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Grade II Lexington Stakes

April 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment

The Grade II Lexington Stakes will serve as the last dance for any three-year-old who has yet to secure a spot in the starting gate of the coveted Kentucky Derby. Only a single colt has gone on to win the Kentucky Derby after racing in the Lexington Stakes. That colt was Charasmatic in 1999, and he also broke the track record that year covering the 8.5 furlongs distance in 1:41 minutes.

It is not unusual for the winner to skip the Kentucky Derby and take aim at either the Preakness or Belmont Stakes as was the case for the last two winners, Behindatthebar, and Slew’s Tizzy. The winner of this years race will be holding a strong hand if they wish to take a shot at the Triple Crown. The race will be contested at the usual distance of 8.5 furlongs over the Polytrack surface this year.

Online Horse Betting

#1 Jeranimo (15-1)- The son of Congaree turned in a decent third place finish behind Pioneerof The Nile in the Grade II San Felipe Stakes. That race was a career best for the Michael Pender trainee. Regular jock Brice Blanc will be in to ride from California. His figures are a cut below the field, so he will need to improve. I don’t think he stands a chance, but if he were able to pull off the upset it would be quite flatterring for Pioneerof The Nile.

#2 Omniscient (6-1)- Steve Asmussen brings this one to Keeneland after reeling off consecutive victories at Fair Grounds. His last win came in allowance company. He stalked from third and took over in the stretch to win by 1 1/4 lengths in the slop. Jockey Robby Albarado has had trouble winning at Keeneland, but looks to be on a live one in this son of Pulpit.

#3 Pitched Perfectly (15-1)- The son of Pleasantly Perfect moved to the barn of Barclay Tagg after scoring an impressive allowance win at Aqueduct all the way back in late January. He likes to race up front and will likely have company there today. Alan Garcia will be piloting for the first time. It looks like he has been training well, but I think he will need a race.

#4 Brave Victory (8-1)- They say never bet the due, but it seems like Nick Zito is due to win a prep race. He could easily do it with this son of Lion Heart who turned in an excellent allowance win two back. He returned from that race to finish fourth the Grade II Swale. This colt hasn’t had the best of luck stretching out, but if he can transfer his sprinting form he could make things interesting. John Velazquez will be in the irons.

#5 His Greatness (20-1)- I like the third place finish this guy turned in last out in the Illinois Derby. He raced very close to the pace and stayed on towards the end, only losing by 7 lengths as he was clearly third best. He broke his maiden over Polytrack, and could be getting good at the right time. This one could make the Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta pay well. Rene Douglas will be piloting.

#6 Masala (6-1)- Todd Pletcher will add blinkers for the first time on this colt who finished second to Take The Points in an allowance event two races back. He followed that up with a disappointing fourth place finish in the Grade III Gotham Stakes. Pletcher is 24% when adding blinkers for the first time. His only work over this surface was a 1:00 1/5 B five furlong move. Eibar Coa will retain the mount; dark horse candidate.

#7 Conservative (15-1)- Shug McGaughey and Phipps Stable; that says it all. They have been very patient and although it seems to have paid off, this is an ambitious spot. I love the breeding. This colt is sired by Unbridled’s Song and is out of a Seeking The Gold mare. He has reeled off two consecutive wins, but from a Beyer perspective they aren’t good enough to compete here.  Intriguing connections, but I don’t think he can win.

#8 Square Eddie (9-5)- The rock star of the group. The son of Smart Strike has been on the shelf since January after finishing second to The Pamplemousse in the Grade II San Rafael. Prior to that he took the Grade I Lanes End Breeders Futurity over this surface, and checked in second in the Grade I Breeders Cup Juvenile. Edgar Prado does well with this type, and Square Eddie has proved he likes the track. The only question left is will he be ready after the extended rest? I can’t wait to find out.

#9 El Crispo (10-1)- This son of A.P. Indy’s last trip to the track resulted in a win over the turf in the Grade III Palm Beach. His debut was over the Keeneland surface, and he finished ninth by thirteen lengths. His Tomlinson of 410 for the distance is encouraging, but I’m having a hard time getting excited about his chances. JJ Castellano will be in the irons, and I’m far from a fan of his riding. I’ll go elsewhere.

#10 Parade Clown (15-1)- This could be the colt who makes the Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta wagers pay handsomely. He most recently finished a tiring fourth in the Lanes End Stakes. The winner of that event returned to grab second place in the Grade I Bluegrass Stakes. He will be racing without blinkers this time around. Julien Leparoux has been arguably the hottest rider at Keeneland this meet.  The shortening in distance could be just what the doctor ordered; dangerous at a price.

