Derby Preps and the Rachel & Zenyatta Show

By Jude T. Feld

This is the most exciting Saturday of racing we have had since the Breeders’ Cup. Hopefully, you will be able to enjoy at least one of these races live at your home track. Get off the couch and go to the races. If you don’t live near one or have to work, there’s always TVG and HRTV. If you can’t watch, try the coverage on the Horse Racing Radio Network. Just click on the icon on the right and get all the information about stations in your area or listen to the live streaming on your computer. Enjoy the great afternoon of sport and best of luck at the windows!

To read the latest edition of the Derby Radar click here.

TAMPA BAY DERBY (G3) – TAMPA BAY DOWNS RACE 11

SUPER SAVER has been on many pundits “Top 10” lists since his impressive Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) victory at Churchill Downs last fall. The son of Maria’s Mon has been gingerly handled since then and makes his 2010 debut here. He has improved his Brisnet speed figures in every race and his two-year-old pace figures are comparable to those earned by the rest of this field as three-year-olds – a very potent handicapping angle. ODYSSEUS is the “dark horse.” He too has improved his figures in each start and comes off a 15-length romp in an allowance race over the track. If SUPER SAVER stubs his toe, look for the son of Malibu Moon to be the upsetter. UPTOWNCHARLYBROWN is a local favorite. The son of Limehouse has been conditioned to perfection by trainer Alan Seewald, who adds blinkers to his charge this afternoon. He has been working lights out with the shades and is reliable for a top effort.

REBEL (G2) – OAKLAWN PARK RACE 10

This might be the most intriguing Derby prep of the weekend. “Legends” D. Wayne Lukas and Bob Baffert square off in a battle of Hall of Fame trainers looking to pad their already fantastic Triple Crown stats on the First Saturday in May. Baffert has been preparing LOOKIN AT LUCKY with extra care. The son of Smart Strike has been in training all winter long and will be adding blinkers for his 2010 coming out party. Already a millionaire without them, if they keep ‘LUCKY more focused early, without negating his impressive stretch kick, he will be a major force from May to June. Lukas has been singing the praises of DUBLIN to anyone who will listen. A minor throat problem sent the son of Afleet Alex to the sidelines for surgery, but he returned to the racing wars with flourish, almost running down the Baffert-trained Conveyance in the Southwest (G3). The $525,000 Keeneland yearling has posted two bullet works since that race, indicating he retains his sharpness. NOBLE’S PROMISE has been beaten less than a length by LOOKIN AT LUCKY in their two matchups, which automatically stamps him as a contender. The son of Cuvee has been training well at Gulfstream and could have a major say in the outcome if trainer Kenny McPeek has him cranked up off a three-month hiatus.

SAN FELIPE (G2) – SANTA ANITA PARK RACE 9

I have been high on INTERACTIF since witnessing his Bourbon (G3) victory at Keeneland last fall. His comeback race in the Hallandale Beach Stakes at Gulfstream did little to discourage me, especially when he came home the last 5/16 in :28 flat. Talented jockey Rafael Bejarano climbs aboard the son of Broken Vow for this race, so a good trip, just behind the early pacesetters, can be expected. AMERICAN LION disappointed some of his fans when he finished third in the Robert B. Lewis (G2) in his seasonal debut. Trainer Eoin Harty will fit the son of Tiznow with blinkers this afternoon in search of improved concentration. If the move works, he could run huge. SIDNEY’S CANDY looks like the speed of the speed. If left to his own devices on the front end, the son of Candy Ride could take these wire-to-wire under young jockey Joe Talamo. Undefeated CARACORTADO is a very solid contender. The son of Cat Dreams looked great winning the ‘Lewis (G2) and came back with a :58 3/5 workout. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him and underrated jockey Paul Atkinson posing for another winners’ circle photo.

THE RACHEL & ZENYATTA SHOW

(RACHEL) NEW ORLEANS LADIES STAKES – FAIR GROUNDS RACE 10

If 100% ready, RACHEL ALEXANDRA should waltz home an easy winner. Even if she’s not, she could still win…she’s that good. But…ZARDANA looks pretty solid against the rest of the field. Trainer John Shirreffs is sending jockey David Flores to ride the Brazilian-bred mare, indicating he wants her out of the gate fast and after Rachel early. This race is going to be fun to watch. If the top two hook up early and fade late, CLEAR SAILING could pick up the pieces. She has a touch of class and is improving and dangerous.

(ZENYATTA) SANTA MARGARITA (G1) – SANTA ANITA PARK RACE 7

Picking against ZENYATTA is un-American. She won me over in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). She has been well-prepared for this race and should win again.

This entry was posted on Friday, March 12th, 2010 at 8:49 am and is filed under Selections. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.