Ohio Derby winner Caleb's Posse

The Iowa Derby is a race for three-year-olds going 8.5 furlongs on the dirt at Prairie Meadows. The relatively new race was first contested in 1999 and counts Captain Steve, Duke of Mischief and Concord Point as its most notable winners. This year’s field is pretty solid. Let’s take a look and try to find the winner so we can bet him at Twin Spires.

Prayer for Relief (Jump Start x Sparklin Lil by Mr. Sparkles) Three of the biggest names in racing team up on this colt: Bob Baffert, Zayat Stables and Rafael Bejarano. Their colt was last seen taking a first level allowance at Hollywood Park in his first start since 2010. This race will be his first on dirt and he is working fairly well at Santa Anita. While the connections are top notch he figures to be over bet and a few others rate higher in my book.

Sheriff Cogburn (Vindication x Sweet Nanette by You And I) Hasn’t yet shown his two-year-old form which saw him go 2 for 2 with a win in the Prairie Meadows Juvenile Mile. So far this year he owns a second in the Golden Circle and a third in the Prairie Mile. Those races aren’t good enough to win here, but third off the shelf is the best angle in racing. He could move up and that makes him a wild card worth considering at 8-1.

Marco’s Fling (Marco Bay x Lida’s Fling by Quadratic) Dashed to the front in the Ohio Derby last out and held on for second at a whopping price of 41-1. He figures to have a tough time once again on the lead, but last out he showed he can hang. I won’t be backing him, but he is certainly a tough colt.

Irish Lion (Lion Hearted x Irish Baroness by Larrupin’) Made a good showing of himself to be third in the Ohio Derby last out. Before that he was a winner on the grass at Tampa Bay Downs. He mus be considered after a very strong effort last out for underrated trainer Gerald Bennett.

Astrology (A.P Indy x Quiet Eclipse by Quiet American) He was my long shot play in the Preakness where he finished third at odds of 15-1. He really proved he still belongs with the top colts after that race. He is by far the classiest colt in the race and if he runs his best it will be lights out for everyone else. Strictly the one to beat for trainer Steve Asmussen and jockey Mike Smith.

Dreaminofthewin (Successful Appeal x Dreamingatdaybreak by Grand Slam) This long shot might sneak up on some people. Last out he failed to produce in his first turf try. I’m willing to forgive that effort as well as the one two back where he was third behind older horses Thiskyhasnolimit and Gladding in the Texas Mile. Racing at Oaklawn in the winter he was second to both Caleb’s Posse and Peter Pan Stakes winner Alternation. Distance could pose a problem, but if he can overcome that he stands a chance.

Chosen Miracle (Ghostzapper x Royally Chosen by In Excess) Well bred colt has a tough spot to try for his third win after winning his first two starts. He blew the competition away twice going six furlongs, but asking him to go two turns for the first time against this caliber of competition is too much. I think he’s got a bright future, but he shouldn’t be used here.

Caleb’s Posse (Posse x Abby’s Missy by Slewacide) He finally got his break through win after taking the Ohio Derby from off the pace last out. Three back in the Rebel Stakes he looked good finishing behind The Factor. If things get heated up front he will be one to fear in the lane. Don’t leave the classy colt off any exotic tickets.

My top selection to win the Iowa Derby is Caleb’s Posse. If not for Astrology being in the race he would be sent off as the favorite and I really believe the son of Posse is on the way up. The price is great at 4-1 considering his resume. I’ll be betting him at Twin Spires where new players get a $100 sign up bonus. Check them out!