Hinsdale Greyhound Park

Our OTB Scribe Remembers The Final Call To Post For A Longtime New England Jockey

Kentucky Derby Future Wager

Pool #1 (Thursday, Jan. 26-Sunday, Jan. 29)

Analysis by T.D. Thornton

1: A.P. Warrior (20-1) Has toughed it out against top West Coasters, but has only beaten the B-level foes.

2: Achilles of Troy (30-1) Gaudy 14-length win and 104 Beyer against minor stakes field at Aqueduct.

3: Barbaro (20-1) Undefeated 3-for-3 lifetime, but all wins were on the turf, and the Derby ain’t run on grass.

4: Barbican (30-1) Stylishly bred colt has matured nicely in early stages of season; circled field to win last.

5: Blazing Rate (30-1) This Calder-based colt really doesn’t seem to have the credentials to keep company with most on this list.

6: Bluegrass Cat (20-1) Won two top NY stakes to round out his 2YO season for champion trainer; logical play.

7: Bob And John (20-1) Although his speed figure does not reflect it, allowance win on Jan. 20 was quite visually impressive.

8: Brother Derek (10-1) Is quickly winning converts as a versatile colt after gritty win against Stevie Wonderboy.

9: Cause to Believe (20-1) Has plenty of minor stakes seasoning but 2^nd behind lone speed in San Miguel not as strong as it might seem.

10: Doctor Decherd (15-1) Shows speed and is bred to run middle distances; not confident he’ll progress as races get longer & tougher.

11: First Samurai (10-1) Favored in the Breeders’ Cup but unraced since; too short a price on morning line to like this far out from Derby.

12: Flashy Bull (30-1) Took five tries to break maiden but then was longshot second behind Bluegrass Cat in Remsen; yet to race in ’06.

13: Half Ours (20-1) Yet to lose at 2-for-2, but injury has kept him sidelined since way back in May ’05; top gun Pletcher trains.

14: Henny Hughes (20-1) Has kept top company in national stakes, but suffers from second-itis after being runner-up in last three.

15: High Cotton (20-1) Broke his maiden last fall then opted for lower-graded stakes action instead of Breeders’ Cup; yet to race since.

16: Itsallboutthechase (20-1) One-run closer from way off the tailgate doesn’t seem to have the speed numbers to belong with best.

17: Keyed Entry (30-1) Fast wire-to-wire allowance win during opening week at Gulfstream says he might be legit at a price.

18: Lawyer Ron (20-1) Most heavily raced of the entrants (11 starts) appears to be sort who has already peaked after so-so score in Louisiana.

19: Point Determined (30-1) This year’s early season “now” horse from the Baffert barn is fast, but can he last?

20: Private Vow (15-1) Will get plenty of play after his bridle broke in the BC Juvenile, but word has it he’s a little bit off form and won’t start ‘til March.

21: Sorcerer’s Stone (30-1) Could be a big-priced sleeper based on some better-than-looks form from Chicago last summer.

22: Stevie Wonderboy (8-1) Will get all the action based on name recognition alone, thus the 2YO champ and winner of BC Juvenile is underlaid at anything less than 20-1.

23: Your Tent Or Mine (15-1) Bettors will say he’s got sprinting pedigree not suited to Derby, but this colt was a true professional at age two and could be any kind.

24: Field Wager—All Other 3YO’s (4-1) This will be the overwhelming favorite at closing odds, but don’t dismiss the short price because there are plenty of unranked sleepers out there—Dr. Pleasure, Music School, Really Indian and Royal Legacy—to make this a money-in-the-bank type of investment.