Kentucky Derby Day Selections
May 5th, 2012By Jude T. Feld Follow @racehorsereport
4TH Race) VERTIFORMER ran a lot better than his line indicates. Hot riding James Graham got to know him last time out and will time his finish better today. SOUPER SPECTACULAR has always had ability but has yet to break through. He is now in the barn of Hall of Fame trainer Billy Mott and that could make a huge difference. SOUTHERN ANTHEM got a horrible ride in his last race. If his new rider is more patient with him, a better result can be expected at a bonus price.
5th Race) MILE HIGH MAGIC worked in company with Kentucky Derby favorite Bodemeister. The son of Roman Ruler seemed best on the day and should have this field at his mercy. THERMAL CAT blitzed a maiden allowance group at Hawthorne and got a 102 Beyer speed figure for his efforts. He should be somewhere in the mix.
6th Race) GREAT ATTACK had a bad post in the Shakertown (G3) at Keeneland and he might have needed the race as well. The inside is the place to be a Churchill Downs and he is one of the few horses in this event that can finish. His jockey Joel Rosario rides well from off the pace as well. BRIDGETOWN is a very good turf sprinter. He hasn’t run in nine months but has fired off layoffs in the past. He is the horse to beat.
7th Race) SHACKLEFORD and AMAZOMBIE are the favorites and no doubt formidable foes. Their prices are short and they must be used in all Pick Three, Pick Four and Pick Five wagers. WILL’s WILDCAT is drawn outside, has contending speed and Calvin Borel to guide him. He is enticing at 12-1 on the morning line.
8th Race) ARUNA has lost a little luster with the fans but not with me. She has run some incredible races in her career but has had legit excuses for her last two runs. Look for a rebound this afternoon with enough pace to set up her explosive turn of foot. MARKETING MIX is a very talented filly. She came off a layoff and blitzed a tough allowance field at Keeneland. If she can repeat that race, she could be very tough once again. DAISY DEVINE has turned into a win machine, taking her last four starts. She has dangerous tactical speed and should get a good trip.
9th Race) GROUPIE DOLL was impressive winning the Vinery Madison (G1) at Keeneland. She has worked well since, indicating she retains her sharpness and her jockey, Rajiv Maragh, is the best young rider in racing. SASSY IMAGE is a quality filly. She has won five of her six Churchill starts. If trainer Dale Romans has her ready off of her nine month vacay, she could be posing for pictures. MUSICAL ROMANCE won last year’s Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) here and should be part of the trifecta.
10th Race) TURRALURE was a nostril away from being a Breeders’ Cup champion last fall. He returned to the races with a solid second place finish at Keeneland and should be set for a top performance now. BRILLIANT SPEED will be flying at the finish. He needs a lot of pace to hit the winners’ circle and there is plenty entered here.
11th Race) GEMOLOGIST is undefeated. The son of Tiznow is on a proven pattern for Kentucky Derby success and hails from a sharp stable. He should get an excellent trip under jockey Javier Castellano and that means a lot in a 20-horse field. DADDY NOSE BEST has won two Derby preps this year in two starts. The son of Scat Daddy has trained like his tail was on fire all week long and a solid effort from him is expected. UNION RAGS is a beautiful colt with excellent tactical speed. He will need a little luck to win from the 4-hole. WENT THE DAY WELL looked like a different horse when blinkers were added to his equipment for his Derby blowout. He could surprise at a nice price. SABERCAT will be flying late and could be part of the trifecta.
12th Race) BET THE POWER is a triple advantage Beyer speed figure play and opens at 5-1. He might be the horse to look to for gas money.
13th Race) MOON TRAVELER has a nice style for a one-turn mile. He could graduate this afternoon. PARABELLUM has run second twice in a row and should like the turn-back in distance.
