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Overanalyze gets outside post, Repole calm// Entries for 4 other stakes// Odds set for Pool #2 of Kentucky Derby Future Wager// more…


Summary:
Entries were drawn for five Saturday races that could each carry Kentucky Derby implications. The obvious headliner is the Gotham (G3) at Aqueduct, which will award 50 Derby points to the winner. That amount will most likely guarantee a spot in the Kentucky Derby gate. Overanalyze is the best on paper, but will start from the far outside in a 12 horse field. Previews and a link to free PPs can be found below// Departing, scratched from last weekend’s Risen Star (G2) due to a bad post position is going with option B in the Texas Heritage Stakes at Sam Houston// The Gazebo Stakes at Oaklawn features a small but intriguing cast including impressive maiden winner Titletown Five, undefeated Colorado bred Get Happy Mister, and the former hyped allowance winner Malibu High// The John Battaglia Stakes at Turfway serves as a prep for the Spiral (G3) and drew horses that have raced in Arkansas, Louisiana, Illinois, New York, Florida, California and its own backyard// It’s tough seeing any of the contenders in the Swale (G3) being able to stretch out on the trail and make their way to Louisville for the Derby. It was already reported that Merit Man will scratch due to the post// Opening odds were announced for Pool #2 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager.  ‘All others’ are favored again at 3-1 with Verrazano and Super Ninety Nine the 10-1 co-favorites for individual selections. Overanalyze (15-1), Vyjack (30-1), and Titletown Five (30-1) are particularly susceptible to fluctuating odds following their performances this Saturday// A nice article from Paul Moran at ESPN on the “mystique” of the Kentucky Derby with fantastic observations from novelist John Steinbeck when he attended the race in 1956// There was a small outcry over a DRF story explaining the reasoning behind the Beyer speed figures given to last Saturdays stakes races at the Fair Grounds. Once you actually read the article it seems to make sense that final time alone does not tell the whole story// more…   


Articles:
Horse Racing’s top bachelor [Tapit] (The Wall Street Journal)


Rankings:
ESPN Top 10 (ESPN)
Jerry Bossert’s Top 15 (NY Daily News)
Top 10: Kevin’s best bets (Sports Chat Place)


Workouts:
Zeewat- GG- 4F- 49:60- H- 5/14
Pataky Kid- TB- 5F- 1.00:80- B- 1/6
Little Jerry- HOL- 5F- 1.00:80- H- 7/23


Quotes and Tweets:
"GP alw winner Capo Bastone headed to Rebel 3-16, with John Velazquez to ride, reports Aron Wellman of owner Eclipse Thoroughbreds"- Jay Privman via Twitter

Trainer Bob Hess Jr. says Merit Man almost certain to scratch out of Saturday's Swale after drawing post 2 ini 13 horse field” - Mike Welsch via Twitter