Iowa Derby Day

 We take in a little evening racing in the heartland.

Prairie Meadows Race 7 {Iowa Derby~1 1/16 mile~3 year-old~Stakes}

A talented group of nine will go to the gate in this annual contest.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is plenty of speed to produce a strong pace flow. Speed numbers are fairly close, making the race super competitive. Only three have competed over the Prairie Meadows track. Two will be stretching out to the distance for the first time. It should be a great after dinner race to wager and watch.

#5 Desert Gate (Geroux / Baffert) is the deserved morning line favorite posting he only triple-digit speed figure among this group. He has the tactical speed to adapt to the pace. This guy exits a longer race with the second highest (tie) last out speed number and two superb workouts. A son of Omaha Beach, he is 75% in the money from eight starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#1 The Hell We Did (R. Vazquez / Fincher) competed in the Preakness last out, finishing seventh. He has cobbled together four strong workouts in preparation. This lad should track the pace closely and spring into the stretch. A son of Authentic, he is 80% in the money from five starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#3 Maximum Effort (M. Smith / Asmussen) comes in with the third highest (tie) last out speed number and three consistent workouts. He is another that will track the pace closely and strike in the stretch. This guy loves the dirt and distance. A son of Maxfield, he is 57% in the money from seven starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#4 JJ Grey (Esquivel / McPeek) has improved his speed figs in each of his last three races. He holds the highest last out speed number and two fine workouts. This guy is another that will track the pace closely seeking his third win in a row. A son of Street Boss, he is 44% in the money from nine starts.

#6 Outmatch (E. Gonzalez / Eikleberry) will stretch out from a sprint to this distance. He has improved his speed figs in each of his last three starts. This guy will be part of the tracker pack. He shares the third highest last out speed number and one dynamite workout. A son of Volatile, he is 83% in the money from six starts.

#2 Crupper (R. Maragh / Von Hemel) also exits the Preakness in his last where he finished thirteenth. Three supreme workouts show he is well intentioned for this race. He is yet another that will track the pace closely. This guy has hit the board in all three of his starts at this distance. A son of Candy Ride [ARG], he is 72% in the money from seven starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#5 Desert Gate  ///   #1 The Hell We Did,  #3 Maximum Effort,  #4 JJ Grey,  #6 Outmatch,  #2 Crupper.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#1,  #3,  #4,  #6,  #2  ///  #5 Desert Gate.

Best of luck with all your Stakes Saturday wagers!!!