Kentucky Derby 145 Notable Nine

On this the first Saturday in May we look at the greatest two minutes in sports, The 145th running of the KENTUCKY DERBY.

Churchill Downs Race 12 {KENTUCKY DERBY~G1~1 1/4 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A smashing field of nineteen will go the gate this afternoon (6:50 pm EDT) to compete in the greatest horse race in the world. The pace will be fast. The speed numbers are fairly close which makes this the most competitive Kentucky Derby in recent memory. There are already two millionaires in the field, Game Winner and Plus Que Parfait, both bred to relish this distance. The program numbers remain the same, but with the scratch of Derby favorite, Omaha Beach and Haikal, the post positions have changed somewhat.  Wager and watch what will be the absolute best race of the year.

#16 Game Winner (Rosario / Baffert) has been peaked for this race by his connections as he will make his third start in the form cycle. He holds the second highest (tie) last out speed number and has put in two stamina producing workouts in preparation. A son of Candy Ride [ARG], he should be tracking the pace closely. The juvenile champ is ready to conquer this field over the track he was crowned as such.
$2 WIN  /  $3 SHOW  /  $5 PLACE

#1 War of Will (Gaffalione / M. Casse) has the best pedigree to get this distance. His chances have greatly improved since the scratch of Haikal as he will launch out of post position two and not the dreaded post position one. It is possible for him to wire this field just as Serengetti Empress did in yesterday's Kentucky Oaks. His connections have already indicated he will use his speed from the gate. This colt did not fair well in his last race, but has put together the best workout tab of any in this field, stringing together four powerful peaking workouts. A son of War Front, do not underestimate his talent.
$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#8 Tacitus (J. Ortiz / Mott) should challenge from a great post position. This lad shares the second highest last out speed number combined with two hearty workouts. He comes into KD145 on a three race winning streak. This colt has improved in each race run and should continue to do so. A son of Tapit, he will be tracking the pace looking for openings to move through the pack.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#7 Maximum Security (L. Saez / Ja. Servis) will contend. As of this writing he is the favorite at 9-2 among the current wagers. The winner of the Florida Derby, he should be forwardly placed. Undefeated in his four career races, this guy could do it for the same ownership that owns our top selection. A son of New Year's Day, this guy has put in three quality workouts prepping for this Derby.

#5 Improbable (I. Ortiz / Baffert) should be in the mix with the highest last out speed number and three hearty workouts. He has been victorious over the Churchill track. A son of City Zip, he should be running close to the pace ready to strike in the long stretch.

#9 Plus Que Parfait (Santana / B. Walsh) has the stamina for this distance. While there are those that do not give much weight to the winner of the UAE Derby in Dubai, this guy is different. He is 100% in the money over the Churchill track from two starts. Should the pace get a little frothy, this guy will be running late. A son of Point of Entry, he is what the Brits like to call a "stayer".

#6 Vekoma (Castellano / Weaver) is another that is 100% in the money from four career starts. He holds some excellent last out speed numbers and two robust workouts. This lad should be sitting in the mid-pack with so many others looking for holes to shoot through. Another son of Candy Ride [ARG], he won the Bluegrass Stakes last time out.

#13 Code of Honor (J. Velazquez / McGaughey) will be closing gamely into a strong pace. This colt holds the second highest (tie) overall speed number and has put in three solid peaking workouts in preparation for the big dance. A son of Noble Mission [GB], he is 80% in the money from five career starts.

#20 Country House (Prat / Mott) is another closer that has a chance to break into the exotics. He has improved with every race run and has put in two superb workouts in preparation. A son of Lookin at Lucky, he could surprise.

Exotic Plays

50 CENT TRIFECTA;  #16 Game Winner  /  #1 War of Will, #8 Tacitus  /  #7 Maximum Security, #5 Improbable, #9 Plus Que Parfait, #6 Vekoma, #13 Code of Honor, #20 Country House. ($6.00 wager).

$1 SUPERFECTA:  #16 Game Winner  /  #1 War of Will  /  #8 Tacitus  /  #7 Maximum Security, #5 Improbable, #9 Plus Que Parfait, #6 Vekoma,  #13 Code of Honor,  #20 Country House.  ($6.00 wager)

$1 SUPER HI-FIVE:  #16 Game Winner  /  #1 War of Will  /  #8 Tacitus  /  #7 Maximum Security  /  #5 Improbable, #9 Plus Que Parfait, #13 Code of Honor, #20 Country House.  ($5.00 wager).

$1 EXACTA Wheel  #16 Game Winner /  #1, #8, #7, #5, #9, #6, #13, #20.  ($8.00 wager).




Last Superfecta Sunday (4/28) Results
Lone Star Park R7.  Steve Sexton Mile.  We just missed on our 10 CENT Superfecta box effort, capturing three of the four wagering interests required to cash. Superfecta went 9-4-1-6.
Our Bronze Horseshoe selection, Forevamo, finished 7th.
Bankroll drops to $53.26.

Superfecta Sunday Deep in the Heart of Texas

On this Superfecta Sunday we take in a spectacular stakes race deep in the heart of Texas.

Lone Star Park Race 7 {Steve Sexton Mile~G3~1 mile~3 year-old Up~Stakes}

A good field of ten will hit the Texas dirt in this annual stakes race. Most in here have the tactical speed to insure there is a swift pace. Speed numbers are very close making it a super competitive event. Our task is to cobble together a winning 10 CENT Superfecta box ticket. It should be a mighty fine race.

#1 Title Ready (Eramia / Asmussen) is in great form with the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three strong peaking workouts. This lad is 100% in the money from three starts at this distance. A son of More Than Ready, he should be forwardly placed seeking position for the stretch run.

#4 King Abner (T. Baze / D'Amato) is coming in from California sporting the highest last out speed number and three power workouts. This guy is also 100% in the money from three starts at the distance. A son of Hansen, he has good tactical speed to to adapt to any pace that develops.

#7 Forevamo (I. Diego / Asmussen) looks to improve from his last out performances at Oaklawn Park and Gulfstream Park. He has put in two robust peaking workouts prepping fro this race. Another that it 100% in the money at the distance from five starts. A son of Uncle Mo, he should track the pace and strike in the stretch. He is our Bronze Horseshoe selection.
$4 SHOW.

#6 Air Strike (Talamo / D'Amato) is another California invader with a few solid speed numbers from his last three races. This lad has put in three sound workouts in the last thirty days. A son of Street Sense, he is another that will be tracking the pace ready to launch.

10 CENT Superfecta Box ($2.40)

#1 Title Ready  +  #4 King Abner  +  #7 Forevamo  +  #6 Air Strike.




Stakes Saturday Results
Churchill Downs R8.  William Walker Stakes.  Our first pick, Legends of War, finished 3rd for show money of $32.50.  Our second pick, Bulletin, finished 4th.  Our third pick, Hartel, finished 7th (last).
Superfecta went 5-4-3-1.
Bankroll gets a marvelous jump to $59.66.