By J. Keeler Johnson ("Keelerman") Twitter: @J_Keelerman The stage is set. The horses are ready. The question is, are the handicappers ready? The 143 rd running of the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) is the culmination...
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This has been a day I have dreaded for a while. There is a finality about announcing your final selections and wagers that hits you like the proverbial ton of bricks. For months, you’re coming up with...
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1 Always Dreaming Todd Pletcher Bodemeister —Above Perfection, by In Excess There has been concern about his over-aggressiveness in the morning, especially throwing his wildly in the air. Draw reins were...
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A look at recent Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) dirt prep races in the United States could determine if any potential bias toward a particular running style on the main track existed on particular...
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Racing fans who were not around before the 1980s may find it difficult to appreciate just how much the dynamics of the Kentucky Derby have changed since then and how much more difficult the race is to...
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By J. Keeler Johnson ("Keelerman") Twitter: @J_Keelerman One of the most important factors to consider when handicapping the Kentucky Derby is the pace of the race. Correctly determining how fast or slow...
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1 Always Dreaming Todd Pletcher Bodemeister —Above Perfection, by In Excess I’m not interested in bouncing, Pletcher’s Derby record, a speed-favoring track in the Florida Derby, and his slow allowance...
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Considering Todd Pletcher will have one of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) favorites in Florida Derby (G1) winner Always Dreaming and several other promising starters in this year's Louisville...
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1 Always Dreaming Todd Pletcher Bodemeister —Above Perfection, by In Excess Boy, is it close up at the top. But rather than keep switching the No. 1 horse every few weeks based on the latest big-race winner...
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The major preps are over. Now the anticipation begins. Time to call the car rental office and reserve a car, hoping it drives well enough to make the 11 1/2-hour trek to Louisville somewhere between tolerable...
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