The Grade 1 $1,000,000 Santa Anita Derby

This race lost just a touch of its steam when the horse that would have been the prohibitive favorite, Premier Pegasus, scratched with a fracture and is now completely out of the picture for the 137th Kentucky Derby on May 7. It is a pity this happened, because I thought he would have had a legitimate shot in Louisville, but we must move on. Here is the analysis for the Grade 1 $1,000,000 Santa Anita Derby:

I will go with #9 Anthony's Cross as my top pick in the Santa Anita Derby. He won the Grade 2 Robert E. Lewis at this distance over this racetrack on February 12. He has been away from the races since then, which is troubling, but since the middle of March, he has been working like a house on fire. Joel Rosario was up for the win in the Lewis and will get the call again here. For second place, I will go with #3 Mr. Commons. He scored an Allowance win last time out as a nearly even-money favorite. He is undefeated with Mike Smith aboard and the trainer is John Shirreffs. Does that combo sound familiar to anyone else? He appears to be a generous 8-1 on the morning line in here. The lineage suggests he might be more apt to run well on the turf. Finally, I will go with #10 Bench Points in the third spot. He is 10-1 on the morning line in here. The San Felipe was his first race over six furlongs and he acquitted himself nicely, finishing third. Rafael Bejarano was up for this one's first three wins of his career and he gets the call once again here. Please note that Jaycito was originally selected, but has been scratched. Here is the play for the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby:

$5 WP #9
$2 EX BOX 3-9-10
$2 TRI BOX 3-9-10
TOTAL- $34

The blog is currently MINUS $198 for the year. Remember, They Are Off accepts no responsibility for any wagers placed in conjunction with these selections. They are merely suggestions. Tune in again next week for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!