#11 Advice (10-1)- This colt is  Todd Pletcher’s other entry. He flashed a lot of ability at two, and was even the favorite for the Grade I Lanes End Breeders Futurity. Unfortunately for the connections he hasn’t really panned out. His most recent race resulted in a fifth place finish in the Sunland Derby. I can’t see him doing much here.

#12 Hull (12-1)- The most recent race for this colt was laughable, as he drew off at odds of 0.05-1 over the Polytrack at Turfway Park. The son of Holy Bull romped home in his debut at Fair Grounds earning a 97 BSF, and stopping the clock in 1:10.41 for six furlongs. If he is as good as the debut suggest, he can roll with the best in this race. The wide draw will force Miguel Mena’s hand, so look for him up front early. Dale Roman’s colt has a shot at increasing his record to three wins from three starts; respect.

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping

NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance

April 14, 2009 By 1 Comment

I’ve been a bit intrigued ever since I learned of the formation of the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance. Based soley on the name of the organization, it seems as if it could help to improve living and racing conditions for our equine athletes and others who are critical to the sport. In a post Barbaro and Eight Belles world, racing must work to improve its reputation and the Alliance is a step in the right direction.

Before a racetrack is able to become a member of the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance they must complete a 48 page application and submit a fee of $15,000. I’m not quite sure why the fee is so high, but it may prevent small market racetracks like Beulah, River Downs,  and others from joining the Alliance. This worries me, because I believe the problems which the Alliance wishes to prevent may be more rampant in places such as these.

The Alliance has listed several iniatives which include:

  • uniform medication rules for each racing state
  • ban of steroids from racing competition
  • out-of-competition testing for blood and gene doping agents and pre-race testing
  • uniform penalties for all medication infractions
  • mandatory on-track and non-racing injury reporting
  • mandatory installation of protective inner safety rail
  • mandatory pre- and post-race security
  • adoption of a placement program for Thoroughbreds no longer competing

The first initiative, establishing uniform medication rules for each state, is something that racing direly needs. It is not acceptable that some medications are ok to use in certain states but not in others. I’ve heard of numerous minor drug infractions where a trainer was shipping across the country to another jurisdiction, only to be fined or penalized for using a drug that was illegal in the trainers home state.

Steroids are given to horses to increase appetite and to build muscle. The medication can cause horses to be more aggressive. They are also used by breeders to make their yearlings look bigger than they actually are when going to sales. Many people in the media and industry were not happy to learn that Richard Dutrow treated Big Brown with steroids prior to the Kentucky Derby. Steroids have since been banned in Kentucky, Maryland, California, New York, Florida, and other states. The New York Times reported earlier this year that trainers Michael Hushion and Bruce Levine were in favor of the ban. It seems as if the steroid problem has been taken care of, but hopefully the Alliance can continue to see that the medication is banned in each and every racing state.

The final inititiave listed, adoption of a placement program for Thoroughbreds no longer competing, is a noble cause. The sad reality is that many of these horses who do not race at upper level tracks will end up in a slaughter house. There are few things in the world that disgust more than this. I am a member of the Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance. The vast majority of the money we raise through advertising is donated to Old Friends and other adoption farms. I encourage you to visit Old Friends and spare whatever you are able to help these animals who give everything for the sport we love. I do not know what the Alliance will do to accomplish this goal, but I wish them the best of luck. They have my complete and total support on this.

The current poll question is “What do you think of the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance?”. Check it out on the right side of the page and cast your vote! All in all, the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance seems like a step in the right direction. I wish them the best of luck. Click here if you want to learn more about the organization.

Want to share you thoughts on the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance? Leave a comment below!

Filed Under: Horse Racing Information

Derby Trail

April 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment

I couldn’t have been more pleased with the result of the Bluegrass Stakes. I crushed the race from a handicapping perspective, but for once that wasn’t all there was to the race.  As the Daily Racing Form’s Marty McGee put it, I got to see the “loveable underdog” in General Quarters claim victory.

General Quarters is the only horse in the barn of 75 year old Thomas McCarthy. He claimed the horse in his first start for just $20k. Needless to say it has paid dividends, as he will enter the Kentucky Derby as one of the top choices. I was so happy for McCarthy. Not that I have anything against the Todd Pletcher’s of the world, but it was nice to see the little guy finally come out on top.  While he probably wont be my top selection for the Kentucky Derby, I wouldn’t mind being wrong if he was the one that beat me.

