The Risen Star just might have the Derby winner in it’s field. It looks like a tough race and stronger than some of the Grade 1 races for this age group. #8 Pyro would be a Derby favorite in many years with his come-from-behind style and Beyers of 100 and 105 in his two starts going a mile or further, but this year, he is only second fiddle. If horses do recognize each other, Pyro should let out a sigh of relief in the paddock when he doesn’t see War Pass. This time, if he’s “too little too late” once again, people may begin his seconditis isn’t just due to the brilliant speed of War Pass. #11 Z Fortune, his stablemate, is the most likely to upset him. He likely will get running a bit sooner than Pyro, and therefore have first jump. #3 Visionaire has improved quite a bit in each start, and if that continues, look out. It’s a huge test of class for this horse here. #9 Signature Move is the polytrack wildcard. Post horses numbers improve when they switch from poly to real dirt, and I expect the same will be true of Signature Move. Still, even a 10-point improvement only puts him 3rd or 4th in this race. Another thing that may help him is that all the top rated horses in this race are closers. He could steal this. A slow or moderate pace would also help Prince Cortez, who could surprise people here. The other horse the pace would help is Unbridled Vicar. He doesn’t appear fast enough to win, but always gives an honest effort.
$2 tri Pyro/Z Fortune over
Pyro/Z Fortune/Signature Move/Visionaire
over
Pyro/Z Fortune/Signature Move/Visionaire/Blackberry Road/Prince Cortez
(2×3x4=$48)
$2 tri Signature Move/Pyro/Z Fortune
total: $50