4/9/11 HAW Post Time 6:05EDT
RACE 1 HAW IL Derby (GIII)
$250.000 3yo 1 1/8m Dirt
Just outside of Chicago will be the venue for the IL Derby (GIII) as a group of six will be trying to take a step towards KY and the big dance. Even though his win streak came to an end, that Risen Star (GII) race still gives me good feelings about Montepulciano. He was closing fast that day, and with the speed in this race, it just seems to set up for him. Let's see if he can stay a big closer and get the job done.
Team Spirit is a horse that looks like he could improve and be right in the middle of things. He has been a bit one dimensional, going to the front and trying to improve from there. But this barn knows how to win a race and you never know what tactics they may use.
Here's the Field -
1 King Of The South claimed for $30.000, broke maiden in his first start for the new connection, so they go from a 6f MSW to the IL Derby... those are lofty goals.
2 N Y Minute won the Battaglia Memorial in wire to wire fashion, and speed is certainly his thing. Once he's headed, it's not a pretty site... but, who says they can get in front of him?
3 I Can Take Anymore broke maiden at MNR in a closing effort, sold at the Mar '11 Auction for $7.470, so now does he fly like a 747 or crash like one? This ain't Kansas, Toto...
4 Team Spirit Has been in with Alw horses since that fourth in the Hopeful (GI) but Ken Allan has decided that he may be this good. Has been working at MNR & CT so you have to wonder if that Wild & Wonderful diet is the right thing...
5 Montepulciano had his three race win streak brought to an end when fourth in the Risen Star (GII) at FG. He was closing like a freight train that day, and the extra distance may be just what he wants... give him a hard look in this one..I did..
6 Bright Navvy He's been solid running against Alw horses and goes up to the big leagues today. He has a ton of speed, but can he carry it the mile and an eighth distance?
COZMAN Picks 5 / 4 Willie's Green Card 5 / 2