Elsewhere in the racing world Papa Clem and Rafael Bejarano found the winners circle in the Arkansas Derby. Bejarano made a good decision to sit off the pace. He made his move towards the top of the stretch and wore down the favored Old Fashioned in the late stages of the race. Sadly, Old Fashioned came out of the race with an injury and will now miss the Kentucky Derby. That is good news for the connections of Dunkirk who is on the outside looking in when it comes to earnings. Dunkirk may make it to the Kentucky Derby without another start after all.

The picture is starting to become clear, but we still have another prep to watch. The Grade II Lexington Stakes will be contested at Keeneland next weekend. Doug O’Neill’s Square Eddie is set to make his second start of the year in hopes of making it to the Kentucky Derby. Square Eddie won the Grade I Lanes End Breeders Futurity at two, and was the runner up in the Breeders Cup Juvenile. I’m very excited to see him run.

Who do you like to win the Kentucky Derby? Leave a comment and let me know!

Filed Under: Horse Racing News, Triple Crown

Selections Recap

April 11, 2009 By 1 Comment

They say its always darkest before dawn, and that was the case for me on Saturday. I spent the day at the track, and was up and down for the majority of the day. Eventually I decided to stick to my guns and play my Bluegrass picks; and boy did it pay off!

Subscribers had the privilege to see my picks. I hit several bets in the Bluegrass. They are as follows:

$4 EXACTA 3,8,10/3,8,10

10 ¢ SUPERFECTA 3,8,10/3,8,9,10/3,8,9,10,11/2,3,5,6,8,9,10,11

$5 DOUBLE (FOREVER TOGETHER/GENERAL QUARTERS)

The $2 Exacta returned a hefty $117.60 for $2. You could’ve had it with my picks for a mere $12 investment. The Daily Double was a cold wager for $5 and returned $230. The dime Superfecta was even better, returning $469.80 for an $18 investment!

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping

Saturday Stakes

April 11, 2009 By 6 Comments

The Arkansas Derby and the Bluegrass Stakes are likely to draw the most attention on Saturday, but they are not the only races I’m looking forward to watching. The Shakertown, Jenny Wiley, Commonwealth are all interesting events. They will help build the tension for the feature races of the day and should be given more than a passing glance.

I don’t feel very comfortable handicapping five furlong races on the turf, but the Shakertown will be a good one nonetheless. Mr. Nightlinger will be seeking to win this race for the second year straight, and he looks pretty tough. He has lightning quick speed and is a win machine. Hewitts is an interesting horse at 10-1. He has been racing well in SoCal, and will have the services of Kent Desormeaux.

The Commonwealth looks to be a contentious event. Last years winner Rebellion will seek to defend his title against seven challengers. Rebellion will be making his 2009 debut after finishing second in the Breeders Cup Dirt Mile and bouncing in the Grade 1 Citation at Hollywood afterward. His best competition is likely to come from My Pal Charlie who will be ridden Julien Leparoux. His only effort over a synthetic surface came in the Breeders Cup Dirt Mile where he finished four beaten by just two lengths. The cut back in distance and surface change could be just what the doctor ordered.

The Jenny Wiley is always a competitive race, and this year is no exception. Breeders Cup Ladies Classic winner Forever Together is a heavy favorite at 1-1 on the morning line. While it certainly wont be easy, several mares are capable of knocking her from her perch atop the division. This list includes Lost My Choo, Rutherienne, Vist, and Backseat Rhythm. Kent Desormeaux has been red hot lately, and could be live on Ballymore Lady at 20-1. If he is able to pull the upset, it would blow the Pick 4 wide open.

Over the past couple of years, the Arkansas Derby has been as tough as any derby prep. This year doesn’t look too great, but there are still some quality runners. Win Willy shocked the world when he won the Rebel at over 50-1, and will seek to pull off another win. His target is likely to be the same horse; morning line favorite Old Fashioned. The Unbridled’s Song colt needs to win or run well for his connections to think seriously of advancing to the Kentucky Derby. Papa Clem recently worked :58 4/5 B for five furlongs, and is in with more than a shot. He will need to get things his own way on the front end like he did last out in the Louisiana Derby. If your watching from home, head over to ESPN2 to watch the race live!

Click here to read my analysis of the Bluegrass Stakes.

Check out the “Buy Picks” page on the red toolbar to get our official selections! For $19.95/month you will get at least 5 races per week. That is only $1 per race! You will also receive exclusive interviews with jockeys, trainers, and other industry insiders. What are you waiting for?! Click on the “Buy Now” link to get started!


