The turf races were moved to Tapeta Thursday, so the Conductor had to sit on his hands. He needs Saturday to get here sooner so he can fire with both fists. The weather looks good for Friday, but the card stinks. The Conductor will turn his attention to the stakes racing this weekend This Florida Derby card looks like a gold mine. Skip.
Race 4: 1 Mile. OC 25000n1x
#1 Giant Game (9/2) – This colt showed talent last year and is now rounding back into form. He made an eye catching middle move last time and ran fast enough to win most races at this level. He broke slow last time, which is a concern, but he could run even better with a clean break 3rd off the layoff. The Conductor is happy to bet on a colt in form against a favorite, #9 Bright Future (2/1), who hasn’t run in more than 9 months.
Race 6: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.Mdn 84k
#3 Good Value (6/1) – This filly was claimed from the Chad Brown barn after her debut at the MC 50000 level. She ran well enough that day to warrant the jump up in class on Florida Derby Day. She was finishing best despite the slow pace up front and she took a serious bump at the top of the stretch. Many filly’s would have quit after their momentum was halted like that, but she showed guts to re-rally. With a nice inside draw in an open race, she’s worth a bet at 5/1 or better.
Race 12: 1 1/16 Mile. F.G2 Gulfstream Park Oaks
#4 Affirmative Lady (10/1) – The favorites are luke-warm in this race and the Ductor can smell an upset. He likes this filly quite a bit in this spot. She’s proven she loves the distance and will be finishing best down the stretch. She got a slow speed figure last time because the race had a very slow early pace. Affirmative Lady ate kickback and was boxed in until the final furlong where she exploded. She looks primed for a career best race here.
Race 13: 1 Mile. (Turf) Appleton Stakes
*Gullet Shot of the Day #4 Fort Washington (4/1) – This race will have a wicked pace with many horses vying for the early lead. The Conductor is looking for a closer and this colt sticks out like a sore thumb. His return off the bench was solid vs a tougher group last time. He closed into a slow pace for a good 3rd an galloped out miles in front of the rest. 2nd off the layoff with a favorable setup, he’ll get to wire in time today.
Race 14: 1 1/8 Mile. G1 Curlin Florida Derby
#11 Forte (4/5) – Nothing creative for the Conductor in the finale. He’s been the only standout thus far on the Kentucky Derby trail. He couldn’t have won the Fountain of Youth any easier and this field looks to be at his mercy.
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