July 4th 2025
4 The BEL Derby Invitational (GI)
1 1/8thm Turf $750.00 Three Year Olds
It has been a minute since I’ve done one of these so, please excuse my lack of recent knowledge. I think the Mb Stables duo will control the pace and the outcome. Ello Santa loves to go right to the front and with the inside post that could be a perfect spot. Big Blue is a stalking type, and his post position should also put him in a perfect spot. Western Night is another with good speed but the post may be a tough spot to win from, but I do think he can still get an on the board finish.
This one is 0-for-2025 and was on the board in his last two starts. Both of those races were on wet tracks so they may be hoping for the same here.
The Mb trained gelding has won his last two races and his speed always makes him a factor. He won on the turf last out and should be a major player in this race.
Another Mb trailed gelding, and he has won three of his last four starts. The other race was a horrible effort at CD, but I think we can call that a bounce and look for another big race out of him.
He closed well to be fifth in the KYD but did not lift a leg in the BEL. They move him to the turf course which is something new although he has some nice works on the grass.
His KYD race was forgettable but otherwise he has been close in every start. He won the turf at CD and also broke maiden on it so I think he will continue to show good form today.
Raj picked this one up at the June Auction for a ham sandwich and goes right after the big boys. He broke maiden on the grass but has been a sprint type so I’m not sure I can go to the window for this one.
His triple crown aspirations were denied but won on the grass at SA to re-fire his career. All Three of his lifetime wins have been on the turf so he is right at home.
Third as a 70/1 longshot in his first turf race and that was against very tough competition. He also shows a very nice workout on the turf and if you are looking for a horse with some odds, he could be the one for you.
His last three races have been pretty bad although they were all grade one races. He did win two turf races early in his two-year-old campaign so he could wake up moving back to the turf but will be another with long odds.
This one switches trainers after a couple of poor efforts but he is a grass horse and should like the going here. He does show a nice grass work for the new barn.
His only recent bad race was on the dirt, and he is the picture of consistency on the turf. His last two races were on wet turf, and he seems to run well no matter the weather.
Scotty’s Picks 2 / 3 / 11
