Handicapping: Derby Prep Races for March 14, 2020

By Bob Hill
Tracksideview Feature Writer —-

Just how strange is it to watch horses compete for prize money and Derby entry points without spectators in the stands to cheer them on? We’re finding out this week as the impact of coronavirus precautions touch even the prep races for the Kentucky Derby. Here are picks for the Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Stakes to be contested at Turfway Park and the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes to be run at Oaklawn. The first of this pair offers 20-8-4-2 points to the top four finishers, while The Rebel is more lucrative at the 50-20-10-5 level.

Jeff Ruby Stakes G3 – Race 11 at Turfway – 1-1/8 miles on synth Picks: 3-11-6-x

Fancy Liquor (3): This Michael Maker trainee has run only once in breaking his maiden on the grass at Gulfstream Park. I see this son of Lookin at Lucky loose on the lead and giving them the slip in the JR Ruby. Stranger things have happened for one at ML odds of 8-1.

The Invader (11): Trained by Wesley Ward, this son of War Front lost his first four on grass before winning two straight on the synth at Turfway. At 3-1, he is the ML favorite. He’ll be the one to catch Fancy Liquor if any of them do.

Halo Again (6): Trained by Steve Asmussen, this son of Speightstown also owns a win on the Turfway artificial surface. He’ll get more pace to chase in this race, but he also will have to make an additional sixteenth to hit the finish line. Adds value to the trifecta with odds of 8-1.

Myamanoi (5): Was beaten by Field Pass (12) in the Dania Beach, but he’s drawn inside that one by several spots in this race which should help. Probably one that makes his living on grass eventually.

The Rebel G2 – Race 10 at Oaklawn – 1-1/16 miles on dirt Picks: 3-2-4-5

Plenty of interesting things to consider in this Arkansas Derby prep race, including the strong likelihood of wet conditions.

Basin (3): Makes his long anticipated 2020 debut for Steve Asmussen. Went to the bench after winning the G1 Hopeful last summer at Saratoga. His trainer is not one to put up gaudy morning numbers. The work tab is solid. If he’s as good as he promised to be last summer, this guy will be one of the ones in his three-year-old class. Second favorite on the ML at 3-1.

Nadal (2): Here comes Bob Baffert to Hot Springs with yet another lightly raced head-turning 3yo colt. Nadal is the son of Blame out of a Pulpit mare. He posted a 98 Beyer fig when he broke his maiden in January and followed up with a win in the Grade 2 San Vincente in his second start. This is his first start going two turns. Eye popping morning numbers, as usual, for a Baffert trainee. Could be any kind!

Silver Prospector (4): Won the G3 Southwest Stakes last out on this track after a disappointing go in the Smarty Jones a month earlier. He’s a veteran of eight life-time starts, an oddity in today’s world of Derby prep entrants. He did try the grass in his first three races so his record of three wins in five tries on dirt is impressive. Needs some pace, but Nadal, Basin, and No Parole (5) should guarantee that. Steve Asmussen trains this one, too.

No Parole (5): This Louisiana-bred son of Violence can flat out run. Talamo will most likely go with him and see who follows. I’m hoping he holds off but the very top ones for a place in the top four for trainer Tom Amoss.