Which horses are the heavy favorites? Which long-shots might actually surprise? Are we looking at any potential Triple Crown winners this season? Any interesting stories (like the ugly horse from a low-rent stable that won a few years ago)?
The fairly heavy favorite will be California Chrome, who suddenly improved leaps and bounds in December and has run off four easy wins in a row, including the Santa Anita Derby in (duh) California.
“Chrome” also has one of the best stories, as his owners bought his mother for $8,000 - a groom from her barn said “Only a dumb ass would buy THAT horse” - so they named the owner’s group DAP for Dumb Ass Partners. He’s very modestly bred; his sire never won a race beyond 5 1/2 furlongs (let alone the 10 furlongs of the Derby) and his mom won just once.
The likely second choice is Wicked Strong, who the owners tried to name “Boston Strong”, but it was taken.
Good longshots? Sure. Horses who have morning line odds of 20-1 or higher that look reasonable include Vicar’s in Trouble (who won’t be that high since he has a talented female jockey riding), Uncle Sigh, Dance With Fate, Medal Count, and Candy Boy.
My top selection is Intense Holiday. I think he’ll get an ideal trip.