Tag: breeders cup

2024 Breeders’ Cup Betting Preview — Full Card Picks, Best Bets & Stakes Analysis (Del Mar)

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A vintage race official with a white beard and cap, standing at a horse racing event, showcasing a classic style and authority.

The Conductor’s eyes are bleeding after preparing for this year’s Breeders’ Cup. There are very competitive races without many short priced standouts on both days. Just the way Mr. Ductor likes it. Hopefully the Del Mar dirt plays more fairly to closers than it did this summer. If its not a highway, there could be bombs galore. Grab a shovel, he can’t haul all this coal himself. Let’s Ride.

Friday Race 4: 1 Mile. (Turf) Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes

#2 Smash It (10/1) – This gelding really impressed the Conductor in his turf debut last time. He missed break, rushed up and made a nice move on the turn. That was a very game 2nd and he’ll be all alone on the lead today stretching out to a mile for the 1st time. Trainer Todd Fincher is 26% this year with a +ROI this year with first time routers. Smash It has talent and can wire the field at a nice price.

Friday Race 8: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.G1 John Deere Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf

#1 Lake Victoria (8/5) – This filly looks she’s the goods from across the pond. With a nice rail draw and Ryan Moore aboard, the Conductor will be very surprised if she loses. She’s the lone chalk he won’t be trying to beat this weekend.

Friday 1 1/16 Mile.G1 FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile

#7 Gaming (8/1) – The Conductor thinks all three Baffert horses are live in this race and they won’t be the favorites. This colt beat the other two handily in the Del Mar Futurity and has been training up to this race. He looks to get a perfect stalking trip behind a quick pace and he’ll get first run before the talented deep closers. 8/1 would be a treat.

Saturday Race 6: 1 1/16 G1 Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff

#5 Sugar Fish (20/1) – The Conductor thinks #2 Thorpeda Anna (4/5) is vulnerable here after regressing in the Cotillion Stakes at Parx last time. She’s been tremendous, but has endured a long campaign and may be a bit over the top. Sugar Fish is a bomb the Conductor likes best at a big price. She’s improving with each start and ran a huge late pace figure last time closing into a slow pace. She looks to get the same rail trip again today, and there will be a hot pace to run at. The Japanese filly, #4 Alice Verite (30/1) will be out in front winging it on the front end. She’s another looney tune bomb the Conductor thinks could surprise everyone if she takes to the dirt.

Saturday Race 8: 1 1/16 Mile. G1 Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic

*Gullet Shot of the Day #13 Newgate (20/1) – A Baffert horse at 20/1 in the Classic, that ran better than it looks last time? The Conductor thinks he’ll be in the 10/1 range, but that’s still good enough for him. Newgate showed talent last year and ran huge off the bench last time. He closed wide behind a slow pace and just missed in the California Crown Stakes. He’s working bullets entering today and looks primed to run his best 2nd off a layoff. Newgate should get a perfect outside stalking trip and pounce when they enter the stretch. The Conductor thinks Bobby B is going to have another massive weekend.

Breeders' Cup Picks

Race 12: 6 Furlongs. G1 Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint

#2 Gun Pilot (20/1) – This race is going to have a scorching early pace and the Conductor is looking for a closer. He thinks #4 Nakatomi (6/1) and #9 Remake (8/1) will also get good trips, but prefers Gun Pilot at a bigger price. Gun Pilot has been up against slow paces and troubled trips in his last few starts. He finally looks to get the setup he needs today and he’ll be flying late in the stretch. If the Conductor is right this weekend, he may be retired by Monday. Skip

2023 Breeders’ Cup Picks & Key Horses — Full Card Best Bets at Santa Anita (November 3-4, 2023)

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Breeders' Cup

Nothing like being ice cold heading into the Breeders’ Cup. However, it only takes one horse in these pools to make up for it and then some. All hands on deck, grab a shovel. Skip.

Friday

Race 6: 1 1/16 Mile. F.G1 BC Cup Juvenile Fillies

#1 Candied (4/1) – The Conductor likes this filly quite a bit to start his Friday. She had a poor trip last time, wide around both turns. She still showed a thunderous turn of foot when Saez asked her, and she proved she can handle two turns with no problem. Candied will be a better price than the favorite, #7 Tamara (4/5), who will be trying two turns for the first time. No brainer.

