Grade Three Ohio Derby

 Into Mid-America for a highly competitive grade three race.

Thistledown Race 12 {Ohio Derby~G3~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A good group of ten will battle for the victory in this graded stake race.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There should be plenty of speed in the race to produce a swift pace. Only four will try this exact distance for the first time. Speed numbers are very close. Only one horse has raced over the Thistledown track. It should be a very tight race among what some characterize as second level talent among the three-year-old division. Overall it should be one of the best races across North America.

#8 Desert Gate (Prat / Baffert) is the deserved favorite as the only competitor in the field to earn a triple digit speed fig. He will stretch out for this race. This guy will be seeking his third win in a row. He holds the highest last out speed number and two superb workouts. A son of Omaha Beach, he is 85% in the money from seven starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#3 Chip Honcho (J. Ortiz / Asmussen) will challenge with the second highest last out speed number and three solid workouts. He has the tactical speed to adapt to the pace. This lad loves the dirt and will handle the distance. A son of Collect, he is 72% in the money.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#7 Bull by the Horns (M. Husbands / SA Joseph) is sitting on a great effort as he drops a bit in distance with two sound workouts. This guy will close valiantly into a serious pace. He comes in with a decent last out speed fig. A son of Essential Quality, he is 66% in the money from six starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#5 Ocelli (Gaffalione / Beckman) is another closer looking for a fast pace. He is dropping in distance with three hearty workouts. A son of Connect, he is 62% in the money from eight starts.

#2 Robusta (Jaramillo / O'Neill) has improved his speed fig in each of his last three starts with a strengthening workout to lift his performance. A son of Accelerate, he is 28% in the money from seven starts.

#10 Albus (J. Torres / R. Mott) holds a win at this distance and drops in class as well as distance. This guy has tactical speed to stay the pace. A son of Yaupon, he is 60% in the money from five starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#8 Desert Gate  ///  #3 Chip Honcho,  #7 Bull by the Horns,  #5 Ocelli,  #2 Robusta,  #10 Albus.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#3,  #7,  #5,  #2,  #10  ///  #8 Desert Gate.

Best of luck with all your Stakes Saturday wagers!!!