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Derby 140 Recap and Looking Forward to the Preakness


Derby 140 Recap 

When the dust settled Saturday May 3rd, a Derby hero was crowned one that had four white socks and a flashy blaze. California Chrome seems to be a Derby hero we can all believe in, but unlike everyone else who thinks this horse is the next coming of Secretariat I have my serious doubts still about his ability. Sure he handed this Derby field quite the spanking, but there is serious concern that this horse will not get a mile and a half. Yes Victor Espinoza eased up on him, but that was close to fifty yards before the wire does that really have an impact on how the horse was running? He was obviously getting tired about halfway down the stretch, and if the race had been maybe a 100 yards longer Commanding Curve would've caught California Chrome. 

Don't get me wrong I think California Chrome is a very nice racehorse, but his sub-par Derby time is a fine indication that this crop of three year olds was far weakened by the dropping out of Shared Belief, Honor Code, and Top Billing. California Chrome had everything his way and due to the rough trips of several others I think he got lucky that some of the better closers didn't have a clear run, because he was dog tired that last quarter mile and Victor Espinoza's constant smacking of the horse is fine example of just how tired he was. 

Look California Chrome's got some ability, but looking forward something tells me that when he faces older horses like Palace Malice, and Game On Dude he will show his true colors; he's simply a good horse in a weak and depleted crop.  

Looking Forward to the Preakness 

Saying this right now California Chrome is going to win the Preakness, no horse heading in that direction has a serious chance to defeat him. Social Inclusion has some talent, but his recent foot troubles could hinder his ability on the third Saturday in May. Ria Antonia can't even beat her own sex, but that being said I think she's got one of the better chances to beat California Chrome there is no doubt the fillies are better than the boys this year; made obvious by Untapable's second fastest Kentucky Oaks time in history. Another interesting long-shot you cannot leave off your tickets is Kid Cruz his come from behind triumphs have really impressed me, and you cannot underestimate a local horse at Pimlico. 

Tune In next time when I give you my Preakness Top Four!





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