Hansen
The $400k Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes (Gulfstream Park/Race 10/Sunday) is the first of three of Kentucky Derby prep races at Gulfstream Park. The others are the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes and the Grade 1 Florida Derby. Last year’s winner, Dialed In, would go on to win the Florida Derby before failing as the favorite in the Kentucky Derby. In 2005, Barbaro won this race before capturing the Florida Derby and Kentucky Derby.
Silver Max (Badge of Silver x Kissin Rene by Kissin Kris) $20k yearling purchase broke his maiden last out on the grass after five consecutive second place finishes. The Dale Romans trainee will have Julien Leparoux in the irons. That’s the only redeeming thing I can see about him.
Consortium (Bernardini x Marietta by Machiavellian) Godolphin owned colt was an impressive first out winner at Aqueduct before yielding to his rival, Algorithms, in his second trip to the track. He will get a little extra ground here, but that shouldn’t hurt him too much as this is still a one turn race. First time lasix is an interesting factor. Trainer Kiaran Mclaughlin, wins 26% of the time with the addition of the medication. It wouldn’t be shocking or surprising to see him win, but I’m going to vote against it. John Velazquez will ride.
My Adonis (Pleasantly Perfect x Silent Justice by Elusive Quality) Took the $200k Jean Lafitte at Delta Downs as the 1-5 favorite before finishing 27 lengths behind Sabercat to be ninth in the Delta Jackpot. He has worked like a monster for trainer Kelly Breen since that defeat, but I don’t see enough to make me think he can win in this spot. Count him as a pace factor and nothing more.
Hansen (Tapit x Stormy Sunday by Sir Cat) This is the big shot, the top sophomore in America. He’s the favorite (in my mind) to win the Kentucky Derby by virtue of his win last out victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Undefeated in three starts, he’s got killer early speed. The connections might try to rate him here. If they ever plan to do so, this would be the time. If this were a normal race I would love Hansen, but it’s not. It’s a Kentucky Derby prep race. There’s more to it than what you can see on paper. Even considering that, I like him to win; and impressively too. Ramon Dominguez will ride for trainer Michael Maker.
Fort Loudon (Awesome of Course x Lottsa Talc by Talc) He’s better than he looked last out in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile where he finished seventh after a wide trip. Before that, he won four races in a row, including three Florida bred stakes races. He won them all with ease. I don’t think he can compete for the win, but he’s a stellar colt that might improve with time.
Algorithms (Bernardini x Ava Knowsthecode by Cryptoclearance) Regally bred colt has people talking after his win over Consortium. That win came after a six month rest for trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey JJ Castellano. I love his tremendous late punch which he exhibits despite laying near the pace. Read more about him here.
From a betting standpoint, this is a tricky race. Hansen should demolish them, but what should happen doesn’t always occur. Still, I think there is more than enough there for him to get it done. I’ll make him my top selection to win the Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes. If an upset happens, look to Fort Loudon or Algorithms. You can bet both the Holy Bull Stakes at TVG where new players get a $100 sign up bonus.
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