layoff, wet track, facing Algorithms...not a huge fan of Hansen for derby, but he definitely deserves some slack given the circumstances. let's see him next time out.
please bet on speed in the derby so we can all take your money!
definitely gonna be tough to get a good price on him. hopefully they keep him at a mile or 1 1/16 and switch over to turf.
if at all possible, go to the Oaks the day before Derby. it's like one big family reunion at the track. a laid back vibe, but you can feel the electricity in the air...everyone psyched to kickoff Derby weekend. for Oaks or Derby, I think anywhere on the Clubhouse side is the place to be. it might be a bit better for comfort & people watching than race watching. unless you're over close to the finish line. otherwise you'll only really see the run out. ideally you want to be under cover. Louisville in May means there's an 80% chance you're going to get t-storms or heat and humidity. either way, it's a good safe bet to be under cover. if you can land some walkaround tickets they're a pretty cool deal. no seat but you can walk around anywhere including the clubhouse, which works great if you have friends with a clubhouse boxes...you can visit them all!
I like the case made for Dialed In. Love Zito and if he's all teary-eyed over the FL win maybe that tell's you something. Unfortunately, the price in the Derby is probably not going to be good enough given how random a good trip can be. It's hard to ignore Uncle Mo. Maybe there's distance concerns, but note he did not receive much encouragement in the final strides of the Wood. Must respect his BC win at CD. Something Street Sense and Super Saver also had going for them. Nehro looks like a gem but I'm afraid the word is out on him and the value won't be there. Will also have to get through somehow. For a price, I may end up on Soldat. 15-1 isn't bad for a classy horse that's won in the slop. He rated on turf but seems to want the lead on dirt. Doesn't usually bode well for the Derby, but with some speed falling out of the race maybe he can secure a good trip. Not sure just yet where I'll end up, but in a crapshoot like the Derby I'd prefer to get 10-1 or better. Post draw and weather are two major factors we'll have to wait and see on.