Free Selections – Saturday 4/7/19 – Winning Ponies

This will be the last of the “biggie” weekends before the Derby. Hard to believe we are just weeks away and the roses will be in full bloom. Weather may play a factor in some regions of the nation but don’t let that dampen your enthusiasm for the marquee events.  Who knows, it may come up wet, rainy or snowing on Derby day.

 

Aqueduct

Race #10 – G2 Wood Memorial – 1 1/8 – 5:55 pm ET

 

#8 – Restoring Hope 4-1 = Falvien Prat in the saddle for Bob Baffert and they score 19% as a team. 3rd off the layoff and ships in from GP. Exits an impressive win for this son of Giant’s Causeway. He gets added distance and should relish more moving forward.

 

#5 – Enticed 6-5 = Robby Alvarado for Kiaran McLaughlin, They bring a son of Medaglia D’ Oro who is 4/5 ITM lifetime. They were ultra-tough winning the G3 Gotham and last year won the G2 Ky JC at CD. He looks to be a solid closer and this race may be a good tune-up to peek just at the right time going into Louisville.

 

#9 – Vino Rosso 9-2 = John Velasquez in the saddle for Todd Pletcher and they score 36% as a team. This son of Curlin is lightly raced and comes in off a 3-off-the-layoff move. He ships in from Tamps and he’s faced some nice runners in his past.

 

Keeneland

Race #10 – G2 Bluegrass Stakes – 1 1/8 – 6:23 pm ET

 

#4 – Kanthanka 10-1 = Julien Leparoux in the irons for Jerry Hollendorfer. 3rd time off and exits the San Felipe where he was bested by Bolt D’ Oro and McKinzie. Two races back he circled the field and came flying home quick to score in the G2 San Vincente. He’s a closer and if the pace is honest he’ll come calling late around the turn.

#5 – Quip 6-1 = Florent Geroux the pilot and looks to improve the G2 Tampa Derby effort. He comes in for Rodolphe Brisset who is a newcomer to the big scene and he could set the pace or lay just off and pounce.

#11 – Good Magic 2-1 = Jose Ortiz for Chad Brown and they score 27% as a team. 2nd start of 2018 and was a beaten chalk last out. He doesn’t have to win as he scored last year in the BC Juvenile, but he’ll want a very solid effort to keep him tuned tight. This son of Curlin will probably want the nuts and bolts all tightened and ready.

 

Santa Anita

Race #9 – G1 Santa Anita Derby – 1 1/8 – 3:30 pm ET

 

#6 – Justify 4-5 = Mike “Money Man” Smith for Baffert and they have a very nice colt here. He didn’t run in 2017 but think of it as your “Curse of Apollo” runner. He is 2/2 and has the look of a late bloomer who will only get better. He needs the Derby points so a victory is on his short list.

#3 – Bolt D’ Oro 6-5 = J.J.Castellano for Mick Ruis. This son of Medaglia D’ Oro was put up against McKinzie in a DQ. He has the points and a blowout win is not necessary. A nice effort where he can keep him fit should be the order of the day. If he wins, it’s only that much sweeter but he’s in a great spot. – Just a good effort and keep him out of trouble.

#7 – Core Beliefs 20-1 = Tyler Baze for Peter Eurton. This son of Quality Road should flash good speed as he just broke his maiden last out. – He may be a nice late bloomer down the road.

 

Be sure to download your Winning Ponies E-Z Win Forms as there is plenty of handicapping to do and only so many hours. Winning Ponies can make easy work getting you and your bankroll ready for the big day. – I can smell the roses in the hothouse and the mint juleps icing down. Start now and make your first winning move by downloading the E-Z Win Forms. – Best of luck from your friends at Winning Ponies!