Bold Ruler Handicap

 

1. Man of Danger, jockey John Velazquez, odds: 6-1

2. Callmetony, jockey Edgar Prado, odds: 4-1

3. Lucky Island, jockey Alan Garcia, odds: 7-2

4.Forefathers, jockey Kent Desormeaux, odds: 3-1

5. Executive Fleet, jockey C.C. Lopez, odds: 5-2

6. Gold and Roses, jockey Rajiv Maragh, odds: 15-1

7. Council Member, jockey Javier Castellano, odds: 12-1

Executive Fleet has run off three consecutive triple-digit Beyer figures and did everything but win the Grade I Carter in his last start. Figures on or near the pace with the aggressive Chuckie Lopez. Callmetony got a career-top Beyer in his last out. A repeat gives him a big chance. Lucky Island has won three of four lifetime and might be this good.

DJ's picks: 1. Executive Fleet. 2. Callmetony. 3. Lucky Island.

The Peter Pan

 

1. Casino Drive, jockey Kent Desormeaux, odds: 2-1

2. Tomcito, jockey Cornelio Velasquez, odds: 2-1

3. Mint Lane, jockey Eibar Coa, odds: 6-1

4. Deputyville, jockey Jose Espinoza, odds: 8-1

1a. Spark Candle, jockey Jorge Chavez, odds: 2-1

5. Golden Spikes, jockey Edgar Prado, odds: 3-1

6. Ready's Echo, jockey John Velazquez, odds: 6-1

7. Cosmic, jockey Javier Castellano, odds: 8-1

8. Fast Talking, jockey Alan Garcia, odds: 20-1

Golden Spikes was second in the Illinois Derby, a race that produced the third and fifth finishers in the Kentucky Derby. Casino Drive is a mystery horse, having won his only career start on Feb. 23 in Japan. What is known is that colt is being pointed for the Belmont Stakes and is a half brother to the last two Belmont winners, Rags to Riches and Jazil. A son of Horse of the Year Mineshaft and $950,000 yearling purchase Casino Drive is not facing a very tough field. Tomcito, who had raced in Peru, is a deep closer who has gotten started too late in his two American starts.

DJ's picks: 1. Golden Spikes. 2. Casino Drive. 3. Tomcito.

Jim Murray Memorial Handicap

 

1. Boule d'Or, jockey Tyler Baze, odds: 5-2

2. Champs Elysees, jockey Ramon Dominguez, odds: 3-5

3. Church Service, jockey Victor Espinoza, odds: 6-1

4. Sudan, jockey Jose Valdivia, odds: 10-1

5. On the Acorn, jockey Brice Blanc, odds: 8-1

Boule d'Or will be so far in front early that it will look as if he is in a race by himself. Can he hold on? We shall see. Champs Elysees, a half brother to several champions, looks like a potential star and will be a heavy favorite. I will try to beat him with the lone speed. On the Acorn was a great claim ($40,000) in 2006 and has won more than $400,000 since then.

DJ's picks: 1. Boule d'Or. 2. Champs Elysees. 3. On the Acorn.

Lone Star Derby

 

1. Limestone Edge, jockey Corey Lanerie, odds: 9-5

2. El Gato Malo, jockey Rafael Bejarano, odds: 2-1

3. Golden Yank, jockey Cliff Berry, odds: 20-1

4. Poni Colada, jockey Quincy Hamilton, odds: 15-1

5. King's Silver Son, jockey Luis Quinonez, odds: 15-1

6. Texas Wildcatter, jockey Robby Albarado, odds: 8-1

7. Ide Like a Double, jockey Kerwin Clark, odds: 15-1

8. Isabull, jockey Tim Doocy, odds: 30-1

1a. Samba Rooster, jockey Garrett Gomez, odds: 9-5

9.Leonides, jockey Richard Migliore, odds: 10-1

10.My Pal Charlie, jockey Jamie Theriot, odds: 12-1

11.Fort Apache, jockey Eddie Martin, odds: 30-1

12.Real Appeal, jockey James Graham, odds: 30-1

Samba Rooster has made the front in every start. He will be sent from the gate and go as far as he can. My Pal Charlie made a nice middle move in the Arkansas Derby before tiring in the stretch. Poni Colada has raced in six consecutive stakes and should be rolling late. Leonides could harass Samba Rooster up top if he is sent hard from the gate.

DJ's picks: 1. Samba Rooster. 2. My Pal Charlie. 3. Poni Colada.

Los Angeles Handicap

 

1. High Standards, jockey Joel Rosario, odds: 20-1

2. Peace Chant, jockey Michael Baze, odds: 6-1

3. Street Boss, jockey David Flores, odds: 5-2

4. Bonfante, jockey Martin Garcia, odds: 9-2

5. Doppio, jockey Jose Valdivia, odds: 5-1

6. Sailors Sunset, jockey Jon Court, odds: 10-1

7. El Manuel, jockey Victor Espinoza , odds: 10-1

8. Bilo, jockey Tyler Baze, odds: 3-1

9. Barber, jockey Alex Solis, odds: 20-1

Street Boss came with a huge run to win his last start in very fast time. Bilo tired badly when sent too far in his 2008 debut. Back to sprints, he loves Hollywood, where he has won four of six lifetime. Doppio had won three straight before getting outrun at a Keeneland Stake.

DJ's picks: 1. Street Boss. 2. Bilo. 3. Doppio.