Race 8: 1 1/16 Mile. G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile

#6 Locked (7/2) – Much like Candied in the Juvenile fillies, Locked overcame a wide trip around both turns on an inside speed favoring Keeneland dirt course last time. With two Bafferts and the Cox horse in here, you’ll get an overlay on the most likely winner.

Race 9: 1 Mile. (Turf) G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf

*Gullet Shot of the Day #5 My Boy Prince (8/1) – The Aiden O’brian European shippers will be tough to beat. However, there is one North American price the Conductor likes. This colt is the only one horse in this field that wants to be on the lead. He’s improving with each start and proven over multiple distances and surfaces. He will be unpressured on the lead, and can step forward on a frim turf course for the first time. He’s very dangerous.

Breeders' Cup

Saturday

Race 2: 1 1/8 Mile. (Turf) G2 Twilight Derby

#6 Webslinger (3/1) – This gelding lays over this field. He’s improved with every start this year and Castellano is the only reason he hasn’t won 4 in a row. Even with a poor trip like he’s had in his last few starts, the Conductor sees him beating this group.

Race 4: 1 1/4 Mile. (Hillside Turf)F.G1 BC Filly & Mare Turf

#8 Fev Rover (8/1) – The Conductor is running it back with the team of Casse/Castellano for his 2nd play Saturday (not something he’d ever thought he’d say). The short-priced European favorites are formidable, but the Conductor was really impressed with this mare’s last win. She had a poor turf trip and still won for fun. She does her best running over firm ground and she looks to get a perfect trip here, sitting just behind #1 In Italian (4/1). Fev Rover will be a square price and will get the jump on the closers.

Race 6: 1 Mile. (Turf) G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile

#1 Shirl’s Speight (30/1) – This horse ran a solid 2nd in this last year in this race at 55/1, and the Conductor thinks he can light up the tote again. Atfield prepped him in the Woobine Mile just like last year and he looks to be sitting on a peak effort. He’ll get a nice ground saving trip and if Johnny V can find a seem at the top of the stretch, there is no reason history can’t repeat itself. Bombs away.

Race 9: 1‚ Mile. G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic

#3 White Abarrio (4/1) – The Conductor was all over this colt in the Whitney, and he didn’t disappoint. That was the best dirt race a horse has under their belt this year. Mr. Ductor doesn’t see any reason why he won’t repeat that effort for Dutrow. 4/1 would be a dream.

Race 10: 5 Furlongs. (Turf) G1 BC Turf Sprint

#11 Jasper Krone (12/1) – This Japanese shipper is an absolute speed demon and has been running monster races going 6 furlongs. Shortening to 5 furlongs will help his chances here and he’ll be an overlay compared to his talent. Beware of the Japanese horses all weekend, they are serious contenders.

Race 11: 6 Furlongs. G1 BC Sprint

*Gullet Shot of the Day #7 Speed Boat Beach (3/1) – Baffert prepped this colt off a year layoff last time and he ran exactly as he would have liked. He was under a snug hold and traveled nicely while wide vs the track bias. He’s the lone speed in this race and the others won’t catch him in the stretch. Gate to wire.

Breeders' Cup

Churchill Downs: Late Pick 5 Key Horses for Sunday, November 8

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Thoroughbred horses racing at a derby event with spectators in the background, showcasing the excitement of horse racing.

Up and down Breeders’ Cup weekend for the Conductor. All in all, he should have capitalized more on a few more opportunities especially Audarya. Anyhow, hopefully you passengers made a few bucks and the train keeps moving. Whether its a maiden claimer at Churchill Downs or a Breeders’ Cup race, the money is still green. Skip.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHTmV27Bpqq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

Race 6: 1 Mile. (Turf) Mdn 85k

#1 Committed (12/1) – 2nd off the layoff today, he made a big wide move last time and was green down the stretch. He was flying at the finish and should step forward off of that effort. He gets a nice inside draw today as well.

Race 7: 6½ Furlongs. Clm 8000

#5 Paddy O’dini (4/1) – Dropping in class, switching from turf to dirt and posting a bullet work coming in. He smells like a Diodoro runner that wins easy.

