BM Derby - Sept 29th, 2007 - Three Year Olds, $75.000 - 1 1/16m Turf

Four stakes-tested and three lightly-raced sophomores meet up in the BM Derby on Saturday with post time set for 6:45EDT.  I am giving the slight edge to Police Story after chasing the track record setting performance of  Drunken Mime Parade, last out.  Although 4th in that event, his style and speed puts him on top.  Thunder Mesa comes back to the left-coast and shows a hard-closing place in the Marsh Stakes at CNL.  The win and second place finish back in Dec. of his 2yo season proves that he loves this sod and must be considered a contender.  New World rounds out my top three in this 1 1/16m Turf event, showing a nice 3rd place finish vs. stakes company, last out, and two game Alw victories prior to that.  Solid morning drills as well, so you have to keep a watch on him.  Platinum is my 'best-of-the-rest' selection and could score an upset if he gets loose on the front-end of this. 

Good luck to all of the entries as this looks like a great one.

1 - Platinum - this lightly raced colt broke maiden at Beu back in March, took the spring off to mature and seemed to appreciate the extra ground while winning an Alw race over the course on the 26th of Aug.  Obviously steps up in class but speed and running style of that last race makes this one to watch.

2 - Rumors - like the one horse, another lightly raced colt and this one is undefeated on the sod.  Won over this course last out and catches Gonzalez right back for the ride.  Another that sees stakes company for the first time and could be there at money time.

3 - Police Story - has not won since April but has chased some of the best 3yo's and ran a bang-up 4th place finish in the track record setting Kent BC at Delaware.  This one must be taken seriously and is the slight pick here.

4 - Thunder Mesa - just missed in a closing second place finish at CNL in the Marsh Stakes and has the tactical speed to make his presence felt.  Some time off since then may have him fresh and ready.

5 - New World - nice third place finish in the Moran at Suf last out.  This 3yo has never been off the board in four grass outings while winning two Alw races at Fort Erie.  Shows three works over the course so the barn wants this one on his toes.

6 - North Touch - stretches back out after a 5f Alw race here at BM.  Just missed at EP in the Regaey Island prior to that and looks to repeat that effort.

7 - Sleepless Fantasy - another in the lightly raced category.  Makes his 5th lifetime start and shows two sharp works over the local lawn.  Owner has to be happy drawing Blanc as he was on-board for an Alw win at ELP back in July.

COZMAN Picks - 3 / 4 / 5 / 1