TwinSpires.com Road to the Triple Crown Throwdown: Southwest

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.

DeRosa: Saturday Kingly (+$150) was second best in the El Camino Real Derby, Owendale was eighth in the Risen Star. Bankroll: $680.

GIII Southwest S. – In the Southwest, there is a lot of pace, including from Smarty Jones S. winner Gray Attempt. There was some concern about him handling two turns, and while that was no problem last out, the waters seem to get deeper here with added distance and pace pressure. The rail helps, but I still see him as vulnerable. Instead, we'll take Smarty Jones runner-up Long Range Toddy, who showed some poise tracking the speed last out and made a sustained run before coming up short in the short stretch. The set up here should benefit him this time. Selection: #10 Long Range Toddy (10-1)

Sherack: SaturdayScratched into King of Speed, who endured a nightmare trip in the El Camino Real Derby, but finally got one in the win column with heavily favored War of Will in the Risen Star. Bankroll: $580.

GIII Southwest S. – He won't have an easy time of it up front, but I just can't stay away from Jersey Agenda after a pair of very game and visually impressive front-running tallies. The son of Jersey Town thrived under pressure in both of those wins, including his two-turn debut going a mile in Hot Springs last time Jan. 26. This is a very nice horse. Selection: #5 Jersey Agenda (5-1)

DiDonato: SaturdayAnothertwistafate (+$350) dominated at Golden Gate, but Dunph gave the impression that he's probably best around one turn. Bankroll: $850.

GIII Southwest S. I liked Super Steed too much last time in the Smarty Jones to not give him one more chance here at a price. He really didn't run a step, but much of that may have had to do with race dynamics. Obviously, the mile configuration helps horses with speed, and it didn't hurt to be close to the pace early in the meet. The Smarty Jones chart is very telling–it was a total merry-go-round race with almost no passing. With this event over 1 1/16 miles, and plenty of speed signed on, Super Steed should have a much better chance. Selection: #6 Super Steed (20-1)

Click here for Southwest Ultimate PPs from Brisnet.com.

Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.

Copy Article Link

X

Never miss another story from the TDN

Click Here to sign up for a free subscription.