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.
GIII Southwest S. – Some early trouble on the clubhouse turn certainly didn't do Cutacorner any favors, but at the end of the day, he did very little running when the real racing began to finish ninth at 22-1. Total: $215.
GII Risen Star S. – As much as I'd like to shop for some value in a 13-horse field, I just can't stay away from the morning-line second choice Mo Tom (Uncle Mo). Last term's Street Sense S. hero ran a big third behind Airoforce (Colonel John) in a very live renewal of the GII Kentucky Jockey Club S. in the Churchill slop last November. The dark bay returned in style to post a visually impressive come-from-behind tally after a rough voyage over several of these while making his sophomore debut in the GIII LeComte S. here Jan. 16. The half-brother to the talented Beautician (Dehere) (a close second in the 2009 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies) has continued to train smartly for Tom Amoss at his Fair Grounds base since, most recently working four furlongs in :48 3/5 (9/63) Feb. 14. Always worry about taking such a deep closer, but there looks like there should be enough pace to set him up for another powerful stretch run. Selection: #2 Mo Tom (3-1).
GIII Southwest S. – Bird of Trey stopped pretty badly at 16-1 after chasing a quick pace. . . Not panicking yet! Total: $0.
GII Risen Star S. – First, I just want to acknowledge the effort that Fair Grounds has made to draw their race cards very far in advance. This card was drawn last Friday. I've always believed that there's no reason for tracks not to give bettors more time to handicap–at least on bigger days–so this initiative is much appreciated. Now to the race. . . Expected favorite Airoforce (Colonel John) has to be respected and included, but he definitely has some knocks. He was supposed to return in last week's GIII Sam F. Davis S. before a minor illness forced his connections to alter course, and if you had questions about him on dirt, a win over a sloppy Churchill Downs surface in the GII Kentucky Jockey Club S. might not have completely settled the issue. The KYJC feels like a strong race, however, considering what runner-up Mor Spirit has done since then and that show horse Mo Tom (Uncle Mo) returned to annex the GIII LeComte S. I like fourth finisher Gun Runner (Candy Ride {Arg}), who might have struck the front too soon, but hung in for a long time with the top two. If he's ready off the bench (a pair of six-furlong works should help), he'll be right there. Selection: #6 Gun Runner (6-1).
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