Gulfstream Park: The GII, $150,000 Hutcheson at 7 Furlongs #1 Tarpy’s Goal: Improving runner exits a sharp track and distance win over much lesser and steps up for the acid test today from a tough draw. Versatile enough to run from on or off the pace and with the speed to his outside he’ll likely…
Tampa Bay Downs: The Grade II, $250,000 Sam F. David at 1 1/16 miles #1 State Of Play (4-1 ML): Accomplished turf runner makes his 3yo debut and tries the main for the first time in an effort to see where he stands with the best of his generation. Sire War Front made quite a…
The Grade III, $200,000 Withers Stakes at 1 1/16 miles #1 Hakama: Impressed with a front-running score at Laurel to make it 2-for-2 withblinkers and at two turns, and he enters this much tougher spot as the “now horse” from a cozy rail draw. There’s other speed signed on, but with this advantageous draw, he…
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…
Brooklyn Backstretch 