Untapable gets a Beyer speed figure of 107 for her Kentucky Oaks victory, and a TimeformUS figure of 114, numbers that put her in the same company as Kentucky Derby starters California Chrome and Wicked Strong in their final preps. When the “absolutely fabulous” filly makes her next start, the $4 she paid to win as the favorite on Friday is going to look like big money.
Early wagering on the Kentucky Derby has California Chome as the 2-1 favorite, with 27% of the $3.9 million win pool as of 10:00 AM. My picks in the race are California Chrome – Medal Count – Samraat. See who the Hello Race Fans team likes in all of today’s stakes races at Churchill. Good luck!
It’s not only Derby day, it’s opening day at Suffolk Downs, MAYBE FOR THE LAST TIME EVER, as every notice about the start of the 2014 meet points out. First post is 2:15 PM. Top rider Tammi Piermarini has mounts in eight races.
Posted by JC in Racing on 05/03/2014 @ 10:00 am / Tagged Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, Speed Figures, Suffolk Downs, Untapable / Follow @railbird on Twitter
Take a break from handicapping tomorrow’s Churchill Downs card and read this fascinating story by Ryan Goldberg about veterinarian Alex Harthill, the 1964 Kentucky Derby, and the origins of the modern drug culture in racing:
It is unclear if Northern Dancer was a true bleeder. His performances on the track — except for a third-place finish against weaker company in early 1964 — suggest he may not have bled badly, and Harthill had other reasons for administering it. Veitch said Harthill had told him that Northern Dancer was hot-blooded and that the diuretic would lower his blood pressure and calm his volatility. He wouldn’t leave his race in the paddock, as horsemen say.
Posted by JC in Racing on 05/02/2014 @ 5:51 pm / Tagged Dr. Alex Harthill, Drugs in Racing, Kentucky Derby, Lasix, Northern Dancer, Racing History / Follow @railbird on Twitter
The Boston Globe backs Wicked Strong in the Kentucky Derby, win or lose:
… even if the colt fails to place in one race, he’s keeping the spirit of charity and concern for the Marathon bombing victims alive.
Wicked Strong is also Andrew Beyer’s #1 pick.
Pablo Del Monte, who drew in on Friday after Hoppertunity scratched, was declared out this morning. He’ll point to the Preakness instead. Gate #1 will remain open, the stewards ruled, and horses #1-10 will move over one spot.
Posted by JC in Racing on 05/02/2014 @ 8:18 am / Tagged Kentucky Derby / Follow @railbird on Twitter
