The California Derby came up strong this year, and many familiar faces are back. A field of 9 is set to run in this 100k stakes race. It is for 3yos only and is going to be run at 1 1/16m on the main track.
I am not going to give selections, but I will give you guys some insight into each runner in the field. Also, I attached a replay for most of the horses. Hopefully it will help you with your handicapping. Enjoy!
#1 Rey Coliman (Felix Rondan/ Catalino Martinez) Was nowhere close in his 2 prior stakes runs, and looks like he is in against another deep field today. A plodding type that will be running on late. Coming off a decent 2nd to Vistant (click here). Only 1 win in 10 starts, but has 4 seconds. Looks outmatched here.
#2 Mayor Cobb (Jonathan Wong/ Jorge Velez) Is coming off a 3rd place effort in an off the turf stake in the slop at Santa Anita. Nearly a 2-month break heading into this one. Needs some pace to set things up for him. Gets to save some ground and will be running on late. One to consider using underneath at a price.
#3 The Creep (Jonathan Wong/ Juan Hernandez) The son of Twirling Candy is a perfect 2 for 2 in the Wong barn. Is coming off a solid Allowance score on March 8 (click here). Looks like he’s been working well and he should be on the improve. Will likely be sitting just off the pace.
#4 Angelo’s Pride (William Delia/ Silvio Amado) Is coming off a win at the 50k Starter Allowance level. Ran a credible 4th in the El Camino Real Derby after making an early move and being caught wide (click here). Will be running on late and is going to be a big price. Definitely one to use at least underneath. Going to be a big price and has shown he can mix it up with some of these.
#5 Sparky Ville (Jeff Bonde/ Flavien Prat) Last seen winning a G2 at 7f in the San Vicente (click here). Has the best credentials in this field. The big question is going to be if he can be as successful at 2 turns as he is at 1. Has turned into a completely different horse since being gelded. His only route race was a poor effort, but it could be forgiven since it was on the grass. Tough call. Pedigree suggests he should have no problem routing. If he is able to transfer his 1-turn form to 2-turns, he is going to be tough to beat.
#6 Kingly (Bob Baffert/ Mario Gutierrez) Ran into a monster (AKA Anothertwistafate) in the El Camino Real Derby. Was up close to the pace that day, but was no match in the stretch (click here). The brother to New Years Day and Mohaymen stayed on well to hold 2nd– had a huge gallop out. Shown some greeness in his prior starts, so hopefully the bit of time off has helped his maturity. Has a lot of early speed, and shortening up a 1/16th of a mile should be no problem.Would not surprise me if he goes off the favorite.
#7 More Ice (Jerry Hollendorfer/ Rafael Bejarano) Waters were way too deep in the G1 Santa Anita Derby last time out. Ran a solid 3rd in the El Camino Real Derby off a wide trip from the 12-hole (click here). Shortening up a 1/16th of a mile should benefit him. Sort of a one-paced type that grinds away.
#8 Visitant (John Martin/ William Antongeorgi) Son of Ghostzapper is a perfect 2 for 2 in his young career. Coming off a solid 2-turn Allowance Optional Claiming win (click here). This is going to be the acid test for him, as he is facing a quality field. Figures are relatively light on paper, but the way he has won has been visually impressive. Also, this is going to be his first start with John Martin, who is an impressive 22% with new acquisitions. Hasn’t done anything wrong, and will be a good price if you like him in here.
#9 Elrich (Blaine Wright/ Julien Couton) Definitely the wild card in this race. Coming off a very fast figure in a dominant 4 1/2 length msw slop win at AQU. First time in the Wright barn. Actually ran 2nd by a nose to Tacitus back in November at AQU. Has a lot of speed and would imagine he is going to sit close or be on the pace. Did he finally put it all together in the last start, or was it the slop?
NorCal Horse Racing News 