Ed DeRosa of TwinSpires.com takes on TDN's Steve Sherack and Brian DiDonato as they handicap each prep race leading up to the GI Kentucky Derby. The three will make $100 Win/Place bets-highest bankroll after Arkansas Derby/Lexington day wins.
DiDonato: GIII Sunland Derby – Cutting Humor took more play than I would've liked, but he worked out the right trip and just held off Anothertwistafate. Don't want this Derby prep season to end–just seeing the ball very well at the moment. Bankroll: $11,165.
GI Florida Derby – I kind of expected to go with Hidden Scroll here, but it's a bit tough to given the rail draw and speed drawn outside of him. Obviously, his new rider will be very cognizant of avoiding another duel, but it's still a tricky situation. You could certainly make the case that Bourbon War ran better than Code of Honor last time in the Fountain of Youth, and since he's the one I took last time, that's who I'll stick with. There's no reason he can't continue to improve and take another step forward. Selection: #4 Bourbon War (7-2).
Sherack: GIII Sunland Derby – Cutting Humor really got crushed late to 2-1, but I'll certainly take it to close out a two-for-two weekend. Bankroll: $5230.
GI Florida Derby – Made my case for Bourbon War in the Fountain of Youth Throwdown and he looks very playable at hopefully a similar number here. The rapidly improving son of Tapit fell too far back for his own good that day and came with a serious late run to finish a big second, albeit with a great setup. Well drawn on the inside again, the bay should get another solid pace to close into, he just needs to sit a little closer this time around if he wants to turn the tables. Selection: #4 Bourbon War (7-2).
DeRosa: GIII Sunland Derby – Anothertwistafate was second. Bankroll: $880.
GI Florida Derby – It's difficult to disagree with the conventional wisdom when it comes to the Florida Derby that Bourbon War, Code of Honor, Hidden Scroll, and Maximum Security are the clear contenders. Of them, I most prefer Code of Honor, as he figures to get the right trip behind Hidden Scroll and Maximum Security, and I view him as most likely to move forward off the Fountain of Youth S. Bourbon War intrigues me, but much more as a Kentucky Derby threat in five weeks than here. All that said, it's impossible for me not to take a shot with the maiden Bodexpress, who stretches out to two turns for the first time following just missing in a fast maiden race. Selection: #8 Bodexpress (30-1).
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