Before they were let go more than a year ago, the NY Post used to employ full-time horseracing writers that put out a great handicapping sheet before the derby. They still do it, but now the information comes from an external source. Does anyone remember the name of the lead handicapper from the NY post from two years ago and know which newspaper he is working for now, if at all? The guy was very good, he got Orb right as the winner.

Any other handicapping sources you guys recommend?

Has Eddie O revealed his picks yet?

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Found it, Russ Harris is his name.

Quick take on what I've seen so far from Derby horses

In Mike Welsch we've got an ace clocker upstairs generating invaluable info all morning and in his daily Clocker Report, but after three days of seeing as much as I can of these horses while standing right on the rail near the three-quarters gap on the backstretch, might as well put down what things have looked like from there so far this week.

AMERICAN PHAROAH - Nothing to fault him in his two days of training (one jog, one gallop). Its crazy how many people Churchill security lets near the horses before the Oaks - Derby training session starts at 8:30. There were dozens of folks pressing in on American Pharoah and Dortmunnd, cameras and phones just a few feet away, as the two walked round in tight circles waiting to go out onto the track. None other than jockey Mike Smith, standing among the crowd, remarked to AP's exercise rider, "It looks like he's really starting to enjoy the attention," and indeed, the press of humans didn't seem to bother the colt a bit.

DORTMUND - Same as above. Looks great. Probably be my top selection.

MATERIALITY - Best day galloping this week was Monday, I thought. Didn't care for him Tuesday, but he was better today, and got less hot. Not tossing based on appearance, but not upgrading.

CARPE DIEM - Keeping quiet by design this week. Very mild gallops two straight days. Think he looks very well, & seeing nothing to downgrade his good form.

MUBTAAHIJ - Done very little in terms of training so far, & can't judge him that way, but he is as calm and relaxed as any horse out there, and has taken his heavy travel and racing schedule as well as could possibly be hoped.

FIRING LINE - Just, wow. Best looking animal training the last two days. Fabulously handsome, powerful, has beautiful way of moving. Requires draw reins to keep him check, and he had his neck bent in half today, yet they were able to slow him down to a 1:02 5fs work last weekend. Trainer insists he can rate off pace Saturday. Had I more confidence he'll stay 10fs, I'd pick him.

FROSTED - Got first look at him Wednesday. Average gallop. Nothing to sway one in either direction.

INTERNATIONAL STAR - Tough to read. He's not a fluid mover, and occasionally looks downright rough, but his gallops have been faster and stronger than any horse this week, and he does it with good energy. Think you gotta use him in tris and supers.

UPSTART - First day Wednesday after shipping from Fla. with Frosted, and of the two, this one was significantly more eye-catching. In good flesh. Smooth gallop. Can't fault on looks.

BOLO - Real show stopper in terms of raw appearance, but wasn't as enamored with his training session Wednesday as Tuesday. Still think he's a turf horse at bottom.

DANZIG MOON - One of the training stars of the week, as well documented by Mr. Welsch. Every day is more of the same - he's floating off the ground in his gallops, and gives the sense he is jumping out of his skin. Ability is the issue. Improving. I'm using him.

EL KABEIR - Haven't seen him yet.

FAR RIGHT - Long way from the flashy ones, though he's going better than some. Appearance wouldn't sway me one way of the other.

ITSAKNOCKOUT - Don't want to disparage anyone's horse, but couldn't possibly use him based on what I've seen this week.

STANFORD - Galloping as well, if not better, than any of the Pletcher horses. Excellent energy and on the muscle all week. Doubt he's good enough, but appears in very good form.

TENCENDUR - Brief glimpse on Wednesday. There's a lot of meat on the bone. Can't say much more than that.

WAR STORY - Little chance on paper, less in person

MR Z - see War Story

OCHO OCHO OCHO - See War Story & Mr Z

FRAMMENTO - Actually looked pretty decent galloping Wednesday. The grindiest of grinders. If he gets in and you play the super, put him on one ticket in fourth; slightest chance to get the tiniest share because he might stay.

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I rarely troll.

Hasn't been announced yet, but generally it's between 5-530.

Derby Draw will be at 4:30....if American Pharoah draws a 1, 2 or 3....oh boy.

Got into a huge argument with my brother ...what the hell is wrong with those PP's?

I don't think the three is considered so bad. The thought with the rail or the two-hole is that you might get buried with everyone leaving from the outside and the turn coming up quick. I don't really think that's such a concern for a horse that can leave the gate the way American Pharoah can.

Doesn't the one hole have the most Derby Wins?

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Ferdinand last horse to win from the 1 in 1986.

and 17 and 19 never won

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I rarely troll.

Official PPs Hot off the Presses!!! Just a matter of how much Dortmund will win by WWN!

http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_viewe ... m3=1485055


Start time is 5:34PM Hawger, but expect that to be probably closer to 5:45.

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I rarely troll.

I rarely troll.

If you have $100 to spare, here's my best bet.

A 50 cent Trifecta that will cost a total of $108.


8 , 18,
then
3, 6, 8, 10, 15, 18, 19,
then
ALL.


That bet will cost a total of $108.

I got the 100 but can I borrow the 8?

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Depending on the odds I will likely be betting Mubtaahij. I probably couldn't ignore Dortmund at 5-1 though. The more I look at the race and how it figures to shape up the more I think American Pahroah is going to have trouble here. Not to mention his pedigree might be a little light for ten panels.

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