It's Kentucky Derby Time

 We have waded through all of the preps. It is time. KD 148 day.

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

A full field of twenty combatants will enter the gate in the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Past Performances used:  DRF Classic.

This is the most competitive field in a number of years. Any one of these lads could pull off the victory. There is plenty of speed to keep the pace humming and give those coming from off the pace a chance to hit the wire first. Speed numbers are fairly close with a number in this robust field ready for large improvement. Two millionaires show up in the race. It will be one of the most exciting Kentucky Derby's in a number of years.

#3 Epicenter (Rosario / Asmussen) is one of the deserved favorites with the highest (tie) last out speed numbers and three strong peaking workouts. He should race close to the pace, ready for battle on the front end heading into the stretch. This guy has a win at this approximate distance. A son of Not This Time, he is 83% in the money from six career starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#7 Crown Pride [JPN] (LeMaire / Seemer) has prepped better than any of these quality horses after arriving from Dubai, UAE. Winner of the UAE Derby he comes in with improving speed figs and five superlative workouts including two half mile bullets. This guy can be expected to track the pace closely. A son of Reach the Crown, he is 75% in the money from four career starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#6 Messier (J. Velazquez / Yakteen) this former Bob Baffert charge is rounding into form nicely. He holds the second highest last out speed number and two strong workouts. He could be part of the pace scenario with a good break from the gate. A son of Empire Maker, he is 100% in the money from six career starts.

$2 SHOW.

#10 Zandon (Prat / C. Brown) is a closer that deserves to be the morning line favorite. He comes in with the third highest last out speed fig and two dynamite workouts. This colt will be desirous of a frothy pace. A son of Upstart, he is 100% in the money from four career starts.

#1 Mo Donegal (I. Ortiz / Pletcher) is another seeking a heated pace to make the charge in the stretch. He holds the fourth highest last out (tie) speed number and two sound workouts. A son of Uncle Mo, he is 100% in the money from five career starts.

$1 Saturday Exacta Wheel ($4.00)

#3 Epicenter  //  #7 Crown Pride [JPN],  #6 Messier,  #10 Zandon,  #1 Mo Donegal.

50 CENT Trifecta Box ($3.00)

#3 Epicenter  +  #7 Crown Pride [JPN]  +  #6 Messier.

50 CENT Trifecta Straight ($1.50)

#3 Epicenter  /  #7 Crown Pride [JPN]  /  #6 Messier,  #10 Zandon,  #1 Mo Donegal.

$1 Superfecta Straight ($2.00)

#3 Epicenter  /  #7 Crown Pride [JPN]  /  #6 Messier  /  #10 Zandon,  #1 Mo Donegal.

$1 Pentafecta Straight ($1.00)

#3 Epicenter  /  #7 Crown Pride [JPN]  /  #6 Messier  /  #10 Zandon  /  #1 Mo Donegal.

Best of luck to all. Be sure to include some of the long shots in your exotic plays as this Derby has a deep and talented field. Cheers!!!!