Some big fields on this Santa Anita Derby card provide options for Saturday’s pick four (races 9-12) but let’s face it, the two heavyheads in the Derby itself and a filly just two noses shy of being unbeaten provide the linchpins.
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DRF Past Performances
Thu, 04/05/2018 - 17:07
Aqueduct | Race 10 | Post Time 5:55 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs
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Thu, 04/05/2018 - 13:50
Keeneland | Race 10 | Post Time 6:23 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs
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Thu, 04/05/2018 - 10:30
Saturday is the most important single day of Kentucky Derby preps, with three major events: the Grade 1, $1 million Santa Anita Derby, the Grade 2, $1 million Blue Grass at Keeneland, and the Grade 2, $750,000 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct.
In addition, the three tracks hosting these prestigious events also have stakes-packed undercards. Among the most notable of these supporting stakes are the Grade 1, $500,000 Ashland at Keeneland, the Grade 1, $400,000 Santa Anita Oaks, and the Grade 1, $400,000 Carter at Aqueduct.
Race 1:
Never Nevermore (#1)
Was compromised by a slow pace in his debut, indicated by blue color-coded pace figures in TimeformUS PPs.
May not have liked having to rally inside of horses in that first start.
DRF Formulator Fact: Over the past five years, David Donk is 6 for 18 (33 percent, $2.13 ROI) with maiden second-time starters that finished in the money in their debuts.
3-1 on ML
Weather Wiz
Trainer: James Jerkens
Last race: March 30, 1st
Finish: 2nd by 2 1/2
Beyer: 90
Was making first start of 2018 off a 250-day layoff and raced on gamely through the stretch for second while no match for the fast maiden Stan the Man, who had earned four straight 90-plus Beyer Speed Figures on the way in. Set to break through with this effort behind him.
Gulfstream
G1 Florida Derby
1/2 149
3/4 127
Fin 122
Top 3: Audible 122, Hofburg 118, Mississippi 112
Note: Torrid pace early - top two early finished race last and next to last; Audible’s win second fastest on TimeformUS Speed Figures among 2018 Kentucky Derby points races (Bolt d’Oro 123 in San Felipe)
BEST TWO MINUTES
Trainer: William Morey
Last race: March 29, 3rd
Finish: 1st by 4 1/4
Beyer: 90
This veteran sprinter trounced $25,000 claiming rivals first start off the Morey claim. Versatile gelding has tactical speed, adapts to any pace scenario. Looks tough right back.
Grade 1, $1 million Florida Derby, 1 1/8 miles, Gulfstream Park, March 31, 2018
(100 Derby qualifying points for a win, 40 for second, 20 for third, 10 for fourth)
Winner: Audible, by Into Mischief
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: John Velazquez
Owner: China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners LLC, Starlight Racing, and WinStar Farm
Beyer Speed Figure: 99