Racetrack Lenny

The Big 3

Tomorrow brings 3 major Derby prep races.

Illinois Derby- Run at 1-1/8th miles at Hawthorne Park, this race has attracted a field of 10 and, in some ways, is a better "betting" race than the Wood Memorial or the Santa Anita Derby. Malameeze (8/1), off his latest form, gets the rail which will help. John McKee also stays aboard. Closer Itsallaboutthechase (12/1) gets an inside post and if he can't close tomorrow, forget the Derby. However, he will be overbet since it's a name a lot of people will recognize. This will be an interesting race. The speed drew all the outside post positions. Racketeer (5/1), My Golden Song (5/1) and Cause to Believe (5/2) will be hustled out of the gate quickly. Kent Desormeaux aboard Sweetnorthernsaint (4/1) will have to do the same but just keep off those three in order to have something left in the stretch. Remember, Sweetnorthernsaint ran 3rd in the Gotham having the outside post there as well. He looked better than he finished: Bets: $2 exacta box: Malameeze, My Golden Song, Sweetnorthernsaint. $5 WPS: Sweetnorthernsaint.

Santa Anita Derby: Not a great betting race. On paper, a 4 horse race. Brother Derek, a deserving favorite, just presents no value at 3/5. As my late uncle Al was fond of saying: "Hardly a man is still alive that paid the mortgage at 3/5". Also, the trainer and owner are pointing to the first Saturday in May and they may not be running all out to capture this race. I will throw him out of my bets. With good speed in this race, look for 2 closers to be winging at the end: A.P. Warrior (7/2) and Sacred Light (9/2). In a 6 horse field, not a lot of money to be made: Bet: $5 Exacta Wheel Sacred Light over ALL.

Wood Memorial: Run at 1-1/8th miles at New York's Aqueduct Racetrack. Forecast is for rain or drizzle so an off track is a certainty. Another poor betting event. 4 contenders and 5 pretenders. Speed figures on Deputy Glitters (7/2), Keyed Entry (5/2), Greeley's Legacy (6/1) and Bob & John (2/1) are 115, 114, 112 and 105 respectively. Despite having the 4th highest speed rating, Bob & John has been installed at the lukewarm favorite. All 4 had tough races their last out; so, I'm looking at 2 horses that are poised to improve and take advantage if the top 4 falter. They are: Platinum Couple (30/1) and Marco's Tale (15/1). Although their speed ratings are in the high 90's, an improvement by them and a regression by the top 4 puts them right in the thick of things. The other 3- Jazil, Scanlon's Song and Niagara Causeway just have much too much to improve to be a factor.

Bets: $2 Exacta Box: Deputy Glitters, Marco's Tale, Platinum Couple. $10 WPS: Marco's Tale.

May the horse be with you,

Racetrack Lenny

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