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.
GI Preakness S. – Between the sloppy track and hot early pace, things couldn't have set up any better for Exaggerator, who turned in an explosive rally to bring it home at 5-2 in Baltimore. Longshot Cherry Wine just getting up for second helped make it a rare good day at the windows for myself at Old Hilltop.
Total: $2112.50.
GI Belmont S. – While admittedly a bit surprised to see him as low as the 5-1 second choice on the morning line, I'll have a hard time resisting 'TDN Rising Star' Stradivari at almost anywhere near that price Saturday. The striking dark bay, a jaw-dropping 14 1/2-length allowance winner at Keeneland in his sophomore debut, ran much better than it looks on paper when fourth, beaten four lengths, in the Preakness. The lightly raced runner got a bit aggressive when having some slop kicked in his face in the early stages and was fairly close to a wickedly fast pace. He was still hanging around in the latter stages and can only move forward with that experience under his belt. If able to settle early, Stradivari should be able to work out a perfect stalk-and-pounce trip behind the speedy Gettysburg. Selection: #5 Stradivari (5-1).
GI Preakness S. – Everyone knows what happened in the Preakness–aggressive tactics on Nyquist did him in… It sounds like he's doing well after a minor post-race illness–hopefully we see him back 100% soon. Total: $1437.50.
GI Belmont S. – Ok, last chance to catch Sherack… And if I do, it'll probably be in the final strides. I know, I know–a closer can't possibly win the Belmont. Ever heard of Jazil? Suddenbreakingnews (Mineshaft) has found himself much, much too far back in each of his last three tries, and if that happens again, he has no chance whatsoever. But I see no reason why he can't lay a bit closer–he dueled (through admittedly slow fractions) to break his maiden over a mile at two, and has also won at seven furlongs. I rarely take jockeys into consideration, but the rider switch to Mike Smith has to help–his previous pilot was simply much too tentative. Plus the projected pace here has gotten more honest as more horses especially, Gettysburg (Pioneerof the Nile), have joined the field. Suddenbreakingnews is due for a breakout run, and I think it'll come here. Selection: #4 Suddenbreakingnews (10-1).
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