Race 8: 6 Furlongs. Clm 20000n2L

#2 Hansens Mischief (7/2) – He dueled against much tougher last time and didn’t get embarrassed. He’s very dangerous in this spot.

Race 9: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) F.OC 100000n2x

#9 Mariafoot (10/1) – Dropping out of Grade 2 company, this filly is making her 3rd start in the US and she showed talent across the pond. She will have pace to run at in this one, which will help her chances.

Race 10: 6 Furlongs. F.Mdn 85k

*Gullet Shot of the Day #1 My Mane Girl (8/1) – She was favored in her debut last year at Churchill Downs and set a hot pace after a bothered start. Her work tab suggests this filly can fly.

Churchill Downs

Breeders’ Cup Classic Picks and Analysis

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A brown racehorse with a jockey in white and blue attire racing on a track during a competition.

Breeders’ Cup Classic time. Skip.

Saturday, November 7 – Race 12: 1 ¼ G1 Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic

#1 Tacitus (20/1) – The granddaddy of them all and a more competitive Classic than we’ve seen in recent years. There are many with a chance in here and this colt isn’t one of them. However, he is a consistent runner and they’ll likely go back to taking him off the pace today. Everyone hates this horse because he’s cost them money, but if he’s really that price the Conductor will use him in 3rd. He can see a scenario where he grinds away while the others try to win the race and picks up the bronze at a big number.

#2 Tiz the Law (3/1)

This colt has the most upside in the field. He got turned away in the derby, but he’s had some time to rest and can still improve. If you watch his Travers again, he never even takes it out of 2nd gear. That being said, there are some serious older racehorses in here and the Conductor will only use him as a backup.

#3 By My Standards (10/1) – This colt always runs his race, he’s just not as good as Improbable and Tom’s d’Etat. The Conductor can’t see a scenario where he jumps up to beat them here.

#4 Tom’s d’Etat (6/1) – Every passenger and their mother are picking this horse, so he may be in the 9/2 range. The Conductor understands the hype as the stumble cost him the race last time.  He also ran a huge late pace figure. However, a stumble as a 7-year-old is a sign of going off form, which is likely why connections have trained him up to this race. He’s going to have to run his A+ race to win in here and the Conductor thinks that’s a tough ask.

#5 Title Ready (30/1) – He’ll drop to the back and try to make one run to pick up 3rd, but he’s not getting ready for any title.

#6 Higher Power (20/1) – He’ll need god to come down to his stall tonight for him to be competitive.

#7 Global Campaign (20/1) – This colt is improving this year, but that’s with him being on the early lead. He has a 0% chance of getting the lead in this race.

*#8 Improbable (5/2)

The Conductor thinks we’re going to get 3/1 in here as he’s not getting the respect he deserves. He’s turned into a real racehorse this year.  Most importantly, the Ductor sees him getting a nice trip in this Breeders’ Cup Classic. Authentic and Maximum Security will get sent from his outside and he’ll be able to get the outside stalking trip that he loves. He’ll be in the clear and ready to pounce whenever he pleases. He’s the one to beat.

breeders' cup classic

#9 Authentic (6/1) – This colt still has the Conductor’s brain in a pretzel. There really isn’t a ton of other speed in here other than Maximum Security and they’re both trained by Baffert. They won’t duel which will help his chances, but this feels like a bounce spot for him and he’ll have to run even better taking on older horses for the first time. The Conductor is going to watch how Swiss Skydiver fairs in the Distaff before he makes his final judgement. For now, he’s leaning against.

#10 Maximum Security (7/2) – The Conductor is going to toss him from the exacta. Improbable dusted him last time and the Conductor can’t see him turning the tables. He’ll be heavily bet because of his fame, but he’s going in the wrong direction.

Picks: 8 

Breeders’ Cup Turf Picks and Analysis

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A horse with a jockey in red and white silks competing in a race at the Breeders' Cup event.

Breeders’ Cup Turf time. Let’s Ride.

