Hot EP

 Lane's End Stakes (gr. 2) Thoughts

I have been aching for a Rock Hard Ten to really show himself to be a Derby contender, because I LOVE Rock Hard Ten! I want his first 3YO crop to have representation in the Run for the Roses. So Doubles Partner (by Rock Hard Ten, Serena's Sister by Rahy) will be a major favorite of mine in this race.

Let's not forget what Doubles Partner did recently in race 8 at Gulfstream on Feb. 17th. He beat his fellow Rock Hard Ten -- Krypton, who I was cheering to win. Oh and who else was in that race that Doubles Partner beat? Lentenor. Any other factors I will consider? Well, this Gulfstream race I mentioned was a turf race and the Lane's End Stakes will be on synthetic. Turf qualities should have a slight advantage.

Northern Giant or Connemara...both are by Giant's Causeway and I struggle to pick one Giant's Causeway to route for. Maybe we should just hype the Pletcher vs Lukas angle and have friends/colleagues battling for Derby bragging rights on the track?

I will also be shouting for Kettle River (by Congaree). My angle with Kettle River is simple...I am a fan of Congaree's offspring. Dean's Kitten is definitely one to watch in the Lane's End Stakes. As the litter of Kitten's Joys are proving themselves worthy of full attention.

Louisiana Derby (gr. 2) thoughts

I will give you three horses and only three.

Drosselmeyer - 6-2-2-1
Ron the Greek - 5-3-0-0
Hotep - 5-2-0-0
AP Indy + Eye of the Sphynx, by Smart Strike (by Mr Prospector) = Awesome

I'm not referring to strictly their records or that these horses are proven. I really want to see these three horses do well in this race. I doubt all three will earn enough cash to move into the Kentucky Derby, but one can wish. 

Movie Trailer for Bubba Hotep. I am a Bruce Campbell fan, so here is a homage to both Hotep and Bruce Campbell.

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Jedi Games won a race recently and is one of my Star Wars horses I follow. Here is a shout out to him.