El Camino Real Derby preview

Saturday, March 10, 2007
Race 8 - Bay Meadows
1 1/16 Miles
El Camino Real Derby (Grade 3)
3-year-olds
Purse $200,000.

Undefeated COURT THE KING acts like he'll run all day, and he was unfazed by the short layoff leading into his first start against winners at Santa Anita. He professionally tracked the pace along the inside that day before angling three wide at the quarter-pole, and he gamely wore down the leaders inside the final eighth. He owns the best last Beyer Speed Figure, and finds a logical spot at Bay Meadows as Kentucky Derby hopefuls desperately need graded earnings at this time of the year. Court the King should get a solid pace to attack, and looks like and up-and-coming sophomore.
CANDY'S BRO battled hard on the lead in the California Derby, and he helped set things up for uncoupled stablemate BWANA BULL. It will be interesting if he'll attempt similar tactics here, but he's making the important third start of the form cycle, and earned a solid Beyer two back when chasing heavily-favored Vicarino. He'll offer more value than Bwana Bull as well. Bwana Bull has good tactical speed, and may sit a nice stalking trip in the hope of gaining first run on the final bend. He's picked up his game in his last two starts, and certainly wouldn't be a surprise.
ZONING IN looms a strong pace factor stretching out in distance, and breaking from the inside post. He won a sprint stakes race over this surface last year, and boasts improving Beyers, but he may feel some pressure early.

Selections:
1. Court the King
2. Candy's Bro
3. Bwana Bull