In a field of twenty elite three year olds, it's hard to narrow down exactly who you like. Let me try to do that.
California Chrome - The best horse in the field. Impressive win in the Santa Anita Derby, can press the pace but can also sit back and rally. Odds will likely be minuscule in a 20 horse field though.
Wicked Strong - The Wood Memorial winner. Has plenty in the tank to make a strong stretch run if he doesn't encounter too many traffic problems prior to that. Even so, he had to swing out wide in the Wood and had plenty left for the win.
Vicar's in Trouble - Draws the dreaded #1 spot. Louisiana Derby winner will likely be towards the front early. May tire out due to the fact that there is a ton of speed in this race which may press the pace too much for his liking.
Dance With Fate - Bluegrass winner has an impressive resume and plenty of momentum. The only knock on him is that all of his wins have come on a synthetic surface. Colt likes to come well off the pace and may rally late, but has too many question marks.
Wildcat Red - Was an unfortunate second in the Florida Derby. Constitution will not be running for the roses and "Red" has plenty of speed to win this race. A perfect trip by Javier Castellano in Florida was the main reason why Red did not get that win.
Hoppertunity - Scratched. Was Baffert's best shot at the Derby. Did not agree with the 6/1 ML odds, maybe a threat further into the triple crown.
Chitu - Sunland Derby winner out-dueled his stable mate Midnight Hawk. Baffert trained horse will need to pull of a Mine That Bird miracle with this pressing pace.
Danza - Pletcher trained Arkansas Derby winner (at 41/1 odds) that has come out of nowhere. Ran by far his best race and was an optional claimer just 3 times out. The proverbial dark horse.
Samraat - Sticks close to the pace and likes to stalk. Disappointing finish in the Wood Memorial, but could finish near the front with a strong trip.
Candy Boy - California stakes winner was third best in the Santa Anita Derby. Out-dueled Chitu earlier in the year at Santa Anita, but looked very weak in the stretch.
Tapiture - Loves Churchill Downs, may actually be better suited for the Preakness as the added distance could prove troubling for him.
OK, that is still way too many damn horses. After second glance, it's going to be hard for any horse to beat Santa Anita Derby winner California Chrome. Wildcat Red is certainly worth a look at 20/1 after his solid performance in the Florida Derby. Vicar's in Trouble is going to come out of the 1 spot and has long 30/1 odds as a result. The horse is much better than that. Wicked Strong impressed in the Wood Memorial and could rally late to round out the super.
1st - California Chrome
2nd - Wildcat Red
3rd - Vicar's in Trouble
4th - Wicked Strong
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