KENTUCKY DERBY 138
Most trainers were in agreement to stay away from post no.1 in the position posts draw, that role was awarded to Daddy Long Legs resulting in applause from team Hansen. He may thrive in the position with other speed horses Trinniberg, Take Charge Indy, and Bodemeister to his inside. The jockey in control of the saddle for Take Charge Indy may hold back from the early lead but being situated in position 3 it may seem sensible to head towards the front. Alpha received probably the least favourable post at number 11 where he will be the first to load with Daddy Long Legs. The two horses will have to wait until the remaining 18 are positioned and it’s well known that alpha has a history of being jittery in the gate, something he will have to overcome if he is to stand a chance in Saturday’s big race.
The favourite is Bodemeister for the Derby at +350, which is different to what many people predicted only weeks earlier when they had the horse at +700 in comparison to the stiff competition. He shined at the Churchill Downs over the weekend when he breezed along with Union Rags who will start from the 4th spot. Rags’ trainer Michael Matz was none too pleased with the position as the colt did not look comfortable when forced to the inside n the Florida Derby.
In Summary, after a runaway victory in the Arkansas Derby, Bodemeister should be favored to give Bob Baffert his fourth Kentucky Derby win. But does he have enough seasoning? The last horse who won without racing at 2 years old was Apollo -- in 1882. At +600 Gemologist has won all five of his starts, most recently the Wood Memorial. His speed figures aren't dazzling, but he has room to improve. At 50-1 Rousing Sermon could be a suitable long shot, although the plodder hasn’t had much success this year longer distance and fast pace may help him.
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