The Sunland Derby upgraded to a Grade 3 stakes race can now be considered a legitimate derby prep race. This one looks to be an exciting one with connections chasing derby dreams. When handicapping this race, altitude may be a factor.
#3 Conveyance (M. Garcia / Baffert) looks to make it five wins in a row. Trainer, Bob Baffert has him ready with a terrific workout tab. Martin Garcia will have to control the pace leaving enough in the colts tank to find another gear in the stretch. Has sufficient speed to wire this field.
#1 Storming Saint (Contreras / Dominguez) loves this track and that will work to his advantage. Leave the homeboy's in this race out of your exotics at your peril. Henry Dominguez is one of the top trainers in the Southwest. He will have his colt ready. Won his last race and has put in two hardy workouts in preparation for this.
#5 Endorsement (Albarado / Ritter) has posted three well-built workouts prepping for this race. Trainer, Shannon Ritter conditions her horses tenaciously, much like Helen Pitts (think Einstein) and Christine Janks (think Arlington Park stakes races). This colt has a decent last out speed number. He should be forwardly placed.
#6 Classical Slew (T. Baze / O'Neill) is sitting on a big race and will be a big factor in this race. Trainer, Doug O'Neill has got this colt moving in a forward progression. His workouts are solid.
#9 Tempted to Tapit (Cohen / Klesaris) looks to be the other speedy one in this race. He has a great last out speed number and three robust workouts. My only concern is he may be the one to fade in the stretch.
Here is my play:
#3 Conveyance--$2 WIN / $4 PLACE / $6 SHOW
#1 Storming Saint--$2 PLACE / $4 SHOW
#5 Endorsement--$2 SHOW
10 CENT SUPERFECTA: #3 Conveyance / #1 Storming Saint / #5 Endorsement / #6 Classical Slew, #9 Tempted To Tapit, #4 McKenna's Justice, #8 Guiltybyassociation.
May Good Luck be with your horse picks today!