Not the greatest Derby prep, but it has had its moments.
Firing Line was a damn good horse that was sent here before the Kentucky Derby to avoid
Dortmund who romped in the Santa Anita Derby, while
American Pharoah was frolicking in Arkansas. Race was ran in late March back then. He ran a bang up 2nd in the Kentucky Derby that year giving all-star
American Pharoah everything he had.
Then we also have the amazing story of
Mine That Bird. He could only muster a 4th place finish in this one before his story book miraculous Derby win 16 years ago. (Holy shit does time fly
)
Well times have changed, and this one shows up much earlier on the calendar. The winner will get 20 points here, so a win here and a solid placing in another could get someone in the gate come the first Saturday in May.
No Trouble: Was beat by the
first out, but came back with a nice win last out on this track. Sure, his figs maybe don't fit, but trainer is 1 for 1 in Graded Stakes with a +70.80 ROI
. Not like he is running against a bunch of world beaters in here as he stretches out. Interesting price play.
Surroundedbyangels: $5K purchase has likely already exceeded expectations while already banking $26.8K in his first 2 career starts. Jockey/Trainer angle is solid, but he got absolutely dusted by a couple of others in here. Tough to see getting it done today.
Curlin's Kaos: By Clubhouse Ride that is by Candy Ride and obviously the influence of Curlin on the bottom is quite interesting. Has ran 4 decent races thus far, but is he simply a turf horse? Would love for a pace meltdown, and he may well get it.
Lucky Jeremy: Won the previous prep here at Sunland while rolling in from Churchill. 3 pretty solid races to start his career. Looked good late last out going a mile, but still have to question whether he really is a 2 turn horse. The 2 works after his last are troubling. Gotta let this one beat me.
Stronghold: Likely favorite that was 'only' beat by 9 lengths by Nysos. Came back in his next to only give it up late to Wynstock who tanked in the Southwest Stakes earlier this year. Not completely sold he'll get it done.
Alotofluck: Most certainly does need some luck as he does his best work on the front end and faces many faster in here. Trainer is a solid 6(1-1-2) this meet but jockey is still 0fer. Mixed signals for me, but the price should be right.
Da Ringo: 7 career starts to date, and was a mere 22 lengths back in the previous prep. A career best might not even get him in the Super.
Informed Patriot: Asmussen invader has certainly ran against tougher. While he has clunked along and ran some nice races, he is still 1 for 5 to date, and is not a strong finisher. Add in Rosario on board, and you simply aren't going to get a square price on this one.
Not a big or deep field, but they all have question marks. Interesting puzzle to figure out.
80% of the time my 5th horse runs in the super, usually 3rd or 4th. You would think after betting the horses for almost 50 years I would change my betting, nope not me! I am such an idiot! Why I can't play the 100 straight super with the 5th horse I don't know, it has cost me making easily over a 100,000 in my lifetime. I RARELY ever hit my big ticket but I hit the savers all the time. The saver is meant to get at the minimum my money back but usually I bet so I at least double my money if it hits. On rare occasions like this race it paid way more than I thought. I was guessing 200 tops, stunned it paid 436. 