The Holy Bull (G2) at Gulfstream Park is when the Kentucky Derby trail really starts to heat up. Of course other points races have already been run, but by now it is safe to say that the 2014 Derby winner has broken his/her maiden. From here on out only the best three-year-olds will be squaring off against one another. With the limited number of Derby preps these sophomores are forced to run in now, we can slowly begin to weed out the impostures. This weekend is also when the Triple Crown nominations are released, giving us hundreds of colts, geldings and fillies to scour over as we try to decide who we want to target for our fantasy drafts/stables and/or pick out to place a future wager on. Buckle up and enjoy the ride because these next 100 days will be a roller coaster ride full of highs and lows as we approach that infamous first Saturday in May.
Cairo Prince leads a wide-open field of 11 entries that will load the gate in the Holy Bull and it is anyone's guess on which four will walk away with those luxurious Derby points on Saturday. With only two graded stakes winners entered and no two-year-old champion or Gulfstream Park Derby winner running, like last year, it will be interesting to see which three-year-old will take that next step forward and become a household name.
Since the last post was made, New Year's Day has been retired with an injury and Shared Belief was crowned two-year-old champ, despite no races on conventional dirt and skipping the Breeders' Cup.
Holy Bull (G2) 1 1/16m
1/25 Gulfstream Park 5:03 EST
1/25 Gulfstream Park 5:03 EST
7 Cairo Prince 3-1
Only graded stakes winner (on dirt) in here has been working lights out for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. Tough to gauge how good he might be after the mysterious Remsen last time out, but looks to be the best in this group.
1 Coup De Grace 4-1
Won an allowance race over the track to close out 2013 and tries to stay undefeated in his third career start. Making stakes debut and must overcome starting down along the rail. Son of Tapit should improve off last and is a threat to the top contender.
8 Wicked Strong 8-1
Just missed out in the Remsen and beat recent maiden winner Cool Samurai two starts back. One that could certainly surprise.
2 Financial Mogul 10-1
Just missed out in the Remsen and beat recent maiden winner Cool Samurai two starts back. One that could certainly surprise.
2 Financial Mogul 10-1
Got up for second in the Nashua (G2) after coming from the back of the pack and being forced to come five wide off the far turn. Could catch a piece of the board late.
$36 Holy Bull Bankroll
$12 W: 7
$12 W: 7
$2 EX BX: 7,1,8,2 = $24
*Struck out in the CashCall as Tap It Rich was still not ready to run with the big dogs. Only a matter of time before he shows his talent.