Saturday, November 7 – Race 11: 1½ Mile. (Turf) G1 Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf

#1 Arklow (5/1) – The blinkers woke this horse up last time, but him being 5/1 against this field is laughable. You can call the Conductor Benedict Arnold in this race, the Euros are a cut above.

breeders' cup turf

*#2 Magical (5/2) – She’s a true Grade 1 mare who takes on the boys every time across the pond. She can’t be left off your tickets.

*#3 Tarnawa (6/1) – This filly did some real mowing in the stretch last time and seems to be the talk of the town. The Conductor will put her on top.

#4 Mehdaayih (30/1) – She isn’t in the same class as the other Euros.

#5 Donjah (30/1) – Read the line above.

*#6 Lord North (8/1) – The Conductor will forgive his last effort over the soft going. He fits with the contenders.

#7 United (8/1) – The California competition he’s been facing is very weak. No thanks.

#8 Red King (20/1) – Read the line above.

#9 Channel Maker (5/1) – He’s found good form going to the front in his last two starts. But again, he’s been facing much weaker.

*#10 Mogul (4/1) – An improving 3-year-old, he showed an impressive burst last time and has major upside. He can’t be ignored.

Picks: 3 – 2 – 10 – 6

Breeders’ Cup Distaff Picks and Analysis

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A group of racehorses competing on a dirt track during a horse race.

Breeders’ Cup Distaff time. Skip.

Saturday, November 7 – Race 10: 1 1/8 Mile. F.G1 Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff

#1 Ce Ce (12/1) – This is the least competitive race Saturday in the Conductor’s opinion. He’d be shocked if anyone other than #5 Swiss Skydiver or #10 Monomoy Girl won. This filly can’t compete with them.

*#2 Harvest Moon (12/1) – This is the filly with upside that the Conductor will key in the exacta. If one of the big girls doesn’t fire she can get in there. She continues to steadily progress and answer each tougher test.

breeders' cup distaff

#3 Dunbar Road (12/1) – She’s digressed this year, no thanks.

#4 Horologist (8/1) – You can’t knock her last effort, but she’ll be the likely 3rd choice and this is a different class of runners.

#5 Swiss Skydiver (2/1) – This filly’s stretch run in the Preakness will make your hair stand up. She can take down Monomoy Girl unless the Preakness took too much out of her.

#6 Lady Kate (15/1) – She’ll set the early pace and then get engulfed.

#7 Point of Honor (30/1) – This girl has let the Conductor down too many times. However, she’ll be flying late and can round out the trifecta.

#8 Valiance (8/1) – Another possible candidate for 3rd. She is improving and ran very well last time over this Keeneland surface.

#9 Ollie’s Candy (10/1) – This mare always runs well and is chandelier. She hates the winners circle, 3rd at best.

*#10 Monomoy Girl (8/5) – Gun to head the Conductor thinks she’ll beat Swiss Skydiver, but he’s hoping for a showdown. She’s fresh and never loses.

Picks: 10 – 5 – 2

Breeders’ Cup Mile Picks and Analysis

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Two racehorses competing in a race at the Breeders' Cup event on a grassy track.

Breeders’ Cup Mile time, Skip.

Saturday, November 7 – Race 9: 1 Mile. (Turf) G1 FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile

#1 Circus Maximus (12/1) – This colt is going the wrong direction and the Conductor won’t use him.

#2 Kameko (6/1) – He draws well and the Conductor thinks he’s the most likely of the European contingent. He’s best at a mile and has a strong kick.

#3 Lope Y Fernandez (30/1) – The Conductor thinks he’ll improve with the added distance and may be able to grab 3rd at a big price.

#4 Siskin (15/1) – He’s another shipper that isn’t progressing. He won’t be used.

*#5 Digital Age (8/1) – He’s the Conductor’s 2nd choice in here. He ran very well to win the turf classic last time, which the Conductor thinks was a very fast race. He looks to get another good trip and is 2/2 at the distance.

#6 Safe Voyage (15/1) – This old man is a hard knocker and wouldn’t surprise the Conductor. The Ductor doesn’t see him winning though.

#7 Casa Creed (20/1) – He’s not good enough.

#8 March to the Arch (15/1) – He ran very well closing into a slow pace at Woodbine last time. His last two races have been strong, but his form in the states prior hasn’t been great. Watch to see how Starship Jubilee runs in the Filly and Mare turf and adjust accordingly.

