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The Derby Trial Stakes is no longer graded and is run at seven furlongs, but will still boast a talented and evenly matched field on Churchill Downs' opening day Saturday. Ten sophomore colts will face off, with the horse on the rail, Eaton's Gift, being one of the choices.
Eaton's Gift won the seven furlong Swale Stakes (gr. II) in February, then was off until finishing third in the Lafayette at Keeneland in April. The colt was well regarded as a two-year-old and is 3 for 6 lifetime for trainer Dale Romans.
He'll have to outrun the speedy Kodiak Kowboy for Steve Asmussen. A top rated two-year-old last year, Kodiak Kowboy won four of his first five and was third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I). This year he came back to win an allowance by six at Oaklawn, then ran a surprising fourth in the Lafayette. Asmussen also has the undefeated Zulu Magic, who breaks from the outside. The son of Johannesburg has won both of his starts at six furlongs.
Majestic Warrior was a Grade 1 winner last year as a two-year-old and is royally bred, but has bombed in all three starts this year for trainer Bill Mott. The cut back in distance (he won the Hopeful Stakes (gr. 1) over this trip last year) should help on Saturday.
Mark Casse's Turf War is trying to regain his two-year-old form as well. After winning the Delta Jackpot, he has been disappointing, running poorly in both starts this year, the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn (9th) and the Lane's End Stakes at Turfway Park (8th). Turf War is a son of Dixie Union.
Al Stall trains Iron Works Pike, a son of Five Star Day who broke his maiden at the Fair Grounds in December. He was second last out in a Keeneland allowance race over this distance of seven furlongs.
Dallas Stewart sends out Macho Again and Lemon Spice, who is coming off a 4 3/4 length allowance win at Oaklawn. Todd Pletcher's Fujita and Nick Zito's Da' Tara round out the field.
Saratoga
Saratoga opens for the 143rd year on Friday, July 22 for an outstanding 40-day meeting that includes over 50 stakes races and 17 Grade 1 races. The marquee event of the meeting is the $1 million Travers Stakes (G1) on Saturday, Aug. 27.
Michael Dempsey will be providing his full card selections throughout the meeting. Mike’s Reports include his selections, analysis, fair odds, and wagering recommendations for every race.
Get your day off to a good start with Michael’s Free Pick of the day from Saratoga.
For information on Saratoga including stakes information, wagering menu, post time information, and track layout Click Here.
Keeneland
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Churchill Downs
The spring/summer meeting at Churchill Downs gets underway on Saturday April 30, with 24 graded stakes on the betting menu. The marquee events are the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1).
Michael Dempsey will be providing Full Card Analysis for Churchill Downs from Friday through Sunday each week.
Each racing day Michael will be providing his Free Betting Selection of the day for Churchill Downs.
For information on Churchill Downs including stakes information, wagering menu, post time information, and track layout Click Here
Belmont Park
Racing in New York shifts to Belmont Park on Friday April 29 for the spring / summer meeting, which includes the Belmont Stakes (G1) on Saturday June 11.
Michael Dempsey will be providing Full Card Analysis for Belmont Park each racing day from Wednesday through Sunday.
Each racing day Michael will be providing his Free Betting Selection of the day for Belmont Park.
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Gulfstream Park
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Get Free Selections for Gulfstream Park from professional handicapper Brian Mulligan or purchase his highly rated selections by
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Aqueduct
For Aqueduct racing info including racing dates, stakes schedule, track layout and contact information, Click Here
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Daily past performances, track entries and race results.