The victory by Justify in the Santa Anita Derby on Saturday led bettors to make the colt a clear-cut favorite in the fourth and final pool in the 2018 Kentucky Derby Future Wager, which closed Sunday at 6 p.m. Eastern following the customary three-day run.
Justify continued his rapid rise through the ranks of the nation’s best 3-year-olds by knocking off the highly accomplished Bolt d’Oro in the West’s major prep for the Kentucky Derby, and in the process earning the fastest Beyer Speed Figure in this year’s Derby preps.
One runner who fits very well from a class perspective is my top pick, ZENBENNIE (#3). This filly was somewhat of a surprise winner when last seen on this circuit in August at Saratoga. However, she has vastly improved since that time.
With two graded stakes highlighting Sunday’s racing at Keeneland, here is my handicapping analysis and DRF TicketMaker wagering strategy for the late pick five. This wager, along with the opening pick five, has a 15 percent takeout and can be played in 50-cent denominations.
Selections for Sunday's card at Sha Tin.
Harlan Punch disappointed as the 3-5 favorite last time, but that effort was not nearly as bad as it seems. He broke a half-step slowly and just appeared to spend the entire race playing catch-up going a distance that is a bit too short.
TimeformUS handicapper David Aragona highlights some contenders on Sunday's card at Aqueduct.
The Saturday card at Aqueduct is rich in graded stakes races, highlighted by the Wood Memorial. I’m interested in two specific plays: an exacta in the Gazelle for 3-year-old fillies and a daily double beginning in the Bay Shore and ending with the Wood.
TimeformUS handicapper David Aragona highlights some contenders on Saturday's card at Aqueduct.
This Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby is a race for the fans, if perhaps not a race that will excite most bettors.
