Derby Prep Saturday: Cross Country Analysis

Three important preps for the Kentucky Derby will occur Saturday across the country in the span of an hour. Winners of the Blue Grass Stakes, Santa Anita Derby and Wood Memorial Stakes will qualify automatically for the Kentucky Derby. All three races feature wide open fields. Have I built up enough drama?

While I haven’t been able to produce much content for Paddy’s Picks as of late, it doesn’t mean that I’ve been far from the racing scene. I’ve been paying more than enough attention to know that today’s slate of preps provide as much opportunity to horsemen as they will to bettors. Let’s take a look, starting with the Blue Grass. read more

Road to the Derby: Santa Anita Derby Analysis

Let’s make one thing clear right off the bat. This race has three Bob Baffert horses in it. He may have moved them out of his barn so that they can qualify for the Kentucky Derby, but it’s little more than a thinly veiled ruse.

I’m vaguely aware of who Tim Yakteen is, and I’m also aware that he’s his own trainer with his own stable. But anyone who truly believes that these horses are under the direction of anyone but Baffert are kidding themselves. He’s trying to win a Derby from afar and he’s taking half of this six-horse field to do it. Let’s see who’s standing in his way. read more