Joe Drape’s win-place-show picks: Classic Empire, Conquest Mo Money, Always Dreaming
Melissa Hoppert’s picks: Classic Empire, Always Dreaming, Cloud Computing
Here’s how we see the field:
Trainer: Brendan Walsh Jockey: Joel Rosario Odds: 30-1
Drape: He found his running shoes, winning his last two, including the Illinois Derby in April.
Trainer: Todd Pletcher Jockey: John Velazquez Odds: 4-5
Drape: I always root for the Derby winner, but this one looks a bit like the barn’s 2010 Derby champion, Super Saver.
Trainer: Chad Brown Jockey: Javier Castellano Odds: 12-1
Drape: This one is going to attract betting money because of the trainer-jockey combo, but
that is not a prudent investment for a colt whose only win was a maiden sprint.
Trainer: Ken McPeek Jockey: Channing Hill Odds: 30-1
Drape: Another closer that might clunk up for fourth place.
Trainer: Doug O’Neill Jockey: Jose Ortiz Odds: 30-1
Drape: The colt has not won since November, but they sent him here for a reason.