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Triumph and tragedy in Kentucky

As usual these days, it seems, another marquee day of horse racing was struck by tragedy when Eight Belles broke down in the 134^th running of the Kentucky Derby. For my thoughts on the big race, as well as comments from Andrew Beyer, Dr. Steven Roman and others, visit:

Two other nice races for three-year-olds are scheduled for this Saturday, when Belmont Park presents the 55^th renewal of the Peter Pan Stakes and Lone Star Park cards the 12^th annual Lone Star Derby. My analysis follows:

All selections (unless otherwise noted) are made in light of the conditions existing at the time of entry. Races taken off the turf, or modified in any way, should be passed.                                                              

BELMONT PARK * Race 9 (31%) * $200,000 Purse * 9.0 Furlongs * Dirt

6-Ready’s Echo (6/1)

Fair Odds: 7-2

3-Mint Lane (8/1)

Fair Odds: 5-1                                                              

1-Casino Drive (2/1)                                                                 

Fair Odds: 2-1                                                              

COMMENTS: With Casino Drive, Mint Lane, Golden Spikes and Fast Talking all possessing early speed, READY’S ECHO might be in a perfect spot to grab his first stakes win. Granted, the one-turn route isn’t likely to help, especially given that the Todd Pletcher trainee has been out of last place at the second call just once in three lifetime starts, but the son of More Than Ready is talented — and he’s improving. If the other speedsters elect to rate off the pace today — a distinct possibility — MINT LANE could take advantage, as he almost did in the Federico Tesio at Pimlico, where he missed by a head after setting a soft pace. CASINO DRIVE will have his hands full shipping in from Japan, where American horses have fared badly and vice-versa. However, he does own the top Equibase speed figure in the field.

BET(S): WIN on 6 (at odds of 7-2 or greater). EXACTA 3,6 with 1,3,5,6.

LONE STAR PARK * Race 10 (60%) * $400,000 Purse * 8.5 Furlongs * Dirt

11-Fort Apache (30/1)

Fair Odds: 8-1

1/1A-Limestone & Samba Rooster (9/5)

Fair Odds: 5-2

3-Golden Yank (20/1)

Fair Odds: 12-1

COMMENTS: Although he’s 30-1 on the morning line, FORT APACHE fits well with these, having posted an 85 Beyer and –4 Late Speed Ration (LSR) in his latest. The Mineshaft colt is in great hands (William Bret Calhoun), is improving, and has the benefit of a race — and win — over today’s track; tremendous value play if the ML odds are accurate. SAMBA ROOSTER nearly won after setting a fast pace in the Coolmore Lexington and LIMESTONE just won an allowance race at Keeneland; solid entry. GOLDEN YANK bid and hung in his 2008 debut in the Rebel and then made a couple of mild runs in the Arkansas Derby. He was sensational as a juvenile — maybe today’s the day he proves he’s still got it. 

BET(S): WIN on 11. EXACTA BOX 1A,3,11.