What Did We Learn?

by Ed Meyer

posted on April 17, 2011 in Free Picks and Tips, General Discussion, Handicapping, Kentucky Derby | 2 Comments >>

Thinking CapAfter the Toyota Bluegrass and the Arkansas Derby, I have come out with a few thoughts. With all due respect; you can keep Santiva, Brilliant Speed, Uncle Mo, Elite Alex, Anthony’s Cross, Silver Medallion, Sway Away, The Factor, Comma to the Top, and Pants on Fire. Some won’t have enough earnings, and this is the year that if you cash, they will need to get Brinks to haul away your cash.

Give me a piece of Dialed In with his brief career and time away at Palm Meadows. I like his acceleration, and he gets nasty down the lane. Leparoux loves him, and Zito knows how to ready them.

I’ll buy a hundred shares of Nehro. I just watched the race for the third time.  The president of WinningPonies received my text that I didn’t really care for him, but I retract that.  He may have a nice runner getting solid in time. The way he went past the wire at Oaklawn was sweet.

Animal Kingdom has me scratching my head. If he takes to the dirt at Churchill Downs, it could be lights out. I am waiting for the works leading up, and if he does well, I will have him in the mix. Turfway Park always has someone in the mix.

Stay Thirsty. If he wins, you may be able to buy a round for the house. Back on the trail for Repole Stable and Pletcher, and a son of Bernadini.

I’ll also take a huge chunk of King Congie. It may have to be on turf, or easily it could be the dirt. But he showed me versatility. I like his style, and the story of Congie DeVito makes my heart smile. If he was to show up anywhere, I’ll have him in it……

I have seen some fast pace settings, and this leads me to see a cavalry charge at the top of the lane. You will want to watch for works over the course, and for runners who ship in as early as possible. The riders will also play a role as CD is a track where those familiar do well. Out of towners for the first time, and visitors with one mount may need to stand clear. No matter who goes, you can bet on a salty pace and a closers dream. Look for riders who did well on Breeders’ Cup Day who know the track. Read the works and barn notes on the CD site. Keep up with the drama with all of the usual sites, and you should be connected. WinningPonies does well on this day, and you will want to get your data as soon as possible.

With that being said, I guess a do-over from January to now is out of the question. So, I will play closers and stalkers, and hope the pace folds like a house of cards. If it does, I will be the guy smoking the big cigar waiting on the Brinks’ truck…..