A formidable field of 3-year olds in a race that sets up the Arkansas Derby, which often sets a bit of a tone for Derby Day contenders.......
Cupid, scratched out of last week's San Felipe for this spot, Suddenbreakingnews, winner of the Southwest, Whitmore and American Dubai, second and third finishers in the SW, lead the field.
#12 Suddengreakingnews......closed like an Amtrak train that is 4 hours late to the station in the Southwest getting a very clear trip and posting a 93 Beyer off his previous high of 77. While the 93 might be a bit of an anomaly, he has improved in every race. While I am not a big believer in the bounce, Cupid might change a few factors in this race for "News.". Yes. The 12 post could be a problem, but I think Quinonez, a steady, reliable veteran, will pilot him in position to take on the front runners at the end, including....
#8 American Dubai.....This highly touted son of E Dubai is also a steady improver who will, likely, need to fight off the cheap speed of Spikes Shirl and, maybe, longshot upsetter Gray Sky. He'll have Cupid up his backside too. I like the post and the fact that he can stay close to the leaders. I am not a big fan of jockey Chris Landeros---Dubai's 4th rider in 4 career races for trainer Rodney Richards--so take this factoid for what it's worth. He is going to need the right trip to hold off the closing "News" with Cupid at his flank.
#4 Cupid....Baffert has mastered this track in this race and in the Arkansas Derby with his California shippers. He's won the Rebel 5 of the past 6 years, including the past two years with American Pharaoh and Hoppertunity. Cupid gets front liner Marty Garcia for his stakes debut off a terrific win last out. BTW.....another charger out of Tapit, whose 3-year olds, along with Uncle Mo's boys, are killing it right now.
#10 Whitmore....He had nothing but trouble in the SW, bobbled, jostled and bumped (also the name of my law firm). That didn't stop him from finishing a game second, although he passed a few dead ones, like American Dubai, to do it. That said., the son of Pleasantly Perfect improved again with an 89 Beyer despite the problems and just might win this with the TLC of jockey Ortiz Jr for local sharp Ron Moquett.
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