Illman: Oaks/Woodford/Derby pick three

There should be some giant pools at Churchill Downs over the weekend, and the special Kentucky Oaks/Woodford Reserve Turf Classic/Kentucky Derby pick three looks interesting. I’ll play TicketMaker and hope to beat a favorite or two.

Kentucky Oaks
Of the favorites on the morning line, I’m against Cathryn Sophia (12) as this distance might be pushing it just a tad. I’m going to use the other logical horses. Rachel’s Valentina (11) ran well in her lone start this year and can trip out from stalking range. Weep No More (2) has really improved for Rusty Arnold and can menace from the back of the pack. Land Over Sea (13) is rock-solid and was extremely professional when winning at Fair Grounds last time out.

As – Rachel’s Valentina (11), Land Over Sea (13)
B – Weep No More (2)

Woodford Reserve Turf Classic
I’m a fan of Divisidero (8), but he has a tendency to fall into bad trips and is going to be bet heavily from his morning line of 15-1 in both single-race wagers as well as this pick three. Instead, I’ll use World Approval (11), who chased a sharp gate-to-wire winner at Fair Grounds last time out; Bolo (3), a colt who probably didn’t appreciate give in the ground when second in the Frank E. Kilroe Mile; and the two classy Chad Brown returnees, Slumber (6) and Big Blue Kitten (12).

As – Bolo (3), Slumber (6), World Approval (11)
B – Big Blue Kitten (12)

Kentucky Derby
Admittedly, I don’t have a good feel for this year’s Derby. I’ll use the consistent Exaggerator (11), who enters this race off three 95-plus Beyer Speed Figures, along with the late-kicking Creator (3), the fresh Destin (9), and Mor Spirit (17), who might not have liked the slop in the Santa Anita Derby. If I had to go a little deeper in the bet, I’d also throw in Suddenbreakingnews (2). Nyquist (13) is the horse to beat, but I’m concerned about this distance.

As – Creator (3), Exaggerator (11), Mor Spirit (17)
B – Destin (9)

The tickets
All A entries ($1.50 per bet) = $27
As with one B ($1 per bet) = $21
As with 2 Bs (50 cents per bet) = $4