run, and the filly breaks down and is immediately euthanized after placing second To Big Brown. In the Zito barn, the mood is subdued.
Anak Nakal: (sobbing) "I should have wished her well. I bullied her like you said. I...oh, dear Pegasus..."
War Pass: "Knock that off, Nakie! You did your best. It's about winning!"
