Why would they allow twenty horses in a race in the first place is a good question and after yesterdays post position draw, the trainers for Lawyer Ron and Brother Derek, have to be fuming on the inside.
Brother Derek the favorite for the “Run for the Roses” has been annihilating opposition in California this spring but the fields have been small and he was a disappointing fourth in his only bulky field from post 13 at the Breeders Cup last November. Now he gets the 18th starting slot!
Dan Hendricks the trainer for Brother Derek has had his share of adversity, with his most recent being a paralyzing accident from a motocross accident is 2004, so he simply suggested jockey Alex Solis will track Lawyer Ron around the 1 ΒΌ course.
Lawyer Ron trainer Bob Holthus was diplomatic in his horse drawing the 17th hole and suggested that a muddy track will favor horses on the outside. His talented three year -old is unbeaten in six races!
I’m smiling this morning as Bob Baffert’s Bob & John my pick in the Derby has drawn the seven hole and this will allow him to get settled just off the pace and watch the rabbits in the race, run each other into the ground. If it comes up sloppy he has proven himself on this type of surface and he has been bumped around enough in California that the bulky field will not be an issue.
My second choice in the race is Barbaro and he will line up right next door to Bob & John in the eight slot. Much has been made of the schedule that Barbaro has used to prepare himself for the 132nd running of the Kentucky Derby, especially his race five weeks prior to this Saturday. Most insiders suggest that the horse will not be tight enough but he breezed 4 furlongs in an incredible 46 seconds last Saturday at Churchill Downs. The winner of the Florida Derby and Holy Bull has never tasted defeat and his trainer Michael Matz is going to be one of the best in the business for several years.