LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Considering that a race is often won by the swift, here is a look at the Kentucky Derby contenders in an attempt to isolate the fastest horses, as well as those that exhibit favorable figure patterns leading into the race.

April 29

Gulfstream
Miami Mile (race 5)

ALSATIAN
Trainer: Neil Drysdale
Last race: April 28, race 4
Finish: Sixth by 3 1/4 lengths
Beyer: 75
Favored in a Cal-bred N1X turf route, he had no shot. He broke from an outside post, stayed wide, was caught four wide the far turn, and ran out of steam. This race was a toss.

WOODSTOCK MEMORY
Trainer: Antonio Garcia
Last race: April 29, race 6
Finish: Second by 4 1/4 lengths
Beyer: 59

Diamonds and Roses

Trainer: Mike DePaulo

Last race: April 28, 7^th

Finish: 3^rd by 2 3/4

Beyer: 72

Following an extended layoff in just his second start going seven-eighths, he lacked a clear path in the stretch before checking in third behind the heavy favorite and the pacemaker. This son of Flower Alley is bred to run on, and to like the grass.

Royal Katy

Trainer: John Ross

Last race: April 28, 4^th

Belmont | Race 8 | Post Time 5:13 p.m. (ET) | Go to the FREE TimeformUS PPs

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ARCADIA, Calif. – It is fun to beat the favorite. But that is just the half of it. A bettor also needs an alternative.

Race 2:
Married to Anya (#9)
Has faced much stronger fields in his prior starts and gets significant class relief.
Is making his first start as a gelding.
Gets a positive rider switch to Manny Franco.
10-1 on ML

Race 3:
Have Another (#6)
Was green and unprofessional in his only prior turf start.
Has a strong pedigree to handle turf as a half-sibling to Vision Perfect.
Has shown a remarkable turn of foot in his dirt races.
8-1 on ML

Belmont | Race 2 | Post Time 2:01 p.m. (ET) | Go to the TimeformUS PPs

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Saturday's card at Santa Anita is highlighted by the Grade 3 Thunder Road Stakes, and I'm interested in a horse who should be a decent price. I'm not looking to go wild today, as the focus is already on next week (it's the calm before the storm, with the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby happening next weekend). I'll look to play a midcard daily double today on races 6-7.

RACE 6 – CLM $12,500 N2L

Race 2:

Astrologist (#5)

Won over this course and distance as a 2-year-old.

Was squeezed back at the start and never in a position to be competitive last time.

Is taking a significant drop in class.

6-1 on ML

 Race 4:

Smokin Hot Factor (#5)

The Factor is a 25 percent turf sire in his young stallion career.