Aqueduct | Race 4 | Post Time 2:33 p.m. (ET)
Fade to Grey (#6) will likely inherit the favorite's role after the scratch of Tipple. She earned one of the fastest TimeformUS Speed Figures in this field last time, but that was over a muddy track. She's generally run her better races around two turns, and figures to get another wide trip from this outside post. She's obviously a contender, but I didn't want to settle for a short price on her.
Slim stakes pickings this Saturday, something that will not be said again until April 26. We’ll try to scrape something together.
Whitmore
The score stands at Tejano Twist 4, Miles Ahead 0, but I’ll guess Miles Ahead finally takes the measure of Oaklawn sprint kingpin Tejano Twist.
These two hardly rate as the only plausible Whitmore winners.
Happy Is a Choice might have suffered slight second-back regression in the King Cotton, but this horse, from this vantage point, looks maxed out and will prove a half-notch inferior even at his best.
GOODNIGHT NELLIE
Trainer: Andy Mathis
Last race: March 7, 3rd
Finish: 1st by 3 1/2
Beyer: 63
Debut 4-year-old filly broke last in Cal-bred maiden-claiming sprint, sped to midpack, took dirt, angled three wide, ran away. Nice win despite start, fits in starter allowance.
ANDREADYTORUMBLE
Trainer: Andy Mathis
Last race: March 8, 1st
Finish: 6th by 17 1/4
Beyer: 51
Winter trickles along, decent racing weekends here and there, then suddenly it’s March. Derby preps pop up weekly. Keeneland right around the corner, just behind it, Churchill Downs, the Triple Crown. Buckle up.
Tampa Bay Derby
Were Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna not making her comeback at Oaklawn, Tampa Bay would attract all the eyes Saturday. Every stakes on their card holds appeal, an excellent program culminating in the meet’s most important race.
GENTLEMEN’S CLUB
Trainer: Craig Lewis
Last race: March 1, 1st
Finish: 2nd by 3 1/2
Beyer: 77
California-bred 4-year-old improved as first-time gelding. Lagged near rear, rallied three wide, finished well, best race of his career. Fits in statebred N1X or N2L starter.
