Friday, September 24, 2010

Will This Be The Dude's Derby?

This Saturday's Pennsylvania Derby could belong to First Dude. Though he is still looking for his second lifetime win, and I see no reason why he shouldn't get it over the Philly Park oval, and in a million dollar race. He is the class of the field, is turning back in distance, and he is in with 114 lbs, if  rider Robbie Albarado, doesn't eat a lot for dinner tonight. That means he is dropping 12 lbs from his third place finish in the Travers!  His last 6 races were all Grade One's, and he has been competitive against the very best. I think the 114 lbs will be a huge advantage in here, and I look for him to bounce right out of his outside post and go gate to wire. I don't see anyone catching him.
The Kent Stakes at Delaware, is a Grade II for 3 year olds, going a mile and 1/8th over the turf.There's a nice field assembled here, with Hall of Fame Stakes winner, Interactif, winner of the American Derby, Workin for Hops, Lentenor ( Barbaro's little brother) and the ready-to-step-into-stakes-company, They Call Me Giant.
I like this improving colt, and I look for a good effort here. Workin For Hops is another in here that looks tough. He is very consistent, is trained by the always under the radar, 30% trainer Mike Stidham, and also has good karma in his corner. If you don't know anything about the owner/breeder, Estrorace LLC, have a look. And don't miss their "latest news".  A horse that throws a party? Now that's my kind of horse.

5 comments:

  1. Wondering why a horse who has been ITM @ the Preakness and Haskell gets such a big weight break?? I need to understand how they determine how much to grant each horse...

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  2. GENE, GENE, GENE! you forgot to read the conditions of the race :
    "Weight 122 lbs. Winners of a Grade I race at a mile or over in 2010 to carry 2 lbs. additional. Non-winners of a graded
    race at a mile or over in 2010 allowed 3 lbs, of $60,000 ata mile or over in 2010, 5 lbs, of three races at a mile or over other than maiden or claiming in 2010, 8 lbs."
    He fits the " Non-winners of 3 races at a mile or over OTHER THAN maiden or claiming in 2010, 8 lbs." The ITM's don't count.
    Thank you for visiting!

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  3. Congrats for beating up on the old man. ;-)

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  4. Hey Norm,
    Let's not talk about age!
    Too bad I can't spend my cyberbucks!
    Thanks for the "plug" on your blog, look for the same on my latest post.
    Keep those contests coming!

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  5. Now why would I spend time reading the race conditions if I wasn't going to bet it. :) I'm just not a big fan of any horse getting a weight break. Let the fastest horse win, all things being equal...

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