I wouldn't worry too much, I have that slowpoke also. I'll be surprised if he cracks the exacta.

NT

Let's hope so and for no rain!

Same problem but only common horse is Freisen. Now must decide between him, Papa Clem, Flying Peg and Giant Oak. Right now giant oak sits. Other 2 slots filled for sure w/Old Fash and Pioneer of Nile. Nice to have a bunch though for sure.

i think you might want to use giant oak.

Don't get me wrong I'd love to see him win and will have to include him in bets but he may prefer turf and poly IMO. Maybe someone will scratch.

Yeah, I also have Old Fashioned and Pioneer of the Nile.

Now up to 60% rain for Saturday, but not saying when. After the LeComte day forecast in Jan. they did have it right we would get alot of rain, but it came that night instead of during the day...so much for forecasting.

I've found that forecasts should be ignored until two days before the race.

ML odds

1--Free Country, Kent Desormeaux, Ken McPeek, 12-1
2--Soul Warrior, Shaun Bridgmohan, Steve Asmussen, 20-1
3--Patena, Robby Albarado, Richard Dutrow, Jr., 7-2
4--Terrain, Julien Leparoux, Al Stall, Jr., 10-1
5--Flying Pegasus, John Velazquez, Ralph Nicks, 8-1
6--Giant Oak, James Graham, Chris Block, 4-1
7--Uno Mas, Brian Hernandez, Jr., Steve Asmussen, 12-1
8--Papa Clem, Rafael Bejarano, Gary Stute, 8-1
9--Friesan Fire, Gabriel Saez, 5-2
10--Nowhere to Hide, Corey Lanerie, Nick Zito, 15-1

I think that is a very good ML. I thought they might have made the mistake of putting a 6-1 on Patena. The Dutrow/IEAH group will bet him heavy, IMO.
I think I would take a shot on Flying Pegasus at those odds. I'm not a big R. Nicks fan but I think this horse has some real talent.

I'm thinking that's the way I'll end up leaning...I also think Soul Warrior may run a big one too though, but it probably won't be enough with Fresian Fire, Patena, and Giant Oak all looking likely enough.

I hear John Dooley and others say "Free-jun Fire" with a soft J, but it's spelled Friesan Fire, which reads "Freezin' Fire" to me.

/wait until SCUDS reads this

who will be 'getting reminders'..

I'm going with Papa Clem off his victory over I Want Revenge, and I think he may get a soft lead

It is one rough race to handicap

I don't think it is.

I'd be pretty surprised if the winner isn't either Patena or Papa Clem.

I originally had it those two plus Giant Oak. But then I see Flying Pegusus who is going to sit right behind Papa Chem/Freisan Fire. Terrain was ridden like a buffoon last time and will benefit to the Frenchie. Just figured I would look at it again later, let it sink in.

I am no fan of Jimmy Graham, he is VERY streaky, at least when I have paid attention, but he really fits Giant Oak well.

I think you might not want to.

I'm going chalk here, FF and Papa Clem.

I think FF may be sitting on a big effort here.

La. Derby Ramble
 

Patena has a great pedigree, he has a gorgeous stride visually, has some bottom from running over that tiring woodbine surface, and every time Dutrow gets his hands on a somewhat talented animal they run a career best. I hope either Friesan Fire(my #1 Derby Contender) beats him outright so I can say "I told you so", or that Patena is so impressive that it overshadows a strong race from Friesan Fire and Patena gets all the attention and money. I think Patena is a quality horse who will be best from 7f to 1 1/16.

Papa Clem - will handle dirt fine, I think he will tire on this surface regardless of being on the lead. Is tough to toss.

Tossing Giant Oak from the exacta. I think his derby hopes end here(unless he re-groups in a possibly weak Blue Grass), but I know he has fans, so I hope he does well - i've been wrong before!

Uno Mas and Free Country have every right to clunk up for 3rd or 4th (hopefully both) to juice up a dime super or trifecta. Which may be my only play here since I like both favs and tossing a 3rd or 4th choice in Giant Oak