The Fair Grounds in Louisiana starts the Road to Kentucky Derby which is one of three preps for Churchill Downs. The Risen Star and Louisiana Derby follow later down in the bayou.
Contenders:
Zing Zang improved sharply in a third-lifetime start and the son of Tapit has the right trainer in Steve Asmussen who has done the best work with Tapits as they are “Quirky” and many of them are head cases. He was bet down in his first two outings and was the benefit of a pace collapse in the most recent race, but Beyer speed figure of 80 was a big jump up from previous two races.
Instilled Regard changed running styles in last race and faced two classy runners in Solomini and McKinzie who came back to win last week at 2/5 in the Sham Stakes. Showed raw speed in debut chasing Mourinho home in a swiftly run maiden race. Son of Arch has distance on the male side and forestry adds speed on the female side. Class comes from the female family. With a Beyer speed figure of 92 that is the highest number in the field. I think they want to continue to rate this horse and Javier Castellano ships in to ride this
Prince Guilherme is the morning line favorite at 5/2. I’m assuming he is hammered at the windows with a Beyer speed figure of 91 in his most recent start. Brought out the Adrian Peterson “Whoopin Stick” in his debut blowing away a Churchill maiden race by 6 + lengths, then sat chilly in last race with moderate fractions and ran them off their feet. A win in this race and he most likely a top 3 favorite in pool two of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager pool.
Fair Odds Line:
Prince Guilherme 7/5
Installed Regard 7/2
Zing Zang 14/1
The Selection:
Principe Guilherme has not been touched in both his blowout wins. Lightly raced colt is making his third lifetime start and his form, speed, class and recent workout say he’s going to make some noise in this spot.