Filed Under: Horse Racing News

Grade I Bluegrass Stakes

April 9, 2009 By 1 Comment

The Grade I Bluegrass Stakes is easily one of the most prestigious races in the United States. It is contested at the distance of 9 furlongs over Keeneland’s polytrack surface. The race has been contested annually since 1911, and has produced 16 Kentucky Derby winners since 1959. It is common for a horse to finish 2nd, 3rd, or 4th in the Bluegrass Stakes and then go on to win the Kentucky Derby. Such was the case for Street Sense in 2007, and Thunder Gulch in 1995. This years field doesn’t look to be overly strong, but several are capable of making a run for the roses!

#1 Patena (10-1)- The IEAH colt totally flopped last out in the Louisiana Derby. I expected a nice from him in that race, but he finished a far back eighth. Perhaps it was the wet track that caused his poor run, but his 436 wet Tomlinson suggests otherwise. He won the Display Stakes at Woodbine over a synthetic surface and earned a BSF of 82, so maybe he is primed for a run. Robby Albarado has won just a single race from 32 mounts at Keeneland, but he will retain the mount.

#2 Join In The Dance (10-1)- The son of Sky Mesa has become a GradedStakes.Com favorite. I’ve watched him progress from a maiden winner at Saratoga, to a runner up last out in the Grade III Tampa Bay Derby. He fell just short of a wire-to-wire victory in that event, losing by a head while earning a BSF of 90. The winner of that race, Musket Man, returned to take the Grade II Illinois Derby. That race was his first time routing, so he has every right to improve in the Bluegrass. Todd Pletcher has his go-to-guy in John Velazquez up, and I expect the veteran to utilize this colt’s speed. He is in with a shot at a decent price.

#3 Theregoesjojo (7/2)- This wonderful son of Lemon Drop Kid ran into a buzzsaw last out when he finished third behind Quality Road (My top Kentucky Derby pick as of right now) in the Florida Derby. Ken McPeek has had nothing but good things to say about the colt, and he usually doesn’t say much one way or another. The son of Brahms is among the best in terms of Beyer Speed Figures. He was close to a fast pace, and only finished 7 lengths behind Quality Road who set a track record time in the Florida Derby. My only concern is the two weeks rest, but if he runs back to his last two races he is going to be tough to beat.

#4 Cliffy’s Future (20-1)- Darrin Miller is back to try again after saddling the 2007 Bluegrass Stakes winner Domincan. He will be attempting to win this time with Cliffy’s Future who took the Rushaway Stakes on the Lanes End undercard at Turfway Park last out. The son of The Cliff’s Edge flopped badly two back in the Sam F. Davis, finishing a far back eighth. Jesus Castenon will retain the mount, but I don’t think lightning will strike twice for trainer Darrin Miller.

#5 Mafazz (12-1)- The Great Britian shipper is a complete and total unknown. He has already earned a berth in the Kentucky Derby by virtue of his win in the Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes. The son of Medicean has won two of three starts, and his only loss came on the turf to eventual Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf winner Donativium. Jockey R Hills is making the trip to ride which is an encouraging sign. He would help to make the exacta and trifecta pay well, but asking him to run well against this bunch is a lot to ask after shipping half way across the world.

#6 Terrain (6-1)- Albert Stall’s gelding will get a lot of support after running third in the Louisiana Derby and taking the blinkers off. He is a product of Sky Mesa, and will have the red hot Julien Leparoux in the irons. His two-year-old campaign saw much success with a win in Grade III Arlington Washington Futurity, a second place finish in the Grade I Lanes End Breeders Futurity, and a close fourth in the Breeders Cup Juvenile. I think this colts best days are behind him, and I think his chances of winning are slim; look elsewhere.

#7 Loch Dub (50-1)- This son of Friend’s Lake has two chances; slim and none. Jockey James Theriot is the only redeeming factor for a colt who finished ninth by ten lengths last out in the Grade II Lanes End Stakes.

#8 General Quarters (15-1)- This guy is the third son of Sky Mesa in the race. It looks like he was taking a step to the front of the division after he won the Sam F. Davis with a BSF 102, but he regressed to finish fifth in the Grade III Tampa Bay Derby. He ran well over this track in October. If that last race was just a hiccup, he could be a threat. Eibar Coa will be riding for the first time. This colt has flashed ability and looks live at 15-1.

