Chicago Derby-Derby Lock Prep
The Chicago Derby, which is a G2 Derby Lock prep race, is open to horse age 3 only running a mile and an eighth on a very sloppy track. Very few of the competitors have raced on an off track, so picking a winner may not be easy. Big payoffs could be in the offing because of the off-track. Here’s a quick look at the field:
1. Just Another Story 11-1
Last race was also a Derby Lock Prep and this horse had nothing to offer, finishing a well back 11th. Horse put in a strong finish in prior G3 start at a mile in speed of 98 closing a ton of ground late in race. Needs to improve off last.
2. Scattered Memories 11-1
Finished ninth in debut in graded racing in last with a speed of 91 going 8.5f. Speeds have been in low 90’s and will need to go upward. Breeding line is strong but may need a few more starts at graded level to show worthiness.
3. Blue Sunday 15-1
Put in strong 2nd in Swale Stakes (G2) back in January with a speed of 97 going 6.5f. Followed up with win in non-grade stakes going 7.5f in speed of 93. Goes mile for first time and should fare well at distance. Will be closing late in race.
4. You See LA 10-1
Horse has won 4 of last 5 races. Last race was win in non-graded event at 8.5f with a career best speed of 103. Looks good on paper and will be making first graded start. Nice price to boot!
5. Kitzbuhel 5-1
On off tracks, this entrant has shown a liking with a second and third both on sloppy tracks. Won G2 The Lands End in a speed of 100 last time out at 9f which ended a skid of 7 races without a win. Also has 7 graded starts and a record of 2-0-3. Experience counts and offtrack record nice. A must consider!
6. Secret Flame 13-1
Great record thus far 2-5-1 in 8 starts. Horse had big speed jump in last, winning allowance in speed of 103 at 9f, up from prior best of 88. Has a lot of front end speed and will battle with others trying to wire field. This start will be first in graded competition. Hard to ignore the big jump in speed but jockey Bonsteel is winless in 36 starts this year.
7. Chelokee Again 8-1
8 of 9 with 4 wins thus far. Finished 5th two races back in sole graded start running mile in speed of 94. Follow-up allowance race yielded a win at 9f and career best speed of 102. Horse likes to run in mid-field and can get the job done with a good trip.
8. Springcation Ted 9-1
Horse had easy win as favorite in allowance at 9f going speed of 99. Previous race was his sole graded race in which he ran 8.5f in speed of 92 finishing 6th. Has been racing at distances of 8 to 9 furlongs with success. This would be good race to pop speed over 100 and walk off with victory.
9. Mark of Destiny 9-2
Currently ranked #1 at sprint and #2 at route. Bagged his 3rd graded race win last time out in the All Saints Derby, a Derby Lock race with a speed of 105 at 8.5 furlongs. Horse has the talent, graded race experience and top jockey Munoz (24% win) which could add up to another winning combination.
10. Rock Chalk 16-1
Horse started career off on turf with lackluster results. The switch to dirt paid off with a record of 3-1-1 in 5 starts. Last race was win in strong late charge in non-graded race, winning the 9f in a speed of 100. Would not be surprised to see this one on the board.
11. Speedos and Guidos 10-1
Four wins in fives starts for this very fast pace setter. Only loss was in only race at graded level facing huge field of 18, finishing 10th in speed of 92 running a mile. Last race was easy win in non-graded stakes with a speed of 103 at a mile, as the 4th choice in odds. Could run away with this.
12. Fart Fan 29-1
Horse started off maiden career with promising speed numbers, running in low to mid 80’s and winning first two races. Problem is he hasn’t broken the 90 level and is overmatched in this race. Salvation could be that he likes sloppy tracks.
13. Summerinsaratoga 10-1
Only 2 graded starts thus far. First was early January, finishing 7th in speed of 89 for a mile. Second outing was on a good track resulting in a much improved 2nd and a speed of 100 for 8.5f. Speed numbers took nice jump when running on wet track. Could be a very good sign.
14. Pounders 17-1
Another turn around story, switching from turf to dirt has yielded a record of 3-2-0 in 6 starts. Concern here is the speed numbers. Top speed of 93 was run in December, winning a mile allowance race. This will be first trip to a stakes event and regretfully is outclassed.
Yoss Picks: 9-5-7-8
Trackman Picks: 9-5-7-8
My Picks: 13-11-9-5