Each and every week since New Year’s has been better and better as time has flown by… This weekend should be no different, but there may be a couple of surprises that wait for us at the windows.

Keeneland Race #9 – The Toyota Bluegrass Stakes  1 1/8th Miles

#9 – Interactif (4-1)

Rafael Bejarano is in the irons for Todd Pletcher. Pletcher can jump up and score at any time, and any place. Please take him seriously before making final decisions. 3rd start off a layoff, and ran a great second place against Sidney’s Candy, who won the Santa Anita Derby. This son of Broken Vow gets a 1 1/8th to run, and the turf to poly angle should tell that he is tight and ready. Bejarano in town always draws the look, but the public will support Odysseus well. After the victory at Tampa, this is a good move. He showed a level of maturity that is way beyond this time of year. My only question is can he handle the poly at Keeneland? Interactif has shown that last out, and the extra distance should fit well into his plans. I would box him with #6 Pleasant Prince, and #1 Odysseus. I feel they will be a factor, but the gold goes to the runner who looks to be hitting all cylinders.

Oaklawn Race #9 – The Arkansas Derby

#2 Dublin (7-2)

Dublin has the services of Terry Thompson for D. Wayne Lukas. I like the three off a layoff angle, and the fact that he made a middle move last out. The Rebel was all Lookin’ At Lucky, and with the solid works under his belt, I like his chances. I feel you will get better than 7-2, and for a colt who is 2/2 at Oaklawn, that is a good sign.  Super Saver will get some big action, and Noble’s Promise should be followed as well. I would look for Dublin to make this his big run for the Derby, and if you go back in past you will see the likes of: Backtalk, Eightyfiveinafifty, Aikenite, Uh Oh Bongo, and others. I like his chances, and he is valid to get the trip.

As always, compare against the tier levels, and be sure to look for maximum value by stretching out for multi-race exotics. Be sure to enjoy your day as there will not be many left.