Because this is a stampede.
And as the best horse in a race with speed,
there is trouble almost everywhere else.

Which is of course why this race is so difficult to win.
This is not the Florida Derby.

He really does not need the lead. But if he finds himself
in a group... Target practice. All he needs is a good trip.
And I cant think of another race in the US where the
probability of getting a bad trip is so relevant.