The Big Easy [Free Selections]

by Ed Meyer

posted on March 26, 2010 in Free Picks and Tips, Other Events | 4 Comments >>

The day is chock full of action. It starts in the desert, and makes its way around the world. The Derby picture will start focusing each and every week from this point forward.

Let us take a little trip to Fair Grounds, where the action has been pointing to this day for sometime.

Race #8  – #9 Battle Plan (6-1).

J.J Castellano is in the saddle for Todd Pletcher. This trainer is firing on all cylinders, and should do well this weekend. This 5-year-old horse is making the third start off a layoff lunge. With only four starts to his credit, I would feel good about his chances, as he had some problems along the road. He is a son of Empire Maker, and should do well in the breeding shed. But, here we are still on the track making money. Pletcher is winning 67% at FG, and so is Castellano. Funny, I think they both have teamed up with a small sample of runners and are doing well. That last race was OC 62,500 race, and there can be some tough company on this end of the field. Winning by five last out, shows me he is ready, and the works at Palm Meadows have been encouraging. Check the tier levels, and I think you will find that he fits in your plays.

Race #10 – The Louisiana Derby – #6 – Ron The Greek (6-1).

James Graham is up for Thom Amoss.  This son of Full Mandate is 1/1 at FG, and looks to be the kind of runner who can threaten down the lane. If you look at the last 3 distances, you will see that they are getting longer. The works have been solid, and they are teaming up to win 24%. This guy is bred to go all day, and with the pace play in this heat, I see Ron the Greek serving up revenge down the lane.