Three year olds in the Grade II Wooden Indian

One of the last prep races for the Bluegrass Derby is the feature for this Saturday in New York. The Wooden Indian is a Grade II and is for three year olds going a mile and an eighth over the Big Apple’s main course. Most probably, the favorite for the Bluegrass will come off this race, let’s take a look at the cast:

1. PIT OF DESTRUCTION (12-2-2-1) – Front runner who drew the rail, a clear advantage over other speedsters. However, his best efforts have come sprinting and his SFs fall extremely short against the best horses in this group. He will need his best effort and more to have a chance here.
2. E NIPISSING (9-3-1-1) – E Dubai colt who prefers to come from off the pace. He has been soundly beaten when taking on Stakes Company, so he will have to improve in order to win this event.
3. RAINBOW PHYL (9-2-4-1) – Showing improvement as the distances increase, a very good sign. The switch to the main course has proved to be a stroke of genius. He just missed a win in the Grade II Arkansas Derby and he can be ready for his first stake score in the most important race.
4. K’S RUMOR HAS IT (7-4-2-0) – Already a multiple graded winner in his short career. He has shown great versatility, winning from wire to wire and from just off the pace. He has been handled beautifully by his trainer and should be in top form for this race. The pick.
5. ZIP CITY DO DA (7-2-1-0) – After an excellent effort in the Sunset Stakes, his last two races, both in graded stakes, have been nothing short of disappointing. He needs to prove he belongs with this caliber of horses. I’ll pass.
6. GLOBOGYM (5-3-0-1) – Fresh horse who has shown enormous talent in his short career. He loves to come from way off the pace and if he continues to improve with each race, he will be a dangerous horse down the stretch. Interesting play at 11-1.
7. RHIBUS (9-6-2-0) – The #1 rated three year old in the sim at the long distance level. His victory in the Florida Derby makes him the horse to beat in this race, but to say he has a tough task ahead of him is an understatement. He will stalk the pace from the start and is one of the top players here.
8. DYNAMITE SECRET (9-3-1-1) – This is a nice horse, but I think he is stepping way up in class, now facing some of the best three year olds the sim has to offer. His SFs fall way short against these.
9. RAFFLE (6-2-2-0) – Another horse taking a step up in class. His last victory was in a conditioned allowance race, and this gives you an idea on how much he has to improve to be able to even be on the top 5.
10. PARK THE DEPUTY (5-3-0-1) – This can be the quality speed of this race. He could not go to the lead in the Florida Derby, a race which we will throw out. He has much better efforts, including a near miss in the Grade I Clinton Potts. If he is able to have an easy lead, he can steal the race.
11. SHINZAUN (10-5-2-1) – Another colt clearly on his best form. He posted his first three digit SF on his last race, which was a win in a minor stakes. No doubt he is facing much better horses now, but if he maintains his form, we can not be surprised by his win.
12. MELEK HA CAVODE (5-3-0-1) – After faltering badly on an off track in the Fountain of Ute, he rebounded with a much better effort in his last race, stretching out in distance. He likes to win, so do not count him out totally, although at the moment I prefer to look elsewhere.
13. PEACENIK (12-6-2-1) – Multiple graded winner who drew a pretty tough post in the gate. His SFs are not far away from the bests of this event and he should be coming from way off the pace. With a clean trip, he can score.
14. EARTH QUAKER (8-3-1-1) – His only bad race was over a good track, and he just posted his first triple digit number in his last win, a minor stakes score. His stalking style helps his chances and although he drew a bad post, his current form makes him very playable here.

The packs here: K Rumor Has It, Globogym, Rhibus.

Good luck to all!!!