#9 One Master (12/1) – If you use Safe Voyage, you must use One Master. Again, he can win but the Conductor prefers others.

#10 Halladay (12/1) – He ran well last time, although he set fast fractions all the speed horses held up. He won’t be able to clear #13 Factor This, so the Conductor won’t use him.

#11 Ivar (4/1) – Lol at the morning line. He was visually impressive last race, but got a nice trip with the flow. He can win this race but if he’s 4/1 with an outside draw you can’t bet him.

#12 Uni (5/1) – Looking to beat the boys again this year, she’s another that wouldn’t surprise the Conductor. However, he doesn’t think she’s as good as last year and she’ll have to really earn it.

*Gullet Shot of the Day #13 Factor This (8/1) – He draws a tough post, but he’s the Conductor’s top pick in here. Halladay is the only other speed and he has the option to clear him or sit right to his outside. He’s the one they’ll all have to catch turning for home.

breeders' cup mile

#14 Raging Bull (8/1) – He’ll drop to the back of the pack and make one run. The Conductor can’t see him passing them all though.

Picks: 13 – 5 – 2

Breeders’ Cup Sprint Picks and Analysis

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A racehorse with a jockey wearing a white and orange uniform riding at a racetrack.

Breeders’ Cup Sprint time, Let’s Ride.

Saturday, November 7 – Race 8: 6 Furlongs. G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint

#1 Echo Down (20/1) – This is one of the weakest sprint fields in recent memory, but it leaves it open for the Conductor to make some real money on some prices. This colt isn’t one of them, he’d be a surprise.

#2 C Z Rocket (7/2) – He’s become a new animal in the Peter Miller barn (shocker). He can absolutely win this race but at a short price the Conductor doesn’t love him in his  toughest challenge to date.

*Gullet Shot of the Day #3 Collusion Illusion (20/1)

A Grade 1 winner, he finished behind C Z Rocket last time, but he got a sneaky weird trip stuck inside and galloped out in front. The Conductor sees Prat putting in a good spot early and he has every chance in this open rendition of the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

Breeders' Cup sprint

#4 Bon Raison (30/1) – He got a favorable trip last time in a race that melted down. He’s not a Grade 1 horse.

#5 Manny Wah (30/1) – The exact same notes as Bon Raison.

#6 Frank’s Rockette (10/1) – This filly is taking on the boys today and this is a good spot to do it. She can scoot and wouldn’t shock him. Does he love her? No.

#7 Whitmore (15/1) – This old man is a warrior and will be running late with a hot pace in front. However, his last few races haven’t been great and he’ll only be used underneath.

*#8 Firenze Fire (8/1) – The Conductor is a big fan of this horse and he has a major chance to win. The only concern is that all his best races are at Belmont.

#9 Empire of Gold (30/1) – He won’t get as favorable of a trip as he did last time. No thanks.

#10 Yaupon (7/2) – Taking on older males for the first time, this boy will rocket to the front. He has the most upside in the field and could put on a show, but he hasn’t beaten anyone yet. In his first real test at a short price coming in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, the Conductor is leaning against him.

#11 Diamond Oops (8/1) – He’s a very cool, versatile horse that always runs his race. Can he win? Sure, but he’s not a true Grade 1 sprinter.

#12 Hog Creek Hustle (30/1) – He’ll be closing late, but he’s not good enough to get into the exacta.

#13 Jasper Prince (30/1) – A Japanese sprinter with inconsistent form? Pass.

#15 Lasting Legacy (30/1) – It will be tough to work out any sort of trip from here.

Picks: 3 – 8 – 2 – 10

Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf Picks and Analysis

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Two racehorses competing closely with jockeys during a horse racing event.

Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf time, Let’s Ride.

Saturday, November 7 – Race 7: 1 3/8 Mile. (Turf) F.G1 Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf

#1 Starship Jubilee (10/1) – There are many awesome, gutsy, mares in this group and she is one of them. She beat the boys up at Woodbine last time. She wouldn’t surprise the Conductor, but he prefers others.

*#2 Sistercharlie (6/1) – This mare may have lost a step, but she hasn’t had pace to run at in her two starts this year. With a 14-horse field, she should get a fair chance to win this race again and the Conductor can’t wait to watch her try. If she can go out on top, the Conductor will be part of it, especially at a decent price.

