I’m sure it will work out for him.
First of all, how many of the top eight horses will run? It’s quite improbable to have all eight of them declared. More likely 5-6. Then how many from his (2nd) group will be declared and will he be the first one to be balloted out of that group? Also very doubtful. I think he has quite a decent chance of getting a run anyway without the help from outside.
