UAE and Louisiana Derby Review

Previewing the Derby

Well it has been almost five months since my last post.  The reason I decided to write my posts so far apart is because I thought that it would be better to give these horses a little more time to develop their talent than to judge these horses on first impressions or after just one race.  I am now back to preview the biggest races and best challengers for this year Run for the Roses. 

UAE Derby

The UAE Derby happened this past weekend and it was won by Lani.  Lani, is yet another son of Tapit doing well on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.  However, looking forward to the Derby, world travelers haven't done historically well from Johannesburg in 2002, to Daddy Long Legs in 2012 finishing in last place.  Last year, many thought Mubtaahij was a horse some people thought could actually make a play for the Derby but finished eight.  Not much is available for these foreign raced horses so we will have to wait and see if Lani even makes the rip to the states. 

Louisiana Derby

The Louisiana Derby was set up to be one of the best of the prep races this year.  We would be able to see where horses like Greenpointcrusader would end up, whether Gun Runner was for real or whether Mo Tom gave Gun Runner the Risen Star because of major troubles in the stretch.  The answer is that we really did not get answers for these questions because once again, the favorite, Mo Tom had huge troubles in the stretch.  He finished fourth but given the troubles that he had, I don't think his connections will be dissuaded from running him in the Kentucky Derby.  By my estimations, if he had not checked up midway through the stretch, Mo Tom would have at least finished second if not first.  The one thing that cannot be denied is that Gun Runner is for real as he pulled away from the battling pack through the stretch.  He will be a contender in the Derby.  What we did realize is that Greenpointcrusader unfortunately had the same fate as 2014 Champagne Stakes winner, Daredevil, looking very good in October but failing to cash in at longer distances.  With a solid second place finish, Mo Tom's stable mate, Tom's Ready is expected to make a derby appearance as well.  Gun Runner, Mo Tom and Tom's Ready seem to be the three to appear in the Derby.  Because of the way he finished in the LeCompte Stakes and because of the last two races ending in  disaster, I think Mo Tom is the best contender of the three especially if you see a fast pace in the Derby, Gun Runner should also contend well while Tom's Ready may just be their as a place holder. 

Upcoming Races:

April 2: Florida Derby-100-40-20-10

April 2: Spiral Stakes-50-20-10-5

April 9: Wood Memorial-100-40-20-10

April 9: Bluegrass Stakes-100-40-20-10

April 9: Santa Anita Derby-100-40-20-10

April 16: Arkansas Derby-100-40-20-10

April 16: Lexington Stakes-10-4-2-1