#9 Charitable Man (4-1)- Just like Mafazz, this undefeated Grade II winner is an unknown. He earned a massive 96 BSF en route to a debut wire-to-wire win at Saratoga. His next start came in the Grade II Futurity at Belmont which he won with a fair amount of ease after rallying from sixth. You have to think he will be loaded for a big run, because losing is not an option if they wish to make the Kentucky Derby. He is very talanted, but I can’t like him at 4-1.

#10 Hold Me Back (3-1)- Who saw that Lanes End victory coming after sitting on the bench for four months? Certainly not I. He earned a 97 BSF for that effort. He is the favorite for this race, and rightfully so. The Bill Mott trainee is a $400k purchase and a son of Giant’s Causeway. I find that his progeny get better with age, and this one is probably getting better. Kent Desormeaux will be forfeiting the mount on Theregoesjojo to ride this one, so that is a positive sign. This guy is the one to beat.

#11 Massone (10-1)- Just missed Chocolate Candy last out to finish second in the Grade III El Camino Real Derby. Chocolate Candy would return to post a second place finish in the Grade I Santa Anita Derby. Gomez will be in the irons, and his closing style will be beneficial. He has raced against the likes of Kelly Leak, winner of the $800k Sunland Derby, and I Want Revenge, winner of the Grade I Wood Memorial. I love his last work where he clocked 1 mile in 1:38 2/5 H at Santa Anita. The son of Menifee is getting good at the right time; keep an eye on him.

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping, Triple Crown

Kentucky Derby Top 10 Update

April 7, 2009 By 1 Comment

Much has changed since I last published my Kentucky Derby Top 10. This past weekend did much to shake up the standings. Let’s take a look.

#1 Quality Road- I couldn’t have been any more impressed by this colts win in the Florida Derby. He put away a very nice colt in Dunkirk.  He proved two turns wouldn’t be a problem. I don’t think the 10 furlongs distance will hurt him. This is a very special colt, and he could be bound for greatness. I am a bit worried due to a quarter crack, but if Jerkens can get him to the starting gate he will have a hell of a chance.

#2 Rachel Alexandra- I’ll probably get some heat for rating the filly so high, but she is absolutely breath taking. She is very big, and is probably larger than most of the colts at this point. She wins with ease, and has great acceleration. I hope the connections opt for the Kentucky Derby.

#3 I Want Revenge- The fact that the son of Stephen Got Even was able to recover from his poor start in the Wood Memorial speaks volumes. Trouble is something you can expect in the Kentucky Derby, and he has proven he can recover. Joe Talamo seems like a good guy, but a bit cocky. Can you imagine if he won the Kentucky Derby?!

#4 Friesan Fire- He has been dominant at Fair Grounds, but that 6 week lay off really scares me. He beat a good horse in Papa Clem when he won the Louisiana Derby, but the mud probably helped his performance. He is in great hands with trainer Larry Jones.

#5 Dunkirk- The speed bias at Gulfstream did nothing to help him on Florida Derby day. Despite that, he was still able to hook Quality Road before relenting soon after en route to a second place finish. He will likely be racing again. Todd Pletcher and Garrett Gomez really like this colt, and thats all I need to know.

#6 Hold Me Back- How can you argue with that 97 BSF he earned for his win in the Lanes End Stakes? It was his first start of the year, and we are going to see him again in the Bluegrass Stakes. He ended up at 27-1 in the third future pool, and if he runs well in the Bluegrass I’ll be kicking myself for not getting a few bucks to win on him.

#7 Old Fashioned- How the mighty have fallen; this colt was largely the top choice just one month ago. He can win everyone back with a win in the Arkansas Derby, but anything less will probably leave him in obscurity.

#8 Pioneerof The Nile- He put in a great run to win the Santa Anita Derby, but I’m still not wild about him. His best competition was The Pamplemousse, and he scratched from the race. He has the services of multiple Kentucky Derby winning trainer Bob Baffert, and will be the top choice of many.

#9 Musket Man- His path to the Kentucky Derby isn’t the most popular, but he has only lost once. His victories include triumphs in the Illinois Derby and Tampa Bay Derby. He is a son of Yonaguska so I don’t know if he will handle the classic distance.

#10 Regal Ransom- He finally lived up to the promise he showed in his debut after winning the UAE Derby. Perhaps he is getting good at the right time? He will probably come over from Dubai along with stablemate Desert Party.

Who do you like?! Leave a comment and let me know!

