Free: Wood repeat makes Wicked Strong a winner

Wicked Strong has much in his favor, including sharp form, proven class, and a big Beyer Speed Figure (104) earned last month scoring a visually impressive victory in the Grade 1 Wood. His closing style should play well in a field with sufficient speed to run at.

A promising 2-year-old when he finished a close third to former Derby contenders Honor Code and Cairo Prince in the Grade 2 Remsen, Wicked Strong improved this year. His comeback was dull, his fourth-place finish in an allowance (wide throughout) in his second start back was better, and he put it all together in the Wood, drawing away by more than three lengths while strong to the wire.

Wicked Strong has trained well since the Wood, and if able to reproduce top efforts back-to-back, he can sit, wait, and rally late for a popular win as probable second betting favorite. Post 20 is not a concern.

Medal Count , a synthetic specialist until now, looms the upsetter. His two recent starts were career bests, a Grade 3 win and Grade 1 runner-up. Those both were on Polytrack; his two dirt tries were ordinary. But he enters in peak form, reportedly has trained well, and has a foundation of seven routes. He should appreciate 1 1/4 miles. Price play.

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Hoppertunity ran very well finishing second over a speed-biased track in the Santa Anita Derby. He raced evenly and galloped out past the winner in a race designed merely as a prep. Hoppertunity proved his mettle with a hard-fought win two back in the Grade 2 Rebel at Oaklawn Park, and reportedly has trained well at Churchill.

The improving Samraat could get a good trip positioned right behind the first flight, in front of the deep closers. Runner-up in the Wood, he has improved with each start and is battle-tested after February-March stretch duels with Uncle Sigh.

California Chrome benefited from a pronounced speed bias winning graded stakes at Santa Anita. The challenge is replicating those efforts on a fair surface. It is uncertain if he is as good as his romping wins in California might suggest.

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General a Rod battled all winter with Wildcat Red. He finished in the money in all three of his starts this year and is acting like a colt that wants the Derby distance. Grade 2 winner Intense Holiday has trained well and will roll late. Danza scored a visually impressive win last out.

Ride On Curlin, a nine-start veteran, will be finishing. Wildcat Red adds speed. Dance With Fate won his objective, which was the Blue Grass. His best races have been on synthetic and turf (same as Medal Count). Chitu adds speed. Candy Boy will roll late. Commanding Curve also will finish and is a must-use in the verticals. Vicar’s in Trouble, a front-runner/presser, was compromised by the rail draw.