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![]() A Look at the Derby Lineup
By Gary Young, Xpressbet Clocker 1) Ocho Ocho Ocho Diminutive colt that yours truly had a hand in choosing at auction was up against it to begin with, then he drew the 1 hole. As Marty Feldman said in Young Frankenstein,"could be worse, it could be raining!" He blew out 3/8 in 38.40 Wednesday morning. 2) Carpe Diem In a field this deep, it was pretty much a certainty that one of the key contenders was going to get the shaft in terms of post position -- and it was this big red freight train. Galloped fine Wednesday. The post draw severely damaged his chances. 3) Materiality Schooled again at the gate Wednesday. Very tough gauge on how the Florida Derby will stack up. Light on experience, he will get a crash course from this post. 4) Tencendur Has looked fine training here, but one gets the idea it's hot and dirty time for him. 5) Danzig Moon Has caught the eye galloping all week and looked good Wednesday. He could be an okay underneath horse for exotics. Maybe... 6) Mubtaahij Hasn't been here long, but conducts himself with class and has smooth action. 8) Dortmund Went terrific again Wednesday morning. His coat is glowing. He will make noise Saturday, but has the misfortune of having a neighbor in his barn that may be better. 9) Bolo Gorgeous, Black Stallion look-alike has marched like a soldier since he came east. It's time to find out if he's as good on dirt. 10) Firing Line Continuing to thrive here, draws a good post. We all live for live long shots and I believe he is one. 12) International Star See previous reference to FG preps! 13) Itsaknockout Has looked strong in his gallops this week. 14) Keen Ice Welcome to the deep end of the pool! 15) Frosted Was a late arrival, but has made a favorable impression. Watch his last race, note wide on both turns and not full throttle late! 16) War Story No. 17) Mr Z The most experienced warrior. He seems to be on the other side of midnight. His trainer looks at the horse outside of him like a pit bull looks at a lamb chop and salivates. 18) American Pharoah There were many bad posts still available, while his name had not yet come out at the draw. When they named him #18, some of his rivals connections looked as if they needed air sickness bags. Anything can happen in a horse race, but this horse is sitting on tilt. 19) Upstart Late arrival is a beautiful-moving beast. The problem is he's standing next to one on his left in the gate. 20) Far Right Very willing galloper has followed Pharoah here from Arkansas. Good luck to him and all the horses and their connections.
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All ambitions are lawful except those which climb upward on the miseries or credulities of mankind. ~ Joseph Conrad A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right. ~ Thomas Paine Don't let anyone tell you that your dreams can't come true. They are only afraid that theirs won't and yours will. ~ Robert Evans The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command. ~ George Orwell, 1984. |