The Holy Bull has a strong tradition of producing Kentucky Derby starters with a runner from the Holy Bull running in the Kentucky Derby every year since 2009. This year’s field has some promising runners and lightly raced horses ready to take a step up in class for the lucrative $350,000 purse.
Contenders:
Enticed is the likely post-time favorite. The son of Medaglia d’Oro started his career with a come from behind win in spring at Saratoga. The Champagne featured a steady pace and Enticed was bounced around in a full field and was running late to finish third, he did not end with a burst of energy, and it may look better on paper than in the flesh. His effort in the grade II Kentucky Jockey Club featured a strong closing kick and a hard-earned victory over Tiz Mischief.
Tiz Mischief makes his three-year-old debut off a serious of mighty works at Gulfstream over the past few weeks. This sleek son of Into Mischief purchased for a bargain price of $55,000 has opened up his career with four substantial efforts. His best race may have been a maiden win when taken off the pace was able to make up ground and post a runaway victory at Keeneland over a stable field.
Audible posted a convincing win at Aqueduct and earned a high-speed figure in that victory that gave him a shot at the Holy Bull field. The son of Into Mischief out of a Gilden Time mare had a speedy pedigree and was purchased for $500,000. The two-time winner has been improving, and a repeat of his allowance win gives him a shot on the engine in this race.
Free Drop Billy trained like Tarzan and ran like Jane in the Breeders Cup Juvenile. Son of Union Rags dominated a Grade 1 at Keeneland in the Futurity and was only a neck behind the talented Sporting Chance in the Hopeful. Steady work patters since January sixth, but with only four works, I would not be surprised to see him scratch in this spot. He did have the rail most of the way, and that may have contributed to a 29 length drubbing by Good Magic. With some muddied up form, maybe live on the odds board.
Fair Odds
Enticed – 5/1
Tiz Mischief – 7/2
Audible – 5/1
Free Drop Billy 7/1
The Selection:
Enticed is the morning line favorite. I’m against him in this spot and feel Tiz Mischief is the play, based on running style, recent works and trainer intent to run a big race off the bench. Free Drop Billy may be the overlay based on sub-par effort in Breeders Cup.