Saturday On the Trail to the Derby

Today is an exciting stakes Saturday filled with a number of races featuring Triple Crown nominees.  We look at two clearly designated KD 137 prep races; The Gotham and the John Battaglia.

AQUEDUCT Race 10 {Gotham~G3~1 1/16 mile~inner dirt~3 year old~Stakes}
A superlative field of nine derby aspirants line up for this annual Derby prep race.  A perfect blend of speed, pressers, trackers, and closers will make the race one to watch.

#5 Stay Thirsty (Dominguez / Pletcher) appears to have cobbled together the best workout tab giving him the best shot to find the winners circle.  Those workouts include two explosive five furlong works that included a bullet.  He is one of five that has gone the distance and with a couple of fine last out speed numbers should be in good position to run a good race.
$1 WIN / SHOW.

#4 Toby's Corner (Castro / Motion) has the top last out speed number, a triple digit one.  Could pull off the victory, but with that speed number may have already peaked.  He has two significant last out speed numbers, a four race progression, and one strong workout.
$1 PLACE / SHOW.

#9 Dawly (C. Velasquez / Asmussen) judging by his workouts and a four race progression this guy is ready to pop a big race.  It appears his connections have managed his racing career perfectly.  He loves the Big "A" track and will be closing into a favorable pace scenario.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests
#7 Preachintothedevil (Alvarado / Contessa) looks well positioned to take advantage of a propitious pace with a 100% in the money record at the distance, a four race progression, and two sinewy, peaking workouts.

10 CENT Superfecta
#5 Stay Thirsty, #4 Toby's Corner / #5, #4 / #9 Dawly, #7 Preachintothedevil / #9, #7.


Turfway Park Race 9 {John Battaglia~1 1/16 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
A fine group of nine grinders assembles for this race on the synthetic track.  The type of track where there are always surprises.  We expect this race to be a tactical one with no overpowering speedster in the mix.

#6 Positive Response (Coulton / Morey) coming in from California to tackle this talented bunch should be the one to beat.  He has the highest last out speed number at a longer route and two robust, peaking workouts.
$2 SHOW.

#9 Twinspired (Lanerie / Maker) will challenge with the second highest last out speed number and two hearty workouts.
$2 SHOW.

#4 Night Party (Arguello / Huffman) will surprise with the third highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and two athletic workouts.  He will be pressing the rambling pace.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests
#2 Blue Laser (McKee / Casse) is likely to be in the mix coming off a nearly ninety day layoff and working well posting three vigorous works.  He likes the distance.
#3 Adulare (Rosendo / Arnold) should also be in the hunt tracking the pace with the highest speed number at the distance and two stout, peaking workouts.

10 CENT Superfecta
#6 Positive Response / #9 Twinspired / #4 Night Party / #2 Blue Laser, #3 Adulare.

 















Friday's Results
Aqueduct R7.  Our first pick, Super Espresso, finished 3rd for show money of $1.05.  Our second pick, Speightful Affair finished 2nd for place money of $1.75 and show money of $1.15.  Due to scratches no 10 CENT Superfecta was offered.
Santa Anita R5.  Our first pick, Blue Jay Attack, finished 6th.  Our second pick, King Red, finished 7th.  Our third pick, Nextdoorneighbor, finished 2nd for show money of $3.40.
Bankroll dips to $17.60.