03/26/2022
8 FG LA Derby (GI) [KYD]
$1,000.000 3yo 1 3/16m 122lbs
The fields get bigger, the pots get bigger and so do the accolades… it’s a BIG weekend of racing at FG and we look at the field for the LA Derby (GI), a mile and three sixteenth stakes for the sophomores with TC aspirations. When it comes to big races it usually smart to stick with big barns and they get no bigger than Mb Stables so I took Everymanforhimself as the top selection. He just missed over this track in the Risen Star and has only been off of the board once, a fifth in the Breeders Futurity (GI) at KEE, so he seems ready to produce on a big stage. I’ll stay towards the outside of the gate and put Ocean Of Wisdom in the second spot. He ran well at CD and that usually translates to good finishes over this oval. Let’s look at Neoconserviative to be in the middle of things off of those back-to-back wins breaking maiden, then winning a stakes at SUN. He seems to be a horse on the rise and could be the one to get past. It’s a nice bunch and someone will probably stamp their ticket to CD, so grab a cold-snack and let’s get down to the rail for this one.
Here’s The Field –
Has a pair of wins and was second last out in the El Camino at GG where he closed a late gap to make things interesting. Another like that, with the added distance, and he could be a big factor down the lane. I think he’s a horse that you have to use in your exacta and tri tickets.
Another that comes from the El Camino but his day was far worse… as a matter of fact, his last two races, including the Lecomte (GIII) have been tenth-of-twelve finishes. He was fourth in the LA Futurity (GII) and will need to regain that form if he wants to be part of this one.
This lightly raced colt just broke maiden last out at WO, and that was back in Nov. He’s been on the bench since that victory and goes right after the big boys (and girl). Two works over the track, so they seem to be pointing for this race… is he ready?
She’s won four of her last five starts and was second in the other race, and add in the five pound weight advantage… She won the Damsel (GII) at AQU then took the Alexandra (GII) over this surface. She seems versatile and is undefeated in two-turn races. Give her a look.
Solid third in the El Camino after setting the pace to deep stretch in that one. Sold after the race and makes the first start for the new connections. Put up a bullet work over the track getting ready for today and he’s been tough vs. similar so I’d certainly give him a chance.
Hadn’t hit the board in quite some time while facing top notch company, but was second at TAM vs. Alw types last out. He’s going to have to step up his game if he plans on getting a check vs. this salty group.
Has been off of the board in his last two, both stakes, both over this surface, showing a fifth in the Lecomnte (GIII) and a fourth in the Risen Star (GII), but he did close well last out so maybe the extra distance does it for him?
Another from the lightly raced side of the track, this being his fourth start, and his unbeaten streak came to an end in his first main track start, a fifth in the Risen Star (GII), here at FG. He has to improve from that race, but he may have the ability to do just that.
Did he figure this race horse thing out? Broke maiden two back in his third start, then stamped himself as a horse to watch taking the Mine That Bird Derby at SUN in his most recent. Now it’s graded horses and he looks like the type that may be a VERY smart $10.000 purchase.
Front running style for this one, so the added distance may be interesting. He tired to be second after setting the pace here last out in the Risen Star (GII) so it will be interesting to see if they change tactics, he runs out of gas again or does he just keep on going today.
He hasn’t won since taking an Alw race at ELP back in July, but he has been close in a number of races, so his best could put him on the tote board. Tactics could be vital to his success.
Early Scratch
He was second (DH) to close out ’21, just missing in a fast closing effort at CD in the KY Jockey Club (GII) then kicked off ’22 with a win in the Southwest (GIII) at OP. He was fourth last out over that same track in the Rebel (GII) but I think he bounces back big to be part of this one.
Early Scratch
Another that came from the El Comino where he closed a bit late to be sixth, and was second in an Alw race at SA in his only other ’22 start. He also closed out ’21 with a win, so he’s been around some nice horses. Can he make a splash today?
COZMAN 10 / 13 / 9 Willie’s Green Card 10 / 9 / 5
Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES, THE TRIPLE CROWN
