Top pick: #6 (FRIESIAN FIRE) - I couldn't have been more impressed with this runner's sweeping of the three major stakes for three-year-olds at the Fair Grounds this past winter. Son of classic sire "A.P. Indy", colt is in the barn of J. "Larry" Jones who has finished second in the last two runnings of the "Kentucky Derby", so he's been through this "hectic" time for both man and animal. I thought his race last out in the Louisiana Derby (G2) was by far his best, stalking in the slop and drawing off late to an easy 7 1/4 length win. Colt is working fast for his first race in seven weeks and all things look in place in another competitive "Run For the Roses." The top choice.
2nd pick: #15 (Dunkirk) - Lightly raced and obviously talented. $3,700,000 son of "Unbridled's Song" won his first pair with very quick moves around the far turn and drawing off late. Sent right into the Grade 1 "Florida Derby" off his maiden win at seven furlongs and a second win in a preliminary allowance going 1 1/8th miles, colt ran a tremendous race that day, rallying strong on a speed-favoring strip to loom boldly turning for home and staying on strong for the place to the talented and more experienced "Quality Road". He's looking to become the first "Derby" winner that has not raced at age two and has continued to train in fast fashion at Palm Meadows in Florida before shipping north. Big threat.
3rd pick: #19 (Desert Party) - One of two runners entered by the world-wide "Godolphin" racing operation. $2,100,000 son of "Street Cry" was sharp at Saratoga last summer winning the "Sanford" (G2) and having a "troubled" trip in the "Hopeful" (G1). Prepared for this in the mid-east by his connections, he easily won his first pair this year, then finished second last out in the "U.A.E. Derby" (G2)to his barn-mate and fellow "Derby" entrant "Regal Ransom". Races with lasix again today as he did last summer at the Spa. Working sharp and should run well.
4th pick: #13 (I Want Revenge) - Probable favorite in this large group has really taken to "conventional" dirt racing after beginning his career on California "poly" surfaces. Very determined and impressive win at Aqueduct in the "Wood Memorial" (G1) last out on April 4, and son of "Stephen Got Even" has trained "super" locally. He has enough speed to stay close early avoiding any major traffic jams at the back of the pack. No knocks from me if you like his chances.
5th pick: #10 (Regal Ransom) - Barn-mate of "Desert Party" has followed a similar path, racing at Saratoga last summer and being prepared for this in the mid-east. Son of "Distorted Humor" finished second in his first pair this year to "Desert Party", then turned the tables on him last out. Also gets lasix re-administered today and has a pair of extremely fast drills for this.