The Derby 10

avillanueva on February 21, 2012 — Leave a Comment

Bob Baffert is loaded with Derby contenders in 2012 (Photo by Anne Cypress)

It isn’t an exact science and watching race after race of three-year old races can definitely confuse even to the best handicapper when it comes to figuring out who the top three-year old will be heading into the gate on May 5th.

Hopefully, the Mid and www.pick4blog.com’s Marc Doche can help lead you to a nice juicy payoff come Derby Day.

From now until the week before they draw for the Derby both Marc and I will be providing you with our top 10 Derby horses.

1.) Out of Bounds (Eoin Harty) – Very impressive win in Sham Stakes as the son of Discreet Cat stalked the pace and moved effortlessly passed foes in the stretch. Being pointed toward March 10th San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita.

2.) Fed Biz (Bob Baffert) – Although second victory in three starts was in a Optional Claiming event, this $950k Keeneland purchase was very impressive pressing the early pace and rolled to an easy win. Showed his immaturity down the lane. Currently looking at two spots to make his Stakes debut, Baffert will either ship him to Oaklawn for the Rebel Stakes on March 17th or keep him at Santa Anita to face Out of Bounds on March 10th.

3.) Union Rags (Michael Matz) – Being pointed to the Fountain of Youth stakes at Gulfstream on February 25th, the son of Dixie Union hasn’t been seen since his second place finish in Breeder’s Cup Juvenile

4.) Algorithms (Todd Pletcher) – Believe 105 Beyer Speed Figure was a little high in Holy Bull Stakes win. Believe this is Pletcher’s best horse to win the Derby. Next start appears to be the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream on February 26th.

5.)Hansen (Michael Maker) – Stumbled start and rushed to the front in his return to the races. Already has won going two turns at Churchill Downs. Maker has already indicated that the son of Tapit will make his next start on March 3rd at Aqueduct in the Gotham Stakes.

6.) I’ll Have Another (Doug O’Neil) – Yet another three-year old that can run on the front end. The son of Flower Alley will more than likely enjoy the sod later in his career, but can’t overlook the fact that his pedigree gives him a shot in Derby. Pointing toward Santa Anita Derby on April 7th.

7.) El Padrino (Todd Pletcher) – The one thing known about the son of Pulpit is he loves the slop. His two best races have come on off-tracks which can be a good angle come May 5th if it rains. Will get a better gauge on how good this colt is come Saturday when he runs in the Risen Star at the Lousiana Fair Grounds.

8.) Alpha (Kieran McLaughlin) – Can’t keep the son of Bernardini off the list after making it look easy in the Withers. The knock is he hasn’t beaten much either.

9.) Castaway (Bob Baffert) – The sleeping bear has awaken in the form of this son of Street Sense. No problem getting a route of ground as his pops is a former Derby Winner and bred to run all day on the dam’s side. His impressive win in the Southwest Stakes catapults him into the top 10. Next spots will most likely be the Arkansas Derby or Blue Grass Stakes.

10.) Sabercat (Steve Asmussen) – Will make his three-year old debut in the San Felipe Stakes. After winning the Delta Jackpot Juvenile, the son of Bluegrass Cat has been training smartly for his first start in 2012.

 

Marc Doche’s Top 10

  1. Algorithms
  2. El Padrino
  3. Out of Bounds
  4. I’ll Have Another
  5. Fed Biz
  6. Bodemeister
  7. Princess Arabella (Filly)
  8. Union Rags
  9. Hansen
  10. Creative Cause

Please go visit www.pick4blog.com for Santa Anita Pick 4 and Pick 5 plays.

Posted in "The 10's", Fanview

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