#3 Peaceful (12/1) – This filly is well meant, but she’s coming off a poor effort and this is a lot to ask. The Conductor is against her.

#4 Mean Mary (7/2) – She was very game in defeat in the Diana, but she did have a favorable trip setting a slow pace. The Conductor can’t see her turning the tables on Rushing Fall.

#5 My Sister Nat (12/1) – The Conductor is tossing every runner in here exiting the Flower Bowl. He doesn’t think it was a very strong race.

*#6 Rushing Fall (5/2)

Most of the Conductor’s play will go through this classy mare. She should sit a similar trip today right on Mean Mary’s hip and get first run on the closers.

Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf

#7 Terebellum (20/1) – She showed a nice burst last time, but tired quickly. The Conductor thinks this is too much to ask.

#8 Mucho Unusual (30/1) – This isn’t California turf. No chance.

#9 Harvey’s Lil Goil (20/1) – The Conductor is a fan of this filly, but she gets the acid test today vs older. The Conductor doesn’t think she’s there yet.

#10 Civil Union (12/1) – Flower Bowl? Chuck.

#11 Audarya (12/1) – This is the European the Conductor likes most in here. She’s in good form and is exiting a very tough race where she ran well.

#12 Lady Prancealot (30/1) – No chance

#13 Nay Lady Nay (20/1) – Flower Bowl? Toss.

#14 Cayenne Pepper (8/1) – She ran very well last time with a favorable trip. It will be very hard for her to work out a trip from this post.

Picks: 6 – 2 – 11

Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile Picks and Analysis

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Racehorse Golden Cents with jockey racing at a horse track, showcasing speed and agility during a competition.

Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile time, Skip.

Saturday, November 7 – Race 6: 1 Mile. G1 Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile

*#1 Art Collector (6/1) – This is one of the Conductor’s favorite races on Saturday. Almost no horse would shock him, but he has three horses he really likes, and this colt is on top of that list. He had him in the Preakness and he didn’t fire a great effort. However, he had a hiccup before the derby and the Conductor doesn’t think he showed his true self. He likes him cutting back to a sprint and his two bullet works entering Saturday.

breeders' cup dirt mile

#2 Sharp Samurai (15/1) – He seems to run his race and hit the board regardless of distance and surface. He doesn’t like to win though, and the Conductor can’t see it against this group.

*#3 Silver Dust (30/1) – The Conductor will use him underneath at a big number, maaaaybe as a backup on top. He’s another consistent runner and ran well last time with a tough trip. He doesn’t love the winners circle.

#4 War of Will (10/1) – A Grade 1 winner on turf and dirt, he’s a contender in this field but the Conductor is leaning against him. He’s better on turf.

*#5 Knicks Go (7/2) – This colt has become a new animal in the Cox barn (shocker). Setting the record last time, the Conductor sees him burying the other speed horses. He’s a must use.

#6 Mr. Money (20/1) – He ran a big race last time pressing a hot pace. The Conductor just doesn’t think he’s good enough.

#7 Rushie (20/1) – Another last race the Conductor can’t knock and this colt wouldn’t shock the Conductor. However, he doesn’t look fast enough.

#8 Pirate’s Punch (20/1) – The Conductor is a fan of this horse and he has wicked early speed. He is up against the pace scenario in here and the Conductor can’t see him getting a winning trip.

#9 Mr Freeze (6/1) – He was very game last time in the Fayette at the expense of the Conductor.

He can win, but at a short price the Conductor won’t use him. He’ll likely win just to haunt his dreams.

#10 Complexity (2/1) – He is a big play against for the Conductor as the favorite. He’s going to have to deal with a hot pace and in his lone try at two turns he’s still running.

#11 Jesus’ Team (30/1) – This colt nabbed 3rd at 40/1 in the Preakness to light up the tri. He could clunk up for 3rd again, but no better.

*#12 Owendale (8/1) – This is the perfect spot for this colt, shortening in distance and dropping to the back of the back early while the leaders duke it out. His best race came at Keeneland last year and he’s the Conductor’s favorite closer in here.

Picks: 1 – 12 – 5 – 3