Friday, May 19, 2006

Maryland, My Maryland

I am not trying to be the Grinch that stole the Triple Crown, but Barbaro is certainly not a lock in the 131st Preakness Stakes Saturday. He wil be a heavy, heavy favorite in Baltimore. Probably too much of a favorite to have any value on him. Therefore, I will go against the popular wisdom and go with Sweetnorthernsaint for the second straight race. He never really had a chance in the Derby after getting creamed at the start of the race and STILL managed to be right there at the top of the stretch before coming up empty. Barbaro comes next in second, right where I picked him two weeks ago. My third choice in here could represent the lone speed in the field. Like Now won the Gotham Stakes in New York and ran 2nd in the Coolmore Lexington four weeks ago. He drew the rail and more than likely will try to steal this race on the front end. If the early fractions are dawdling, he could win. Brother Derek overcame his miserable post position in Kentucky and dead-heated for fourth in the Derby despite being wide every step of the way. Here's wishing the best of luck to you all.

Friday, May 05, 2006

My Old Kentucky Home

The first Saturday in May has arrived and that means that it is time for the 132nd Kentucky Derby. A full field of 20 will face the starter and it appears to be a most talented bunch. There is quite a bit of speed in this race and my four top picks all appear to be horses that could be in the pace fight or lay just off of the pace. I will put Sweetnorthernsaint as the winner here. His Beyer figures have been outstanding in recent races and his win in the Illinois Derby was quite impressive. Next comes the undefeated Barbaro. He stormed through Florida on his way to the commonwealth and seems to be among the versatile runners in this Derby. The livest longshot in the Run For The Roses just might be Keyed Entry, who is 30-1 on the morning line despite having never been worse than 3rd in five lifetime starts. Lawyer Ron has been in my spotlight since February and might very well do it today, so I definitely make him a factor. However, he has not faced the toughest competition in Arkansas and his speed figures just don't measure up to the top pick here. Have a mint julep for me and I truly wish the best of luck to you all on Derby Day.