Oklahoma Derby Preview

There are nine probable entries for the race at the moment.  Here is the run down of what is looking to be an extremely entertaining race.

– Willy Beamin

The winner of six in row is coming off his biggest win by far; a half-length win in the Grade 1 King’s Bishop Stakes.  The run this horse is on is incredible.  He was claimed for $25,000 in March, which makes it even more amazing.  To add to that, he won two stakes in THE SAME WEEK at Saratoga; winning the Albany on a Wednesday and the King’s Bishop on a Saturday.  This will be his first race outside the state of New York which might be the only question mark on him.  He’ll be the deserving morning line favorite, and should have a major say in the outcome of this race.

– Speightcity

Speightcity exits the Travers Stakes where he set the early pace,  but faded to finish eighth.  Trainer Gary Contessa hasn’t been shy about where this horse has been spotted, and I would consider this spot to actually be some class relief for the colt.  I look for him to get more a stalking trip this time, and if the price is right he’s worth a solid look.  Anytime a classy colt like this runs in an ungraded stakes you should take notice.

– Daddy Nose Best

Remember when this guy was the “wise guy” pick to win the Kentucky Derby?  Turns out that wasn’t all that wise.  He was terrible in that race, and followed it up with another bomb in the Preakness.  They tried turf with him next time, and he was only beaten three-quarters of a length in the American Derby at Arlington.  He was scheduled for turf again, but the race came off and he finished a well beaten third.  Now he’s going to try dirt again, and honestly I have mixed feelings on his chances.  Considering he’ll probably be bet pretty hard, he may not be the greatest of plays.

– Politicallycorrect

This is a pretty good spot for Politicallycorrect, but I still question if he’s good enough to actually win the race.  When you look at his PP’s you can see he’s been competitive in races of this caliber, but he never has been able to win one.  This is probably a horse you should use underneath.

– Called to Serve

This one looks to be a late-blooming type horse, and much like Politcallycorrect this spot it perfect for him.  His run in the West Virginia Derby caught my attention as he came from way out of it to finish a solid third.  The race was not an “all world” field, but Called to Serve still showed us something.  I’m not sure he can win, but he’s another horse that you have to take a look at if playing exotics.

– Prospective

Yet another horse that I feel like is spotted perfectly.  Just one look over his past races makes this horse very simple to understand.  When facing Grade 3 type horses he’s really good, and when he moves up to Grade 1 or 2’s he can’t hang with the big dogs.  The Oklahoma Derby is ungraded, but I would call this field Grade 3 caliber horses for the most part.  So look for him to be very competitive on Sunday.

– Diamond Joe

He may not win the race, but he’s hard not to root for.  This Nebraska bred has won nine straight races, including an allowance at Remington Park last time out.  Most of his other wins have come against weaker Nebraska bred company, but don’t let that fool you…this horse is talented.  Do I think he’s going to win?  Not really.  Do I hope he wins?  Yes, no question.  If you don’t have a strong feeling about this race and just want to throw a few bucks on a fun horse at a good price, this is your guy!

– Hero of Order

Can we call the Louisiana Derby a fluke now?  Hero of Order has really struggled since that race, and I don’t think this race will prove to be much different.  Just how bad has he struggled?  In his six races after the Louisiana Derby he’s been beaten by a combined 73 lengths.

– Master Rick

I actually like this Asmussen entry better than Daddy Nose Best, but I still am not sure if his chances of winning are all that good.  The horse enjoyed the Oaklawn surface this spring, but hasn’t been all that successful since.  His last race is the one positive to build on however.  After being beaten soundly in three straight stakes, he finished third in the Super Derby, beaten five lengths.  He showed a little life in that one, so maybe an on the board finish is possible here.