- Derby Trail Intensity Quickens at FG, AQU
One of American racing's best regional days is on tap this aft at NoLa, with perhaps the best card assembled anywhere yet this year. The Louisiana Derby has a wonderful heritage, dating back to 1920 when it was run at old Jefferson Park, and has produced a number of local legends including Black Gold (1924), Taylor's Special (1984), Risen Star (1988) and Petionville (1995). Funny Cide forced himself into serious Rose Run consideration with a strong showing in the LA Derby in 2003, and Grindstone won this race on his road to Louisville in 1996.
It should be a fabulous afternoon with many stars or emerging runners on a stakes-laden undercard and culminating with Pyro's attempt to continue his campaign towards Derby 134.
Meanwhile at Aqueduct, rain threatens the Gotham where Rick Schosberg's Giant Moon looks to remain undefeated and legitimize his Derby aspirations...
95th Louisiana Derby (Gr. II), 3yo, 8.5f
1. Stevil (Castro/Zito) 15-1: Zito grey won at first asking and has met toughies since; Stalker-closer type not worst exotics stab in group as long FG stretch will suit..
2. My Pal Charlie (Leparoux/Stall) 20-1: Interesting proposition from Al Stall with Indian Charlie bay who may be getting good now; Last was sharp, and fact he gets first jump on J Be K gives shot at board hit; Using..
3. Pyro (Bridgmohan/Asmussen) 7-5: 5/2-2-1 career mark with 3 beats only at hands of War Pass says it all; Though anxious to be fully convinced, am prepared to side with those that believe Winchell's Pulpit homebred is 100% bona fide under any scenario; Imposing here..
4. J Be K (Desormeaux/Asmussen) 12-1: From the owner who brought you Fountain of Youth runners Z Humor (8 days rest) and Halo Najib (13 days) comes this immensely talented Silver Deputy colt fresh from a 6f win off a 6 month break; Will lead turning for home, and will need to be Curlinesque to win from that point..
5. Unbridled Vicar (Lanerie/Geier) 20-1: Hard trying Vicar gelding never worse than 4th (Risen Star) in 7 career efforts, and looks like the type that needs two tries at each level to move forward; Tafel (Street Sense) homebred was flattered by Denis of Cork's Southwest, and is fully capable of another Suoperfecta finish here..
6. Tale of Ekati (Prado/Tagg) 7-2: Futurity winner from Tagg makes anticipated 3yo debut, and given expectation of just 2 pre-Derby tries, expect Barclay to have him close to 100%; Fipke homebred may not love 10f at CD come May, but this oval and trip right up his alley; Speed to attend pace and kick to compete late; Most likely upsetter..
7. Blackberry Road (Albarado/Carroll) 10-1: Hard luck Dogwood colt picks up Albarado after series of tough trip beats under Borel; Trainer Carroll (Denis of Cork) with embarassment of springtime riches as this Gone West dark bay looks ready to break through at any time; Many rooting for..
8. Yankee Bravo (Solis/Gallagher) 4-1: Undefeated Yankee Gentleman colt cost $17k at F-T/KY July '06, and debuted nicely with rally in budget MDN event at cut-rate UK oval; US exploits under Paddy perfect, but have doubts about ability on dirt strip where speed is a necessity; Underlay..
9. Majestic Warrior (Gomez/Mott) 9-2: Regally-bred Steinbrenner bay not only makes anticipated return here, but son of Dream Supreme also asked to 2-turn route for first time; Has earnings from rich Hopeful win in 2nd career start at Spa, so doubt Mott is asking for best first back; Will watch one..
SELECTIONS:
1. #3 Pyro 7-5
2. #6 Tale of Ekati 7-2
3. #5 Unbridled Vicar 20-1
4. #2 My Pal Charlie 20-1
AQUEDUCT
Gotham S. (Gr. III), 3yo, 8.5f, $250,000
1. Giant Moon (Dominguez/Schosberg) 7-2: Schosberg being reasonable about NY-bred's prospects, but certainly appears well positioned to run perfect record to 5 straight with cozy draw on likely wet-fast and sealed Big A Inner; On to the Wood..
2. Laysh Laysh Laysh (Pino/Jacobson) 15-1: Took a long while for this Why(x3) bay to get going but move to Big Apple and Jacobson has worked wonders; Still needs boost of speed to compete with top ones signed on here..
3. Roman Emperor (Rose/Klesaris) 6-1: Klesaris bay by Empire Maker a highly logical inclusion and plausable win alternative off strong, steady improvement; Will be most attractive as tests move to 9f and beyond; Using in all slots..
4. Saratoga Russell (Coa/Violette) 4-1: Latest West Point 'greatest horse ever' topped restricted FL company in 3yo bow and was flattered Friday when Inner Light won at 8f; Figures to be prominant from the bell and will take them as far as he can depending on who comes calling; Gotham version of J Be K not for us, but won't fault those boosting chances..
5. Southern Terminus (Elliott/Pletcher) 8-1: Pletcher More Than Ready bay chased Fierce Wind home in '08 return and could be anything having aced debut previously; $300k as KEE '06 yearling and something of a mystery in this crowd though looks like he could have a useful tactical gear to employ in these proceedings..
6. Holidaze (Luzzi/Pletcher) 15-1: Dogwood Harlan's Holiday colt has been ordinary when trying stiffer competition so far, but did perk up significantly speed-wise when introduced to routes in last; Clunk-up superfecta finish hardly out of reach..
7. Texas Wildcatter (Arroyo, N./Pletcher) 12-1: Stonerside homebred grey continues to improve with experience and addition of blinks in this spot telegraphs intent; Likely the right price horse in the mix under hungry, angry pilot..
8. Larrys Revenge (Bravo/Zito) 15-1: Yet another LaPenta-Zito number turns up in a stake, and while this well bred Vindication has yet to prove he's a something, this is his route debut and he's faced some nice ones; Yet another that appears neither fish nor foul amongst this set..
9. Ling Ling Qi (Maragh/McPeek) 12-1: McPeek brings Lansdon Robbins' homebred north to test quality after good performance on Donn undercard 4 weeks ago; Two turn debut and wide draw the question marks and could hound pacesetters down backstretch; Seem a bit ambitiously spotted..
10. Visionaire (Lezcano/Matz) 3-1: Matz Team Valor chestnut had curious Risen Star trip and lands here as Matz shops for Derby dollars; Drew dreadfully and is up against track and race flow, so even a top effort likely gets lost in translation today..
SELECTIONS:
1. #1 Giant Moon
2. #3 Roman Emperor
3. #7 Texas Wildcatter
4. #10 Visionaire