Wood Memorial---post em' here

An excellent field with 5 of the 8 entrants with graded stakes experience. Let’s cut to the chase:

#6 Gemologist…..I have never played chalk on the Derby trail as much as I have this year, but there is good cause. Take today’s 8-5 ML favorite, Gemologist. He deserves favoritism as the Tiznow colt has reeled off four straight wins in his four race career. His biggest win was in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G-II) as a two-year old, and his 2012 debut last out at Gulfstream was a seven lengths win over Currency Swap, one of today’s Illinois Derby favorites. Hot, hot Castellano rides for Pletcher and the pair is 30% in wins in 2011-2012 combined…..in 210 races.

#1 Alpha….McGlauglin, Dominguez and a horse that’s won two in a row and 3 of 5 career starts and, if not for Gemologist, would be the favorite. He’s worked well coming into this and should be in the fray near the end.

#8 The Lumber Guy…..If there is an upsetter at decent odds in this race, I’d bet that this is guy might do the deed. I like the move to Corny V. in this spot for seasoned conditioner Mike Hushion. The Lumber Guy is 2 for 2 lifetime winning by combined 14-1/2 lengths. This race is a huge step up for him, especially with no graded stakes experience and no races as a two-year old. I think this New York bred can handle the distance, but can he handle the competition?

#3 My Adonis…..He’s won over $300,000 with a record of 8/2-4-1, but his record in graded company is a bit vanilla (a second, a third and ninth place finish in his three graded races, all Grade III affairs AND two Beyer’s of 90 or more in two of these). Kelly Breen sticks with Elvis Trujillo. Like (former) underachiever Take Charge Indy, who won the Florida Derby, if the light goes off, he could hit the winner’s circle.

#7 Tiger Walk…..Looks to be a bit overmatched, but his form and breeding shows that he can handle this distance. He’s faired just OK in graded competition, but Johnny V gets the call for trainer Correas, who has 3 wins in 11 starts so far this year.

My picks:

#6 Gemologist to win

$15 exacta key: 6/1,3

$8 exacta straight: 6/8

$4 exacta wheel: 1,3,8/6

$4 tri wheel: 6/1,3,8/1,3,7,8

$1 tri wheel: 1,3,8/6/1,3,7,8

#3 My Adonis over #2 Casual Trick/#1 Alpha/#6 Gemologist.

BOL to all...

#5 street life....wp

exa.......5,1,6

gl fellas

I respect your posts and I did like pre race, but your comments convinced me. Historicly you dont play favs, so I was convised and pounded him. Watching NBC and what a beautiful animal. Thanks

Question for you cappers and cappets.......Gemologist is the real deal, BUT can he go the distance?

That was one helluva performance.....and Alpha too!

RAM.... Big Windy Cappers.....see you at AP sometime this summer! Let's get Game Hunter to go with us.

RAM....DANISH was a real stalwart on this forum for a few years.....he was a hard nosed New Jersey guy,and he knew his stuff.

It took most of us months to figure out where he was coming from, but when we did, we found Danish to be a very knowledgeable guy and a lot of fun. I am not sure how old he was when he passed, but I'l bet he wasn't older than 55 -60 years old. Lots of old school, but solid experience and advice.

I've been on this site since 2004 and have run into a number of "legends." Danish was one of them. There were (are) a lot more...Atlanta Mucker, Golf, HOLY BULL is one, for sure, Oklahoma, Monte and more that I have forgotten.

 In fact, Gambler 315 reminds me a lot of Danish, if you're looking for a reference point.

I'm sure there are some "old heads' here who will remember Danish and the other guys who have made this a lot of fun.

Thanks for checking in!