Santa Anita Derby / Illinois Derby / Wood Memorial - Recap

Santa Anita Derby / Illinois Derby / Wood Memorial - Recap


Santa Anita Derby

Midnight Interlude
Comma To The Top
Mr. Commons

Unplaced horses listed in order of finish.
Silver Medallion, Anthony’s Cross, Indian Winter, Bench Points, Quail Hill, Offlee Wild Boys.

Comma To The Top enjoyed an early lead – found himself in the perfect position to land a big derby win and a little momentum for the Kentucky Derby, but instead went flat (again) at the defining moment.

Some are saying Midnight Interlude may be a serious contender for the Kentucky Derby, I just think he found a way to beat a number of sub-par horses….after all somebody “had” to win this race.

Video to follow:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIhqUw22AsU&feature=related


Illinois Derby

Joe Vann
Zoebear
The Fed Eased

Unplaced horses listed in order of finish.
Sour, El Grayling, Watch Me Go, Roman Flame, Lagoon Of Diamonds, Vouch For Victory, Smarter Than Ever, Southern Sculptor, Future Empire.

First of all I’d like to point out that Future Empire was ridden by T. Riggs and not Anna Napravnik.

From what I’m reading Joe Vann will be going to the Ohio Derby next (not the Kentucky Derby). Should tell you a little something about the talent pool in this year’s Illinois Derby.

I think Watch Me Go could be one of those horses that bounce back – he may have not taken to the travel….then again he may have just been a fluke in the Tampa Bay Derby….only time will tell.

Video to follow:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yjLZW-j5sQ


Wood Memorial

Toby’s Corner
Arthur’s Tale
Uncle Mo

Unplaced horses listed in order of finish.
Norman Asbjornson, Isn’t He Perfect, Starship Caesar, Son Of Posse, Preachintothedevil, Duca

The announcer makes an interesting comment at the end of this race – reminding us that a horse hasn’t suffered this big of an upset in the Wood Memorial since Secretariat. (There is nothing lower than 1-9 odds!)

Of course Secretariat went on to win the Triple Crown…..we’ll see if Uncle Mo has the same ability to bounce back.

I do disagree with the announcer that the Kentucky Derby is “now” up for grabs - I believe with this race all eyes turn to the Arkansas Derby – and if The Factor can win with conviction I believe he will be your Kentucky Derby favorite along with Dialed In, after his victory in the Florida Derby.

Uncle Mo will still be in the mix as a favoriter it’s just here in New York he simply runs out of gas – while his competitors sail right past him. It appeared to me (and from the sounds of it the announcer) that Uncle Mo had found the race he wanted – he paces himself well in the first ¼ and ½ miles – he hits the final turn in complete control and he builds a length or two from his surrounding early leaders….and that’s when this horse is “supposed” to respond.

Questions abound as to – if the 1 mile Timely Writer has thrown this horse off – after all it’s been since November since he’s raced any further than a mile….and he needed a mile and 1/8th here.

Video to follow:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDqBdHbrEvY&feature=related