posted April 13, 2007 at 16:43 in Triple Crown Articles

Saturday brings about the last true Kentucky Derby Prep races, with the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland and the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park. The Blue Grass drew a small field with a pair of overwhelming favorites. Let’s take a closer look at the Blue Grass Stakes.

$750,000 Toyota Blue Grass

(1) Zanjero - Deep closer has completed the trifecta in his last two starts behind Derby contenders Notional and Circular Quay. Should run well given the current track profile but it’s tough to see him beating both of the favorites if they are on their game.

(2) Dominican - Big effort to win the Rushaway (100k) at Turfway Park in his first start of the year but now he’s asked to come right back in three weeks and run even faster. Gelding clearly has some class and ability but this may be asking too much. Would actually like him more next time in the Derby if able to get in, but that’s not likely unless he runs 1-2 today.

 

(3) Love Dubai - Trailed throughout in the Illinois Derby last Saturday so him running in this race at all is very questionable. He does get lasix for the first time but hardly think that is enough to overcome his 31-length defeat against easier last time out.

(4) Street Sense - Left nothing the tank in winning the Tampa Bay Derby in his first start of the year and has worked according to plan sense. Could very well win again today but still have a feeling he “bounces” here or in Louisville. The one to beat, but not necessarily the one to bet.

(5) Time Squared - Surprise entry given the fact that he just broke maiden on opening day, and earned a very low Beyer to boot. Still, Biancone elected to run him over the more accomplished Belgravia and that says something given trainer’s record at the meet. Will use him in the gimmicks at a big price.

(6) Teuflesberg - Will be making his 15th start today, five more than anyone else in the field. Upset Officer Rocket and Hard Spun in the Southwest Stakes two starts back when allowed an easy lead. No doubt the controlling speed here but the track hasn’t been playing to his style. Nevertheless, they have to catch him.

(7) Great Hunter - Possibly the most talented of four Derby contenders for Doug O’Neill. Shipped into Keeneland and won the Breeders Futurity last Fall, defeating Circular Quay and Street Sense. I’ll give him the nod today simply because the price will be better.

Selections: (7) Great Hunter, (4) Street Sense, (5) Time Squared, (6) Teuflesberg

Joey Adams has been a public handicapper since 1994, and has spent time on the backstretch with several of the brightest trainers in the game. He is co-host of Down the Stretch, a weekly radio program where he and host Don Knobel talk with the biggest names and handicap the biggest races. Joey is a handicapper for the Daily Racing Form and you can find his daily selections and analysis at www.triplecrownselections.com.

You may not recognize the face, but by now you should recognize the name.

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