4/5 (HAW): Illinois Derby (Gr. II)

[miraja2]

I wouldn't completely rule out using the longest shot on the board (the Illinois horse) if the price is right.
He never ran a step over the tires in Kentucky, but his last two races over this surface are actually fairly competitive with these colts. His last race here was particularly nice, and a repeat of that performance could make him a factor. Being reunited with Emigh is also a big plus in my book.
He isn't a likely winner, but if you are going deep or playing exotics, I think he might be worth a play if the price is right.

[Danzig]

supposedly denis of cork is supposed to run well in his next start, not this one...if you listen to the powers that be when they explain their rationale for leaving oaklawn and skipping a prep. based on that, i would include him underneath, but wouldn't place a win bet-especially at the odds he will be at. bettor beware, they aren't looking for a huge effort from this colt this race.

Originally Posted by Danzig

supposedly denis of cork is supposed to run well in his next start, not this one...if you listen to the powers that be when they explain their rationale for leaving oaklawn and skipping a prep. based on that, i would include him underneath, but wouldn't place a win bet-especially at the odds he will be at. bettor beware, they aren't looking for a huge effort from this colt this race.

That's trainer speak...and what most people refer to as polishing a turd.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Coach Pants

That's trainer speak...and what most people refer to as polishing a turd.

possibly


just hope that if he doesn't fire, there won't be people squawking about how the trainer didn't have him ready to go, that it's another cover up or something of that nature. they've been pretty open about the way they were working towards the derby....as to whether it works for them is another story....