Brian’s got his hands full this weekend with three major Derby preps. His analysis of the Grade III Withers at Aqueduct and Grade III Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs will be up later today and tomorrow. For more of Brian’s insights on New York racing, check him out at Horseplayer Now. Santa Anita:…
He’s back! Brian Nadeau rejoins Brooklyn Backstretch for the Derby trail, offering insights and race analysis for selected preps on the way to Churchill Downs. This is Brian’s fourth year contributing to BB, and I’m grateful every year when he says that he’s willing to do it again. You can find more of Brian’s handicapping…
Belmont Park: The Grade I, $1 million Belmont Stakes at 1 ½ miles #1 Master Of Hounds (10-1 ML): European ran quite credibly to be fifth in the Derby after getting modest reviews in terms of appearance leading up to the race and that was only his second start of the year, so you would…
Pimlico: The Grade I, $1 million Preakness at 1 3/16 miles #1 Astrology (15-1 ML): Beautifully bred son of A.P. Indy has progressed nicely this year and enters on the upswing off a one-turn run in the sloppy Jerome. However, up to this point he’s never been true GI quality, nor has he ever run…
Churchill Downs: The Grade I, $2 million Kentucky Derby at 1 ¼ miles #1 Archarcharch (10-1 ML): Derby post positions are more overrated than Derek Jeter’s glove at shortstop, with one glaring exception and that’s the rail, where this GI winner landed. The good news is he’s taking back and making one run anyway, so…
A quick look at the Lexington… Keeneland: The Grade 3, $200,000 Lexington at 1 1/16 miles DERBY KITTEN impressed mightily when flying late to just miss against a nice 3yo turfer in Longhunter last time in a grassy GP stakes; should take to the Poly and gets the call to upset this modest crew with…
Oaklawn Park: The Grade I, $1 million Arkansas Derby at 1 1/18 miles #2 Nehro (5-2): Surprised many with a fine second at big odds in the GII Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds and now tries to prove that wasn’t a fluke while securing some important graded earnings for the Derby. No knock on his…
Keeneland: The Grade I, $750,000 Blue Grass at 1 1/8 miles #1 Newsdad (20-1): Solid third in the grassy GIII Palm Beach at Gulfstream Park behind a pair he meets again here, and he’s got the right kind of late running style to handle this course. Keeps improving with each start, there still seems to…
Santa Anita: The Grade I, $1 Million Santa Anita Derby at 1 1/8 miles #1 Offlee Wild Boys (30-1): Enters off two sharp allowance wins at Golden Gate over the Tapeta surface, and though he drew well here, he’s unproven over conventional dirt. Well-bred runner should get the trip, but this is a huge step…
Aqueduct: The Grade I, $1 Million Wood Memorial at 1 1/8 miles #1 Starship Caesar (50-1 ML): Beaten a country mile in the GIII Gotham, the local prep, and while he drew extremely well tomorrow, there’s no real reason to think he can turn the tables on those who beat him, not to mention that…
Brooklyn Backstretch 