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Bottom Line
G1 Arkansas Derby - Saturday, 4/14, Oaklawn
With a wild-horse final furlong, BODEMEISTER literally re-broke in the stretch like only special horses do and blew away a deep cast, though not one laced with G1-types behind him. Still, from post 11 in just the 4th career start, this is something part-Curlin, part-Smarty Jones from Arkansas Derbies past. His foundation isn't deep for Derby success, but simply evaluating just this prep race, I call it the best run in America this year.
G1 Blue Grass Stakes - Saturday, 4/14, Keeneland
The race's two heavyweights on paper delivered that classic early-late punch to finish one-two as DULLAHAN galloped by HANSEN late to win a razor-sharp time, easily fastest ever in the Polytrack era. HANSEN went a bit too fast the first half-mile, but was plenty game in defeat in an effort that sets the top two up for legitimate discussion in the Kentucky Derby.
Sat 4/28
Churchill
tbd
G3 Derby Trial
Complete Wynn Las Vegas Derby Futures Odds As of April 24, 2012
LUCKY 7 LEADERS AT WYNN LAS VEGAS
1.
Union Rags
9-2
Bodemeister
9-2
3.
Gemologist
7-1
4.
Alpha
12-1
5.
Creative Cause
12-1
6.
Hansen
14-1
7.
El Padrino
15-1
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Apr. 14 G1 Blue Grass Hansen sizzles early, Dullahan rolls late in sharp performance.
Apr. 14 G1 Arkansas Derby Bodemeister's final furlong is the stuff of stars.
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