General:
Regarding strong opinions, first let me state that in reviewing each of today's Derby preps, don't believe the winner of either today's Wood Memorial, Santa Anita Derby, or Illinois Derby will contend for the Kentucky Derby. These are the weakest fields for these three races in some time. Believe the Derby winner will come from elsewhere. That being said, just some thoughts for today.
Santa Anita Derby
Sweet Catomine is the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillie champion that is now on a five race winning streak including the latest three length win in the Grade I Santa Anita Oaks. She is the strong morning line chalk and is facing a marginal field of male counterparts. However, one of them is Wilko, who won the Breeder's Cup Juvenile and is coming into the race off the Grade II San Felipe where he was off slow, went four wide and flattened in the stretch. He did have a bullet work of note on April 1 of 1:10.3 handily which could be significant. Another possible contender is Giacomo who finished second in the San Felipe in wet footing but shows tactical speed as does Wilko, in a race that lacks pace. Sweet Catomine is likely to be a prohibitive favorite, so the other two may have value.
Wood Memorial
Wide open race with many coming off the Grade III Gotham Stakes, such as the winner of that race Survivalist, Pavo, Galloping Grocer and Naughty New Yorker. Coming in of note is Bellamy Road, trained by Nick Zito, following a 15 length winning allowance prep. Also Going Wild coming in after finishing second in the Grade II Santa Catalina Stakes at Santa Anita. Tough race.
Illinois Derby & Carter Handicap
No real thoughts to share.
Best of luck today should you decide to make a play.
Regarding strong opinions, first let me state that in reviewing each of today's Derby preps, don't believe the winner of either today's Wood Memorial, Santa Anita Derby, or Illinois Derby will contend for the Kentucky Derby. These are the weakest fields for these three races in some time. Believe the Derby winner will come from elsewhere. That being said, just some thoughts for today.
Santa Anita Derby
Sweet Catomine is the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillie champion that is now on a five race winning streak including the latest three length win in the Grade I Santa Anita Oaks. She is the strong morning line chalk and is facing a marginal field of male counterparts. However, one of them is Wilko, who won the Breeder's Cup Juvenile and is coming into the race off the Grade II San Felipe where he was off slow, went four wide and flattened in the stretch. He did have a bullet work of note on April 1 of 1:10.3 handily which could be significant. Another possible contender is Giacomo who finished second in the San Felipe in wet footing but shows tactical speed as does Wilko, in a race that lacks pace. Sweet Catomine is likely to be a prohibitive favorite, so the other two may have value.
Wood Memorial
Wide open race with many coming off the Grade III Gotham Stakes, such as the winner of that race Survivalist, Pavo, Galloping Grocer and Naughty New Yorker. Coming in of note is Bellamy Road, trained by Nick Zito, following a 15 length winning allowance prep. Also Going Wild coming in after finishing second in the Grade II Santa Catalina Stakes at Santa Anita. Tough race.
Illinois Derby & Carter Handicap
No real thoughts to share.
Best of luck today should you decide to make a play.
arty:
