It is hard to believe, but the last call for Derby points has arrived. Seems like it was five minutes ago when were talking about kicking off the seasonal run in January. – There is nothing like a little sampling of free selections to get you thinking about the races, and use this as an appetizer before you download the Winning Ponies E-Z Win Forms for the final decision maker. So find your comfy seat and get ready, the final point races before the Derby is heading your way !

 

Keeneland

 

Race #9 – The (G-3) Lexington Stakes – 1 1/16 – 4:59 pm EST

 

As this field of ten three-year-olds assemble, there are a few you’ll want to focus on before you making your final decisions. – Be sure to consult the E-Z Win Forms for final predictions.

 

#6 – Big Squeeze (10-1) = Chris Landeros aboard, and this son of Lemon Drop Kid was impressive with a maiden score over the deep Oaklawn surface. – He looks to be maturing and could light up the tote board.

#10 – Collected (2-1) = Javier Castellano in the irons, and this son of City Zip tossed in a clunker two back and that race may be dismissed. He travelled out to Sunland where he scored easily in a $415,000 stake. He cuts back from a 1 1/8 and will be the major danger.

#4 – Swipe (9-5) = Flavien Prat has the assignment, and this son of Birdstone has been away since running huge in the BC Juvenile. – He has run second to possible Derby favorite Nyquist four times in a row. – He had a chip removed from his knee, and has been working since February. – If he comes back in fine order, he will be my top pick in this race. His layoff and injury will drive up his odds a bit and I could see (2-1 / 5-2) not being out of the question.

 

Here are a few nice runners to examine in your E-Z Win Forms for final approval:

Race #4 – #5 Producer (12-1)

Race #5 – #4 Gustnado (6-1)

Race #8 – #5 Miss Matzoball (3-1)

 

 

 

Oaklawn Park

 

Race #11 – The (G-1) Arkansas Derby – 1 1/8 – 7:18 pm

 

#8 – Whitmore (9-2) – Irad Ortiz in Arkansas, and he won’t be making trip for nothing. Derby points on the line and he has been knocking on the door with this son of Pleasantly Perfect. – His last three efforts over the oval have him 4 lengths short of being three-in-a-row. – He’ll get it all together and make it count when the money is on the line.

#10 Cupid (2-1) = How good is this son of Tapit ? We’ll have a good idea about 5 minutes after the gate springs open. – Lightly raced, and game effort in the (G-2) Rebel Stakes has every handicapper thinking Bob Baffert has an ace up his sleeve in this affair. – Martin Garcia and Baffert do great work as a team, and I’m looking to see what the extra 1/16th of a mile presents.

Here are a few more runners to examine on the E-Z Win Forms to find that hidden value:

Race #8 – #6 Major League (3-1)

Race #10 – #10 Alabama Tide (9-2)

 

It has been a long road and many questions will be answered in the days to come. With 22 days until the Run for the Roses, you’ll want to go back and examine the past prep replays right here on Winning Ponies. – Be sure to join us for the Internet Radio Show as John Engelhardt will be talking horses with the connections heading to Louisville each and every Thursday at 8:00 pm right here, and you can always go back and catch the podcast if that fits your schedule. – There will be stories, Derby-doings, and free selections so be sure to check back daily. – This is the time we’ve all been waiting for and Winning Ponies is your one-stop-shop for all things racing. No better way to prepare for the big races through the Triple Crown and everyday the races go to post. – Best of luck from your friends at Winning Ponies !