Great Stakes Races for Saturday

After today's races, the professional handicappers, wise guy's and horse racing writers will begin their prognostications for the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby.  This year's premiere race falls on May 7th.  Considering those in the field already with enough graded earnings to land a spot in the gate, it will be a exceptionally exciting race with the proverbially question, "Who will win?"  KD 137 promises to be a handicapping challenge and handicappers dream.  Let the hype begin.

Today we look at two races that can be considered derby preps, but few will make in the graded earnings ranks.  We look at a very nice race in the Jerome at Aqueduct and a sharp race in the Coolmore Lexington at Keeneland.

Aqueduct Race 9 {Jerome~G2~1 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
This could be called a trainer throw-down with its medium sized field of eight.  Top trainers have entrants in the race with their charges pointed away from the derby and considering other Triple Crown events.  The race shapes up with a lot of front end running types which could make for a torrid pace.

#1 Astrology (Smith / Asmussen) looks ready to take this race with the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three fierce, peaking workouts.  A good trip will give this guy the confidence needed to post another victory.
$2 SHOW.

#5 Rattlesnake Bridge (Lezcano / McLaughlin) will challenge with a decent last out speed number over the same distance and four stellar, peaking workouts.  He should be forwardly placed ready for first run in the stretch.
$2 SHOW.

#2 Cal Nation (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) will also challenge with the highest (3-way tie) last out speed number, the second highest speed number at the distance, and two solid workouts.  It would be no surprise if this guy captures the win.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests
#7 Justin Phillip (Dominguez / Asmussen) will be in the hunt also with a highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and two hearty, peaking workouts. 

#8 Adios Charlie (Maragh / Hough) will also be in the mix sharing the highest last out speed number at a sprint and posting three strong workouts.

10 CENT Superfecta
#1 Astrology / #5 Rattlesnake Bridge / #2 Cal Nation / #7 Justin Phillip, #8 Adios Charlie.


Keeneland Race 9 {Coolmore Lexington~G3~1 1/16 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
A small field of six will make the start in this annual contest.  Very little speed could open this race up to a modest pace and an interesting closing.

#2 Silver Medallion (Castellano / Asmussen) will need to win this one to gain a seat at the KD 137 table.  He is likely to control the pace wiring the field with the second highest (tie) last out speed number at a longer route, a two race progression, and four superb, peaking workouts.
It should be his race to win.
$2 WIN / $3 SHOW.

#6 Casper's Touch (A. Garcia / McPeek) will surprise with the highest last out speed number over a sprint distance, a two race progression, and one robust workout.  He will challenge vigorously.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests
#3 Prime Cut (Prado / Howard) will be in the mix also with the second highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and three fabulous, peaking workouts.  It is possible that he could come away with the victory.

#1 Derby Kitten (Leparoux / Maker) is another that could be a surprise with the fourth highest last out speed number over Turf, a four race progression, and two great, peaking workouts.  His connections have been chasing the Derby dream for years.

10 CENT Superfecta
#2 Silver Meallion, #6 Casper's Touch / #2, #6 / #3 Prime Cut, #1 Derby Kitten / #3, #1.


















Friday's Results
Keeneland R9. Doubledogdare. Our first pick, Washington Bridge, finished 3rd for show money of $2.20.  Our second pick, Milwaukee Appeal, finished 8th.  Our third pick, Blushing Dixie, finished 9th.  Superfecta went 6-10-1-4.
Bankroll dips to $18.80.