2 year olds. On dirt. Cue often-misguided early Derby buzz.
Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | ML Odds |
1. | Take Charge Indy | James Graham | Patrick B. Byrne | 30-1 |
Looked very tired in his last race (and I say this as a fan of his dam, Take Charge Lady). | ||||
2. | Dullahan | Kent Desormeaux | Dale L. Romans | 8-1 |
Half to Mine That Bird tries the dirt. Looked good on turf, but will his form translate? | ||||
3. | Crusade | Julien Leparoux | Aidan P. O’Brien | 12-1 |
European invader also a dirt debutant. | ||||
4. | Drill | Martin Garcia | Bob Baffert | 8-1 |
Still learning, but worth keeping an eye on. | ||||
5. | Hansen | Ramon Dominguez | Michael J. Maker | 10-1 |
Undefeated in two starts and generating some buzz. | ||||
6. | Prospective | Luis Contreras | Mark E. Casse | 30-1 |
Won two out of three at Woodbine. | ||||
7. | Creative Cause | Joel Rosario | Mike Harrington | 7-2 |
Looks bred for turf, but seems to love the dirt. Impressive Norfolk winner. | ||||
8. | Speightscity | Corey Nakatani | Gary Contessa | 20-1 |
Big step up in class, but they are all only 2. | ||||
9. | Alpha | Garrett Gomez | Kiaran P. McLaughlin | 15-1 |
Second to Union Rags in the Champagne. | ||||
10. | Union Rags | Javier Castellano | Michael R. Matz | 2-1 |
Undefeated buzz horse looks a strong favorite here. | ||||
11. | Daddy Long Legs | Ryan Moore | Aidan P. O’Brien | 12-1 |
Another European horse, but with a very American pedigree. | ||||
12. | Fort Loudon | Luis Gerardo | Stanley Gold | 20-1 |
Very experienced, but another taking a jump up in class. | ||||
13. | Optimizer | Robby Albarado | D. Wayne Lukas | 15-1 |
Another who looks like he could go for either turf or dirt. |
Predictions: Union Rags, Dullahan, Creative Cause, Alpha
Longshot: Prospective
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