A beautiful Spring Saturday falls over two horse racing states, Kentucky and Arkansas, as we edge closer to the first Saturday in May. Today we look at two fabulous derby preps.
Keeneland Race 9 {Toyota Blue Grass~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
A very talented field of nine goes to the gate for this Kentucky Derby prep. Interactif (Bejarano / Pletcher) holds sway in this with versatility over all surfaces; synthetic, turf, and dirt. He holds a great speed number over the synthetic surface, has a three race progression, and one good workout. Paddy O'Prado (Desormeaux / Romans) has been a turf specialist and will be making his first run over the synthetic. The transition from turf to synthetic has been a lot easier. He shows the third highest speed number over the distance, albeit on turf, has shown a very nice five race progression and has posted two exceptional workouts. Pleasant Prince (Leparoux / Ward) needs graded earnings to make it to the big dance. He appears ready to put in a big performance with the highest speed number at the distance, the highest speed number last out and two furious workouts. It would be no surprise if he closes fast for victory. He will need to run at least third to give his owners, Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey another Derby contender. The fight for fourth will be among three others in this race. First Dude (Dominguez / Romans) has the fourth highest speed number at this distance, the third highest speed number last out, and a strong workout. Make Music for Me (Smith / Barba) looks ready moving up to this distance with a three race progression and four robust workouts. Aikenite (Gomez / Pletcher) has gone this distance successfully and looks well prepared with two solid workouts. Let's play the Toyota Blue Grass at Keeneland.
$2 WIN / SHOW: #9 Interactif
$2 SHOW: #6 Pleasant Prince
10 CENT Superfecta: #9 Interactif / #7 Paddy O'Prado / #6 Pleasant Prince / #2 First Dude, #4 Make Music for Me, #8 Aikenite.
Oaklawn Race 9 {Arkansas Derby~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
This will be the race to watch this weekend, the Arkansas Derby. A very solid field with such depth that any of these superb horses capable of victory. This race will test all of these colts mettle. Noble's Promise (Albarado / McPeek) looks to be the best. He has the highest last out speed number posting a triple digit. Noble's Promise currently has a two race progression and two superlative workouts. He will be forwardly placed ready to pounce in the stretch. Dublin (Thompson / Lukas) looks great with the third (tie) highest speed number and two hardy, peaking workouts. Expect him to run a big race. Northern Giant (V. Espinoza / Lukas) is the only one proven over this distance, also has the third highest speed number, a two race progression, and three athletic, peaking workouts. Berberis (Gryder / Asmussen) could be the big surprise in this race. Trainer, Steve Asmussen does not yet have a derby contender. This could be his candidate. Berberis recently broke his maiden, but is 100% in the money over his three race career. He will be moving up in distance with a two race progression and four powerful, peaking workouts. Super Saver (Borel / Pletcher) will be the speed in this race and will attempt to hold on for a piece of this purse. He has the second highest speed number and two sturdy, peaking workouts. This promises to be the most fantastic, exciting derby prep of the season. Let's play the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park.
$2 WIN / SHOW: #3 Noble's Promise
$2 SHOW: #2 Dublin
10 CENT Superfecta: #3 Noble's Promise / #2 Dublin / #4 Northern Giant, #7 Berberis, #1 Super Saver / #4, #7, #1.
Friday's Results
Keeneland R9. Our first pick, Court Vision, finished 2nd. No win money earned. Our second pick, Cherokee Artist, finished 7th. Superfecta went 5-6-2-4.
Oaklawn R10. Our first pick, Zenyatta, won (1st) for $2.10 in win money. Our second pick, War Echo, finished 5th (last). No show wager on this gal. Trifecta went 4-2-1.
Bankroll drops to $11.80.
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