Ed Sehon’s Wood Memorial and Santa Anita Derby Picks:
Veteran handicapper Ed Sehon, aka Mr. Ed, provides his best bets for today’s Kentucky Derby prep races: The Wood Memorial and the Santa Anita Derby.
Wood Memorial, Aqueduct, Race #12
Today’s the day trainer Rick Dutrow returns to the horseracing spotlight when his CAPTAIN COOK (3-2-0) captures the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct. The NY-based trainer who was suspended from the game for numerous violations of medication rules, only recently regained his training license. He has done an excellent job bringing CAPTAIN COOK up to today’s Kentucky Derby prep. His colt has won his last two with ease following a dull debut effort at Churchill Downs last November. The strapping 3YO has already proven his ability to go the distance (and Win in the slop). Top NY-circuit rider Manny Franco returns to the saddle following a bullet drill earlier in the week. Look for CAPTAIN COOK, Dutrow and Franco to be all smiles when they get their picture taken.
Mr. Ed’s bet: CAPTAIN COOK in Exacta Boxes with RODRIGUEZ.
Santa Anita Derby, Santa Anita, Race #10
Without citing the current state of the news media, when asked about his six-decade writing career, Mr. Ed responds that he is a “recovering journalist.” So, it would be easy to play the hunch and pick JOURNALISM to capture the SA Derby. Not so fast. While he appears to be a fine thoroughbred, I’m going with CITIZEN BULL (5-4-1), for superstar West Coast conditioner Bob Baffert. “Bull” appears to have the stamina necessary to stretch out under regular rider Martin Garcia. Look for JOURNALISM to finish second.
Mr. Ed’s bet: Exacta box of CITIZEN BULL/JOURNALISM.
TRACKING MR. ED: Mr. Ed returns Sunday with coverage of the entire four-week meet at Keeneland, including full-card selections on Tuesday of the delayed Blue Grass Stakes.
