The Road To The Triple Crown
Oddsmakers had made I Want Revenge the early morning line favorite, but now the horse has been scratched due to a hot spot on the horses ankle. There is nothing threatening about the injury, but they are taking all precassions for the horse’s safety. Dunkirk and Pioneer of the Nile will be the likely favorites in this race today, both posted at 4-1. Pioneer of the Nile has been running on the California surfaces, and this will be his first race away from those synthetic surfaces. Sentimental fan favorite General Quarters is in the 12 post and is currently at 20-1. I saw him run in the Blue Grass Stakes and he will be getting some of my money today. Fresian Fire will be coming from the 6th position and is at 5-1, along with Flying Private, who took the 20th post will have a lot of traffic to move through, and will need to break well. These two horses are making my father open his wallet before post time. With a field of 19 horses you will need a horse who is a strong closer down the stretch, and whose hoofs will be capable of cupping the dirt on this traditional track. Summer Bird a 50-1 longshot maybe worth taking a look at, he stalked the traffic in the Arkansas Derby and closed well. Advice, who is trained by Pletcher, along with West Side Bernie should not be discounted.
With I Want Revenge out of today’s race, this field is wide open. Derby fans will likely be getting an afternoon spring shower making the track sloppy. The Derby is the 11th race on the card today and post time will be at 6:24 ET on ESPN.
