Free Selections / Churchill Downs / 4-27-2013

The Twin Spires overlook the most historic track in the world. There is only one Kentucky Derby, and no matter who you are, I’ll bet you know a bit about the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.” Well the countdown has begun and the races begin this weekend. In a matter of days, there will be a fever pitch that is better known as Derby fever.

 

Churchill Downs

The forecast calls for a high of 64 degrees, and a 30% chance of rain showers. But, if you are willing to look into the crystal ball, the 10-day forecast calls for sunny and clear for the Derby, with a high of 70 degrees.

 

Race #8 – Mdn Sp Wt – 1 1/16 on the turf – 9:39 p.m. E.T.

#6 – Seekingthediamond = Joel Rosario gets the nod from trainer Roger Attfield.  3rd start off the layoff, and has been the “bridesmaid” four times. Cuts back in distance from a 1 1/8, and was beaten favorite last out. Every start has had this son of Perfect Soul breaking from the outside. They are changing riders from the red-hot Javier Castellano to Rosario.  Joel wins 20% with his turf runners, and the barn is well aware of how to get a horse ready for the weeds.

 

Race #10 – The (G-3) Derby Trial – 1 mile – 10:42 p.m. E.T.

#4 – Forty Tales = Rosario has the call for Todd Pletcher. He was a beaten favorite the last two, and they could be excuse races. Lightly raced, and has the red-hot-hand in the irons. Stretching out to a mile from 7f could be the answer, and he has faced better at Gulfstream this winter. Two back in the Hutcheson was a very nice race. Toss out the last clunker, as he comes in fresh and ready for a barn who bats 26% with layoff runners.

 

Race #11 – Mdn Sp Wt – 1 1/16 on the turf – 11:10 p.m. E.T.

#6 – Coastal Breeze = Rosie Napravnik gets the ride aboard this son of Empire Maker. Wayne “The King of Chicago” Catalano can get them ready, as they are making the second start off a layoff. The breeding suggests he will enjoy the green, and you can toss out that last race due to a horrible trip. Rosie is winning 29% on the turf, and this is the second start for Catalano’s barn.

 

Now more than ever, you will want to keep your eyes peeled this week at Churchill. Winning Ponies has the data that will make the transition to the winner’s circle, and the E-Z Win Forms are a must this week. Kick back and enjoy the night time action, and pay close attention to what is happening in the morning workouts. Here are a few that caught the eyes of the clocker, and are moving nicely over the deep CD oval:

 

Oxbow = 1:01 – 5f – Nice strong breeze at CD.

Mylute = 47.80 – 4f – Red-hot-Rosie in the irons for Tom Amoss.

Normandy Invasion = 48.12 – 4f – Nice work for the Chad Brown barn.

Verrazano = 59.95 – 5f – Sweet work tightening the bolts over the CD surface.

Goldencents = 48.40 – 4f – The O’Neill barn looks for a repeat of last year.