The Derby Trial is upon us. This is the last ditch effort for runners hoping to build a bankroll to get into the Derby with graded monies. This is possible, and anything is… But, this race has not produced a winner since Tim Tam in 1958. The winner of this race has gone on to win the Preakness eight times, and the Belmont three times.

I think this race sets up a couple of runners that need a nice look-see. I would dig deep into tier levels. This is where WinningPonies does their best work.

Churchill Downs – Saturday 4/24

Race #10 – The Cliff’s Edge Derby Trial (G-3) – 1 mile.

The overwhelming favorite should be #10 – Eightyfiveinafifty. At 8-5, and drawing the outside post in this one turn mile can play into his hands. I think he is very good, but if he does win, I think it will be impossible to win Derby 136. There will be plenty of early foot in the Derby, and this guy had a setback when his reins broke and he took an injury. Call it bad luck, or call it racing. I think he fits very well into the Preakness, and runners who score here have targeted that race to be fresh.

Some runners to consider for a price should be:

#2 – Soaring Empire (20-1).

Eddie Castro in Kentucky is good mojo. Cam Gambolati is the trainer, and he knows how a Derby runner should prep. Bumped at the start in the Florida Derby, and in tight. As I write this, HRTV is calling for this runner to run giagantic.

#6 – Miner’s Reserve (8-1).

Lezcano in the irons for Nick Zito. Lightly raced colt by Mineshaft looks like he may have gas in the tank. A bullet work gives me confidence.

#5 – Hurricane Ike – (5-1).

Calvin Borel up for John Sadler. Borel loves the oval, and this guy makes his second start off of the poly. That has been a solid angle for me, and 3rd off a layoff yields them a 28% win clip.

I like #4 – Pleasant Prince. He is 4-1, and that could be a square price. I will be looking to play against the chalk, and if he wins, good luck down the road. But, this looks like a nice time to score big….

Be sure to check out the tier levels, and keep a watchful eye on the weather. Rain is expected, and take this into consideration with the change of track condition selector on your WP prediction form.

Good luck, and the countdown has begun!