Separating the Men From the Boys: Kentucky Derby Preps

[Specbid]

The Bloodhorse: Blog Stable > Triple Crown Talk

With five 3-year-old stakes on the docket, this is easily the most important weekend of the Triple Crown prep season so far. After Saturday, I believe we will be able to separate the men from the boys and have a good idea of who the major contenders are as we creep closer to the first Saturday in May. I will offer my first top 10 list of the year early next week.

Let's take a closer look at some of the major races:

Fountain of Youth

There is no doubt that from top to bottom this is the deepest prep field we've seen so far. I think you can make a major case for almost any of these 3-year-olds, though I'm going with one who has already proven himself for more than 10 months: Jackson Bend.

Jackson Bend has done almost nothing wrong in seven races. His Holy Bull try was exceptional, as he dueled with Winslow Homer in the stretch and was well clear of the rest of field. Since that race he has ripped off two monster works, including a four-furlong breeze in :47 flat on Saturday. All indications are that Zito will have him cranked for his second start of the year. He has the right running style for a nine furlong race at Gulfstream, that is, tactical speed that will keep him close to the pace. I have my reservations about this colt getting 10 furlongs in May, but I think he is the one to beat here. His class and speed numbers solidify that too.


http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/triplecrowntalk/archive/2010/02/19/separating-the-men-from-the-boys.aspx

[Lord Undies]

It will be Kentucky Derby day before we know it. 

[Specbid]

It will be Kentucky Derby day before we know it. 

Yes it will. That thought gets me through the winter.

[Lord Undies]

Yes it will. That thought gets me through the winter.

I can taste the mint julep now.

[dutch508]

I can taste the mint julep now.

you big bent bastard, you!

[Lord Undies]

you big bent bastard, you!

Sir, you cut me to the quick!

[Specbid]

Okay, have looked at the two Gulfstream races, here we go:


8th GP-The Hutcheson. Like the 8 A little Warm
Don't really like the probable favorite 7 D'Funnybone that much, but respect the trainer.
Like the 4 Sun Champ as possible longshot.
Always, always respect horses going turf to dirt sprint= 2 City Trooper.

Will do something along these lines: 8 w 2,4,7
                                                2,4,7 w 8
                                                8 to win if 3 to 1 or better. If not, win bets on 2 and 4.

10th GP-Fountain of Youth. Hard not to like 5 Jackson Bend and 2 Buddy's Saint, the 2 probable favorites. Like a couple long shots though, 6,7,3.
And kinda like the 8. So, I'll do something like this:
2,5/3,6,7/8,2,5
3,6,7/2,5/8,2,5

For amusement only.


Oh yeah..9 GP, not a Triple Crown prep, but like 7,8,2

[Specbid]

10 Fg- The Risen Star:

4-6 cold.


10 OP- The Southwest:

If the 4 Dryfly clears, it's over. Win bet at 3-1.
10 Mission Impazible finishes the exacta at a pretty good price. Will also get a win bet if anywhere near ML odds of 15-1.

[Lord Undies]

We'll see.   

[debk]

Spring's a comin' if we're talking Derby....


My way of picking is name, colors, jockey....then I glance at the trainer.

Not scientific....but it works for me. 

Hoping to get to Keeneland in April.

[Lord Undies]

Spring's a comin' if we're talking Derby....


My way of picking is name, colors, jockey....then I glance at the trainer.

Not scientific....but it works for me. 

Hoping to get to Keeneland in April.

Long neck - short tail - gray socks a plus.