Significant Derby Preps Today

The races on this Stakes Saturday could set the table for the entrants in the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby.  Today we look at the big money stakes races at Keeneland and Oaklawn Park.

Keeneland Race 9 {Toyota Blue Grass~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
A full and sensational field of twelve will be ready to fire in this magnificent annual race.  It has a beautiful balance of running styles which will make the race all the more unpredictable.  Half the field has raced this distance.  Trainer, Todd Pletcher, has three entrants in here and it would not be a surprise if he captures the trifecta with the year he is having.  The Blue Grass will create heart pounding excitement.

#3 Santiva (Leparoux / Kenneally) is the odds on favorite with the second highest speed number, a four race progression, and four robust, peaking workouts.  He is 100% in the money in five lifetime races.  He will be the one to beat.
$2 SHOW.

#6 Sensational Slam (Lezcano / Pletcher) will challenge running close to the pace with the highest last out speed number (in a sprint), a two race progression, and three vigorous workouts.  He is set to pursue this longer route distance.
$2 SHOW.

#11 Crimson China (A. Garcia / Motion) is ready to make a giant stride forward with the fourth highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and one strong workout over turf.  He could surprise.
$2 SHOW.

Another Wagering Interest
#10 Praetereo (Prado / Pletcher) looks well trained and well spotted for this race.  He has the third highest last out speed number, is 100% in the money (two races) at the distance, and three solid workouts.  Expect him to step forward.

10 CENT Superfecta
#3 Santiva, #6 Sensational Slam / #3, #6 / #11 Crimson China, #10 Praetereo / #11, #10.


Oaklawn Park Race 11  {Arkansas Derby~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
This race boasts an exceptionally competitive field of thirteen.  Another race with a nice balance of speedsters, pressers, trackers and closers making it wide open.  Only three of the runners have gone this distance  Any one of these talented horses could win this race.

#4 The Factor (M. Garcia / Baffert) will be the favorite with his blazing speed.  The key will be for jockey, Martin Garcia, to be a master of pace.  The Factor has the highest last out speed number (triple digit), a two race progression, and two swift workouts.  Clearly dangerous on the front end.
$2 SHOW.

#2 Nehro (Nakatani / Asmussen) looks mighty fine with the fourth highest (three-way tie) last out speed number, a three race progression, and four superb, peaking workouts.  If a wicked pace develops, expect him to pick up the pieces in the stretch.
$2 SHOW.

#8 Dance City (Castellano / Pletcher) will be the big surprise with the second highest speed number at the distance, the third highest speed number last out, a three race progression, and two stellar workouts.  He will be forwardly placed ready to strike at the top of the stretch.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests
#5 Brethren (Dominguez / Pletcher) looks primed and ready with a perfect in the money record on the surface, a decent last out speed number, and three terrific workouts.  Will be in the mix.

#6 Sway Away (Valenzuela / Bonds) could challenge with a couple of good last out speed numbers and two solid workouts.  Another looking to close well.

#1 Caleb's Posse (Razo / Von Hemel) and #1A Alternation (L. Quinonez / Von Hemel) are coupled entrants in the race.  Both have trained well going into the race and will be closing into a solid pace.  Both will be in the hunt.

10 CENT Superfecta
#4 The Factor / #2 Nehro / #8 Dance City / #5 Brethren, #6 Sway Away, #1 Caleb's Posse.


  














Friday's Results
Keeneland R9.  Maker's Mark Mile.  Our first pick, Court Vision, finished 4th.  Our second pick, Society's Chairman, finished 3rd for show money of $3.20.  Our third pick, Get Stormy, won (1st) for show money of $3.40.  Superfecta went 5-4-6-1.
Bankroll gets chipped up a few cents to $11.30.