Peck: Churchill Downs early pick four for Derby Day

The early bird gets the worm, and he may even play the early pick four on Kentucky Derby Day at Churchill, but he'll have to get up very early if he's on the West Coast, as post time for the first leg (race 2) is 8:01 a.m. Pacific. Here's one view:

RACE 2: Using them all in the first leg in varying strength, as the race is completely wide open, with nary a horse in the field who can be safely tossed summarily. Even the longest-priced runner in the field, HORSE FLY, has his merits. After all, following yesterday's speed bias, do you want to toss a horse who draws inside and figures prominently from the start?

A's: 4, 6, 7
B's: 1, 2, 8
C's: 3, 5

RACE 3: FLASHY JEWEL is where I'll take a stand in the sequence. Even before the Friday card was dominated by inside speed, FLASHY JEWEL was easy to like, cutting back to a mile after tiring going nine furlongs in his latest. With little speed in this field, he should be able to get clear under Joe Bravo, and he can steal this, especially if speed is carrying well once again.

A's: 1
B's: NONE
C's: NONE

RACE 4: CAVIAR CZAR stretches out for the first time, but he's bred to handle more distance and could be the main speed from the fence. SOUPER FLY OVER is the one to beat on the strength of his Beyer Speed Figures, today's extra distance notwithstanding. SEVIER gets Lasix for the first time as he makes his two-turn debut. PERFECT PARTNER closed well for the place in his first start and may appreciate the added distance.

A's: 1, 5
B's: 6, 7
C's: NONE

RACE 5: SKY FLIGHT handles an off course and may shake loose with today's addition of blinkers. SIR DUDLEY DIGGES posted the best Beyer of his career when last seen. WAR ENVOY middle moved in his latest. FORGE was aided by the race flow but has to be respected off that solid second in his U.S. debut.

A's: 5, 6, 10
B's: 1
C's: NONE

Here's the ticket in DRF TicketMaker.