Handicapping: 145th Kentucky Derby; Late Pick-5

By Matt Pappis
Tracksideview Staff Writer —-

Race 8) Grade I Churchill Downs Sprint

Whitmore (12): Should get the ideal pace set up to run into and draws well with the anticipated rain forecasted.

Mitole (8): The one question here is can he get the distance if he can then he is going to be tough to run down but that’s a major question left to be answered.

Uncontested (9): Went favored in the Commonwealth and did not fire when not getting to the lead. Picks up Johnny V and should fire better second off the layoff.

Race 9) Grade II American Turf

Social Paranoia (2): Finally put it all together when breaking his maiden last out, this is a big step up in class but the price is too good to ignore.

Seismic Wave (5): Really put it all together in his past two breaking his maiden and winning the Cutler Bay. He has a world of talent and is another square price.

A Thread of Blue (1): If anyone wants to win this race they will have to run him down which hasn’t been easy of late.

Race 10) Grade III Pat Day Mile

Instagrand (10): Strictly the one to beat here coming off the Derby trail and cutting back in distance third off the layoff.

Last Judgment (14): Pletcher looks like he has the goods with this one who steps up in stakes company for the first time.

Manny Wah (8): Cuts back out of some longer races on the Dderby trail and should be forwardly placed here.

Race 11) Grade I Turf Classic

Qurbaan (1): Hoping the addition of blinkers wakes this one up and he can get his second win in the states. He will have some pace to run at here which he hasn’t got in his last few.

Bricks and Mortar (12): Comes in off three wins in a row and was life and death to win his last, but is the class of the field and has beat many in here before.

Breaking the Rules (8): Not giving up on this one yet at a big price off a narrow defeat in the Canadian Turf.

Race 12) Grade I Kentucky Derby

Game Winner (16): With Omaha Beach out it looks like he will go favored and is the one I liked the most prior to the scratch, think this is his race to peak third off the layoff.

Roadster (17): The other Baffert who comes in off a win in the SA Derby over Game Winner but he had ideal circumstances that day.

Tacitus (8): Three consecutive victories now for this talented colt as Bill Mott seeks his first Derby. If the pace gets hot which it very well could, he will come running.

Pick 5 Race 8

8,9,12/ 1,2,4,5,7,8/10,14/ 1,8,9,10,12/ 5,8,16,17 =$360

*Derby day you will need more to hit a pick 5 this is a base suggestion. I recommend getting partners and pooling money these will pay*