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: Last Week – Both the The Right Path and Five Star General were off the board in their respective races, but Haikal (+$785) got the predicted pace set-up to score in the Gotham. Bankroll: $10,205.
GII Rebel S. (1st Div.) – It's awful tough to look past Improbable in here. He's going to sit a perfect trip, seems to be training lights out and Baffert's success in Hot Springs is well documented. Selection: #9 Improbable (3-5).
GII Rebel S. (2nd Div.) – I can't take both chalks, so I guess I'll try an alternative here. I almost went with Jersey Agenda last time in the Southwest (obviously glad I didn't) off his two visually impressive victories, and he had plenty of reason to pack it in after the early trouble and hot pace that day. This race looks to have less speed than it might seem at first glance, and Jersey Agenda should be on or near the lead if he's ridden aggressively. Maybe he'll get brave out there–he's certainly still got some upside. Selection: #4 Jersey Agenda (15-1).
Sherack: Last Week – Really steamed for talking myself off Haikal for longshot Tikhvin Flew in the Gotham, but nice to cash a few small tickets at least with Tampa Bay Derby runner-up Outshine and Jeff Ruby winner Somelikeithotbrown. Bankroll: $1430.
GII Rebel S. (1st Div.) – There are always favorites that are worth taking a shot against. The unbeaten Improbable is not one of them. Selection #9: Improbable (3-5).
GII Rebel S. (2nd Div.) – I've had Laughing Fox on my stable mail account since he switched hands for $375k at last year's OBS March Sale when he displayed that beautiful, long stride through an eighth in :10 2/5 at the breeze show. The waters certainly get much deeper for the handsome son of Union Rags here, but another jump forward over a track that he clearly loves is very possible, especially with the likely hot early pace scenario. Selection: #2: Laughing Fox (10-1).
DeRosa: Last Week – Win Win Win and Instagrand were both third. Twelfthofneverland was 10th. Bankroll: $680.
GII Rebel S. (1st Div.) – Selection: #3 Corruze (30-1)
GII Rebel S. (2nd Div.) – Selection: #7 Our Braintrust (6-1)
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