It seems that every race I’m talking about lately is led by a fast Bob Baffert three-year-old. I don’t know if the Hall of Fame trainer has ever had as many good young colts as he does right now. He is sending out Conveyance in the Southwest Stakes which is raced at 1 mile over the dirt at Oaklawn Park. The son of Indian Charlie is a perfect three for three and was last seen taking the Grade 3 San Rafael Stakes. The first three finishers from that race will contest this event. Conveyance showed he can take off the lead when he won last out after being passed on the lead. All three of his wins have come on synthetic surfaces. It will be interesting to see how he responds to dirt.

Bob Baffert isn’t the only master in this race. D Wayne Lukas will send out Grade 1 winner Dublin for the first time since he finished seventh in the Grade 3 Iroquois Stakes as the even money favorite. He is likely to get a lot of support at the windows. The son of Afleet Alex is working well and will have TJ Thompson in the irons for the first time. If he runs well in this race it is likely that Lukas will target the Rebel for his next start.

Dryfly and Pleasant Storm both looked strong last out when finishing 1-2 respectively in the Smarty Jones Stakes. Dryfly went wire to wire for owner Charles Cella who also owns Oaklawn Park. He might catch a speed duel if Garrett Gomez insists on taking Conveyance to the lead. Pleasent Storm closed from way out to be second in that race. If a speed duel develops he would be the primary beneficiary. Both colts have a strong case to win the Southwest Stakes.

Mission Impazible looked very strong when racing for the first time since April when he finished a close second in an allowance race at Gulfstream Park. It appears that he has enough speed to be close if needed but the jockey may prefer to keep him midpack. The son of Unbridled’s Song looks fresh for a run at the Triple Crown, but he has to run huge in this race to get his foot in the door.

Kitty’s Turn, Cardiff Giant, Domonation, Crider, and Cool Bullet round out the field. Who do you like in the Southwest Stakes? Click here for information on how to get my picks and plays. My selections won 4 of 6 races over the weekend. Don’t miss out!