Filed Under: Horse Racing Information, Triple Crown

Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby

April 3, 2009 By 2 Comments

The long awaited heavyweight bout  between The Pamplemousse and Pioneerof The Nile has finally arrived and will take place in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby. The three-year-old race is contested at 9 furlong over the Pro Ride surface. The winner will be holding a strong hand on the first Saturday in May.

The Pamplemousse is the favorite at 9-5. He is the clear choice to win after capturing the Grade 3 Sham with a 103 BSF. Julio Canani says he can rate, but I see no reason to do so. I expect Solis to take him up front and fry the field. I don’t think he will be among my top Kentucky Derby picks, but I love his chances here. He is the best bet of the day on Saturday.

Chocolate Candy looks to be on the improve. He found the winners circle last out in the Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby. Pioneerof The Nile has bested him in the past, but I look for him to surpass the Zayat colt today. His BSF has gone up for six consecutive races, and I expect that trend to continue in the Santa Anita Derby. You have to use the son of Candy Ride on all exacta, trifecta, and superfecta tickets.

Maybe I’m wrong, but Pioneerof The Nile doesn’t impress me. His BSF’s are on par with most of the field, but The Pamplemousse is clearly better on that front. He will have the benefit of stablemate Z Day, who will act as a rabbit for the closer. Bob Baffert has been in this situation more times than I can remember, so if he doesn’t run it wont be because of the trainer, or the jockey for that matter (Garrett Gomez). I saw a picture of the colt this week, and he looked very good, but I just don’t see it happening for him.

Regardless of who you like, good luck this weekend!

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping, Triple Crown

Grade I Wood Memorial

April 2, 2009 By 5 Comments

The Wood Memorial has experienced quite a Kentucky Derby drought. The last Kentucky Derby winners it produced was Funny Cide in 2003 and Fusiachi Pegasus in 2000. You would have to go all the way back to 1981 and Pleasant Colony for the next one. In the long term, it has been as good as any prep producing 11 Kentucky Derby winners and a staggering 4 Triple Crown winners. Secretariat finished third in the Wood Memorial in 1973. He would go on to take the Triple Crown, and is considered by many (myself included) to be the best horse to ever step on a race track. The Wood Memorial carries a purse of $750,000 and is contested at the distance of 9 furlongs. The winner is virtually guaranteed a spot in the Kentucky Derby. Let’s take a look at this years field.

#1 Atomic Rain- The son of Smart Strike really let me down when he finished a tiring 7th in the Sam F. Davis. He has done well at this distance in 3 starts, despite the 3-0-2-1 record. Jockey Joe Bravo is an acquantiance of mine, and did an interview with for this blog. I wish him good luck, but this colt will have to move way up to compete for the win.

#1A West Side Bernie- I, like everyone else, want to know what happened to this guy in the Lanes End? He ran a lower BSF in the Lanes End than he did in his Kentucky Cup Juvenile win as a two-year-old. The talent is there, but perhaps he has peaked?

#2 I Want Revenge- This is the colt your going to have to beat if you want to get a nice payout in the Wood Memorial. Unless you are living in a cave, you have already caught wind of the son of Stephen Got Even. He earned a 113 BSF last out when he crushed the Gotham field by 8 lengths. Talamo claims he didn’t break a sweat, but I have my doubts. He will be 3/5 at best so I’m going to look elsewhere.

#3 Lord Justice- Todd Pletcher trains this son of AP Indy (my favorite sire). He is a speed ball, and CC Lopez will have him on the front end. Devil’s Bag on the mares side means his speed is for real. He ran a career best BSF of 91 last out, and looks to be improving. This one could make the exotics pay.

#4 Cellar Dweller- The son of Rahy’s name is a good descriptor for how I expect him to run.

#5 Imperial Council- His allowance win two back was great. Third place finisher, Join In The Dance, returned to finish second in the Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby. Imperial Council followed that allowance effort up with a second in the Grade 3 Gotham. I question whether or not he was ready for that race, so I expect a better horse to show up for this race. Don’t overlook the son of Empire Maker.

#6 Just a Coincidence- He looks just a cut below this bunch, but Nick Zito is famous from for getting results from this type of colt. Velazquez will be in the irons, and will probably have this son of Forestry attending the pace. He fired a bullet on March 28 with a :46 4/5 H four furlong move. All systems are go, but I question if this is his optimal distance.

#7 Lime Rickey- The Lemon Drop Kid progeny is stakes placed on the weeds, but this will be his first run on the dirt. I have a hard time envisioning this one winning, but he could help make the exotics pay better. Use him underneath.


Filed Under: Horse Handicapping, Triple Crown
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