The Jeff Ruby Steaks would be the lesser of the two Kentucky Derby Prep races Saturday in terms of talent, but Derby qualifying points available are the same.
The race is set for the 12th on the Turfway Park crowd and a 3:25 p.m. PDT post-time.
Here is a look at the field.
- Calling Card (Michael Maker trainer, Adam Beschizza jockey) has flamed out in a pair of Derby preps, running eighth in the Lecomte in January at the Fair Grounds, then seventh beat 13 lengths in the Gotham in early March at Aqueduct. Unless something totally unexpected takes place, this one is not a Derby runner.
- Charlie’s to Blame (Peter Eurton, Juan Hernandez) ran three maiden races in Southern California, breaking in December at Del Mar. Shipped back east to Gulfstream and wired the field in a $100,000 stake on February 1. Comes back in this spot and has yet to be nominated for the Triple Crown series. Has won his two starts on turf courses and now comes to an artificial surface. I am going to say take a long look at the tote as this spot doesn’t make a ton of sense or than to take shot at the Derby.
- California Burrito (Thomas Drury, Irving Moncada) pulled off what I considered a moderate upset when the connections took the Battaglia right here on Feb. 22. Now fires back here sitting on a two-race winning streak over the track. If he hits the top two here and he finds himself at Churchill for the first Saturday in May. He has wired the field in the last two.
- Final Gambit (Brad Cox, Luan Machado) broke maiden over the track on Feb. 15. Now fires back here for the first start against winners. Gutsy move for the big barn to take a shot here but he is a deep closer and should get some back to run at.
- Flying Mohawk (Whitworth Beckman, Joseph Ramos) came off a three-month break to win a $100, 000 optional claimer on Jan. 30 at the Fair Grounds on the turf. He has been off since then and will make his comeback with the first start not on the turf. Not sure why here other than to take a flyer.
- Baby Max (Kelsey Danner, Abel Cedillo) was the beaten favorite in the Battaglia but did finish second after a solid effort throughout. Seems to be at his best when he stalks the pace before moving in the lane. Puts the blinkers on here.
- Giocoso (Keith Desormeaux, Jaime Torres) started okay in the Risen Star back in mid-February but then proceeded to go backwards and finished 12th and last in the race. That was the first start since early Noivember and obviously needed one. Wasn’t a bad horse last year and every reason to expect improvement. The Risen Star was probably tougher than this spot so a better finish could be in the offering.
- Innovator (D Wayne Lukas, Nik Juarez) went out early in the Rebel then went nowhere positive, finishing 12th beaten over 20 lengths back on Feb. 23. Was third in the Lecomte in early January at 16/1. Only one win in nine starts but has run second four times.
- Poster (Eoin Harty, John Velazquez) is a series one to watch. He was third in the Sam Davis, following a win in the Remsen. He has three wins in four career starts and was second in the other. Connections are very legit and will likely be the betting favorite. Major player.
- Maximum Promise (Kenny McPeak, Frankie Dettori) was third in the Battaglia finishing behind two other horses entered here. Deep closer could find this pace to his liking but he is not the only late runner here.
- Curvino (Peter Miller, Gerado Corrales) took until his seventh starts to break and that came after he was moved from straight maiden to open maiden. Yet to see a graded race and haven’t seen the winner’s circle other than the maiden win.
- He’s Not Joking (Josie Carroll, Rafeal Hernandez) was fifth in the Holy Bull at Gulfstream and will find this a softer spot. His best races have been when he has stalked the pace so he could be key here in keeping the pace honest. Could be the friend of the deep closers.
By Dennis Miller