Wood Memorial, Santa Anita Derby & Illinois Derby preview

Taylor Made Stallions
by TCI 412 days ago

The TCI boys evaluate the top contenders set to square off in Saturday’s mega-preps, including the Wood Memorial (G1), Santa Anita Derby (G1) and Illinois Derby (G3). Will Gemologist, Alpha and I’ll Have Another earn their way into the starting gate of the Kentucky Derby? Which young guns could spoil their party?

Watch it. Comment.

TCI Top Ten with top speed rating

Rank Name Bris Comments
1 Union Rags 103 Trip cost him in FL Derby, but that experience should benefit him next month
2 Creative Cause 107 Could assume role of Derby favorite with a big performance at SA
3 El Padrino 111 May have bounced in FL Derby, and now desperate with graded earnings
4 Hansen 105 Staying home for Blue Grass makes sense for the champ
5 Bodemeister 102 Hits the road for Arkansas Derby; Works indicate improvement
6 Gemologist 98 Badly in need of graded earnings, so must run well in the Wood
7 Take Charge Indy 109 Took advantage of easy pace to score a breakthrough win in FL Derby
8 Alpha 100 Also needs a good showing in the Wood to get precious graded earnings
9 Dullahan 98 Will his recent splint bone injury set him back? Blue Grass-bound
10 Paynter 93 Promoted to SA Derby; Connections confident in his ability

through 4/3/2012


- More posts: 2012 Triple Crown

Discussion

  • JR

    Joel, with so much pressure for graded stakes earnings on some of these horses, do you think some trainers will have these horses running at 100% and just hope for the best on KD day, that they won’t bounce?

    Regards,
    JR

    • Joel Cunningham

      Great point, JR. The pressure is on to run big Saturday, and enough high-profile names are in jeopardy that nothing can be left to chance, especially in a tough race like the Wood. You know these owners are all thinking Derby…

      We’ll see how it plays out, but I don’t think it’s unreasonable to think that one of these races Saturday to produce an over-the-top performance that could result in a bounce in 4 weeks…the Wood being the one to focus on most IMO

      • JR

         Joel, I agree about the Wood, so much at stake. I think handicapping the KD is really going to be tough with the bounce factor in play.

        Kind Regards,
        JR

  • Phil

    You boys do a super job.  Always enjoy the your show. Glad that I found you again. Thanks so much and good luck on the Derby Trail.  Phil from Toronto.

    • Joel Cunningham

      Thank you, Phil! Best of luck to you as well.


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