KENTUCKY DERBY 2018

This year's edition of the greatest two minutes in sports, Kentucky Derby 144, contains a deeply stacked field. This talented field will be heard about in the years ahead right into the breeding shed. A top flight group of twenty will enter the gate late this afternoon to the cheers of a capacity crowd.

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

What a supreme field for this years run for the roses. Four millionaires are represented. There is plentiful speed to maintain a very fast pace which could aid those coming off the pace is evident. More likely those that keep close to the pace without doing them in will be aided. Speed numbers are fairly close with the exception of Morning Line favorite, #7 Justify.  As of this writing, he is the second favorite in the wagering across the pond at 9-2. The favorite there is of course, the boys from Ballydoyle entrant #14 Mendelssohn at 4-1. Both very fair and playable odds. We believe that the race will be between the two champs #6 Good Magic and the aforementioned Mendelssohn. Here are our picks for KD144.

#6 Good Magic (J. Ortiz / C. Brown) is ready to run the race of his career. The champ (BC-juvenile) will find himself tracking the pace, build-up on the backstretch, and hit the stretch running his heart out. Trainer, Chad Brown, has worked this guy to build stamina and endurance for his two starts this year. He usually puts his charges through solid customary half mile works. A son of Curlin, he is 100% in the money from his six career starts. He holds the fourth highest overall speed number.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#14 Mendelssohn (Moore / A. O'Brien) will challenge from a closer to the pace position. His impressive win in the UAE Derby, winning by 18 lengths, shows that distance will not be a problem for him. That race earned him the second highest speed number among this field. A son of Scat Daddy he will be seeking his fourth win in a row. Another champion, winner of the BC juvenile Turf, he travels well and should be primed an ready for his Derby run.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#5 Audible (Castellano / Pletcher) should contend as the Florida Derby winner. He holds the fifth highest over all speed number and has put in three strong peaking workouts. This lad will be pursuing his fifth win in a row and holds a 100% in the money record from five career starts. A son of Into Mischief, he is projected to take up a close tracking position and spring into the stretch.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

While we feel #7 Justify is a fearsome colt with the highest speed figs of any in this field, we feel the pace flow may be too much for this lightly raced lad. We will use him on top in a saver exacta along with our top choices. We are looking to beef up the exotics with a few long shots.

#11 Bolt d'Oro (Espinoza / Ruis) should be in the mix with the third highest last out speed number, a three race progression, and two superb workouts. This lad can be expected to take another step forward in the third race of his form cycle. A son of Medaglia d'Oro, he is another that is 100% in the money from six career starts. He has a chance to win.

#18 Vino Rosso (J. Velazquez / Pletcher) will shoot out of the auxiliary gate taking up a tracking position close to the first tier of runners. He is the last out winner of the Wood Memorial up at Aqueduct. This son of Curlin should handle the distance and show improvement once again.

#8 Lone Sailor (Graham / Amoss) is in tip-top shape for his Derby run. He ran a game second in the Louisiana Derby last out where the racing light bulb clicked on. This lad has a last out speed figure that competes with this elite group of 3 year-olds and has put in three powerful peaking workouts. A son of Majestic Warrior, he has a closing kick that will match any of these fellas.

#20 Combatant (Santana / Asmussen) just made it into the field after a few defections of horses with more points. His post positon doesn't appear to be problematic as he enjoys coming from off the pace. Trainer, Asmussen works his horses patiently and builds them into fine racing animals. This guy is no exception. One of four sons of the late Scat Daddy, he is one of few with a victory over the Churchill dirt.

The Plays

$1 Exacta Wheel  #6, #14  / #5, #8, #11.

50 CENT Trifecta Box  #6  +  #14  +  #5.

$1 Superfecta  #6 Good Magic  /  #14 Mendelssohn  /  #5 Audible, #8 Lone Sailor, #11 Bolt d'Oro  /  #18 Vino Rosso,  #20 Combatant.

$1 Pentafecta (Super High Five)  #6  /  #14  /  #5  /  #11  /  #8, #18, #20.

Last Superfect Sunday (4/29) Results

Belmont Park R8.  The License Fee.  We just missed on our 10 CENT Superfecta box play capturing three of the four wagering interests required to cash. Superfecta went 7-1-2-3.

Our Bronze Horseshoe selection, Stormy Victoria [FR], finished 2nd for show money of $1.10.

Bankroll dips to $225.70.