TDN's Steve Sherack and Brian DiDonato will make $50 Win/Place bets on each Kentucky Derby prep and Triple Crown race. The handicapper with the highest bankroll after the Belmont Stakes wins. Scratches will result in the post time favorite.
GII Risen Star S.– Well, sometimes the best horse in the race doesn't win. Mo Tom nearly overcame a brutal trip after being forced to take up sharply in the stretch to place a very strong third, beaten only 1 1/2 lengths, at odds of 5-2. Nice job by DiDonato landing on the winner to grab an early lead here. Total: $215.
GII Xpressbet Fountain of Youth S. – Whether you're a fan of Mohaymen (Tapit) or not–I will readily admit that I really wasn't until his sensational win over Greenpointcrusader in the GII Holy Bull S. at Gulfstream Jan. 30–this isn't the race to pick against him. The gray is tactical enough to stay within striking distance in this six-horse affair, is well-drawn on the outside, already had his race back after a freshening, and continues to train like a very talented horse at Palm Meadows since. Hard to imagine seeing him go off anywhere near the morning-line quote. Selection: #6 Mohaymen (6-5).
GII Risen Star S.- Gun Runner sat a perfect trip, taking advantage of what seemed like a live rail to get the job done at 5-1 and get me on the board. To be fair, Steve's pick Mo Tom endured a terrible trip and he's definitely the one I'd want going forward out of that race. Total: $480.
GII Xpressbet Fountain of Youth S. – Usually I start these write-ups with reasons for going against the favorite but, after considering the alternatives, I'm going to chalk out. It's not that I think Mohaymen (Tapit) is completely unbeatable or anything like that. I just think he figures to get a perfect set-up, and that his odds on the tote will be close to or perhaps even above fair value because of the money that will go to the three enticing alternatives. Those three runners are all legitimately talented, but they also all have similar running styles. I'm not so sure the pace has to collapse, but even if the splits are moderate, Mohaymen has plenty of speed to keep close to his rivals after breaking from the advantageous outside gate. As long as he shows up on his game–and there's nothing to suggest he won't–they're going to have a very tough time with Mohaymen in the lane. Selection: #6 Mohaymen (6-5).
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