Race 2:
Regal Dame (#1)
Her runner-up finish at Fair Grounds in February was flattered by the subsequent performances of the first- and third-place finishers.
Ran better than it seems last time after getting pushed wide and steadied out of position on the far turn.
Should work out a good stalking trip this time.
2-1 on ML
The Kentucky Derby generally features an honest pace, and the 144th running this year appears to be no different. While there may not be many true front-runners in this year’s Derby, the number of horses who like to be forwardly placed and who possess solid tactical speed should ensure a genuine pace throughout.
Belmont Park | Race 3 | Post Time 2:37 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs
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There is an eternal debate among online contest players as to which format is better of the two commonly used on DRF Tournaments: live, versus all-in. At present, most of DRFT’s action is all-in events, in which all of a player’s picks must be submitted before the post time of the contest’s first race. The live format, in which picks can be changed before each race, is reserved for the biggest weekend events.
Only time will tell how good this 3-year-old crop is. We’ll have to see what kind of speed figures they earn as they fully mature, and how this group fares when they compete against older horses. Here’s hoping we have lots of opportunities to see this crop take on the best of their elders.
But with Saturday’s Kentucky Derby now at hand, there is already a strong sense that at the top this is the strongest and deepest Derby class we’ve seen in years. What’s even better, this is an entirely likeable group, too.
A day after morning-line favorite Monomoy Girl had her chances of winning the Kentucky Oaks lessened when she drew post 14 for the Kentucky Oaks, Tuesday’s draw for the Kentucky Derby proved of far lesser consequence, at least for many of the race’s leading contenders.
It’s tough assessing this year’s Derby with so little seemingly separating a half-dozen or so top contenders. The main question, from a wagering standpoint, is obviously justifying taking a short price on Justify, who may well be the most talented member of this bunch but perhaps not worth the short price his unblemished record and all the hype surrounding his sudden rise to stardom is sure to bring, especially considering his inexperience.
BOLT D’ORO seems the Kentucky Derby contender most likely to offer betting value. Despite being fast and accomplished, he lacks the pre-race buzz of other horses, likely the result of coming off a loss in his final prep and being overshadowed in the media build-up.
GOOD MAGIC enters Kentucky Derby 2018 without a flaw. He has established class, upward figures, versatile running style, and reportedly is training super in Kentucky. He was one of the country’s top 2-year-olds last year when he crushed the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in his third start. The Derby, likewise, is the third start of his campaign, and it follows a confidence-building victory in the Blue Grass. Good Magic has a solid racing foundation, and his versatile style increases the chances of a clean trip.
