A performance like Coach Rocks delivered on Sunday at Churchill Downs should shine a spotlight on the world-class eyes that belong to the people around her.

Simply put, Coach Rocks had not been herself in two previous races this year, both uncharacteristically dull outings for a filly who had captured a major race at Gulfstream Park in March 2018 and participated in the Kentucky Oaks.

Trainer Dale Romans watched Coach Rocks closely and noticed a breakthrough in her training last week that, to his eyes, was evidence that she had turned the corner. With the proven instincts that have helped propel Romans to the most wins of any trainer in the history of Churchill Downs, he decided at the last minute to enter her for a race on Sunday. Coach Rocks responded with a 5-length victory, powering away in the stretch for jockey David Cohen.

The timing was just right, as West Point and Romans now have a filly on top of her game and with a jolt of confidence for the elite summer meet at Saratoga Race Course.