Betfair Official Blog

US Racing Betting: Is War Pass too fast for the Derby?

In Nick's US racing update this week he looks ahead to the final race of the the year at Oaklawn Park, the Arkansas Derby, and pays tribute to a true legend of US Racing.

If I owned a private jet then I would have put it to very good use last weekend as racing fans across America were treated to some tremendous racing from coast to coast including a thrilling finish to the Grade 1 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct. War Pass was sent off at odds on for this race and he made a bold bid from the front only to be worn down close home by Tale Of Ekati who was brilliantly ridden by Edgar Prado.

Trainer Nick Zito who was relieved that War Pass ran back to something like his very best but was still undecided about his Kentucky Derby participation. As previously reported I think that War Pass has way to much speed for his own good to be effective over the Derby distance and I think that nine furlongs is about as far as he wants to go at this level. As for the winner Tale Of Ekati he deserves his place in the Derby and this was a very good effort and it is all systems go for next month.

Over on the west coast our selection Colonel John was very impressive in winning the Santa Anita Derby. This son of Tiznow finished like a train to take this prestigious Grade 1 event. In my view, he is the best three year old on the west coast of America. He will take his place in the Derby next month and his participation really adds to the quality of this year's field. The big disappointment of the race was the poor effort of El Gato Malo who finished in fifth after looking like he would take a strong hand in the finish at the top of the lane.

Hawthorne had its big day on Saturday when it hosted the Grade 2 Illinois Derby which was won by outsider Recapturetheglory who thrashed the opposition with a very big effort winning by four lengths from Golden Spikes. The big disappointment of the race had to be the flop of Denis Of Cork who never looked likely to take a hand in the finish of this Grade2 Derby trial.

The Spring meeting at Keenland got underway last week and in the Grade1 Ashland Stakes Little Belle caused a major upset beating Bsharpsonata by a neck with the disappointing Proud Spell back in third. Hot favourite Country Star could never land a blow behind the very game winner. It looks like they will all meet again in the Oaks but I am still quite concerned about transferring Polytrack form to dirt so I am taking this result with a grain of salt.

On to this coming Saturday then and Keenland will host the one of the biggest races when deposed Kentucky Derby favourite Pyro runs in the historic Blue Grass Stakes. This hot Grade 1 event has attracted a strong field but I think Pyro will be up to the challenge. I will be hoping to get around [3.0] for the win as he faces legitimate opposition from horses like Cool Coal Man, Big Truck and Cowboy Cal who will test the selection to the hilt in this truly great race.

Meanwhile, over at beautiful Oaklawn Park, bargain buy Gayego, who only cost $32k as a yearling, is my choice to win the $1m Arkansas Derby. The selection should be around [4.0] for the win and is shipping in from California where he has some smart form; notably when finishing second to Georgie Boy in The San Felipe at Santa Anita. Blackberry Road is another to consider at a price and should go off at double digit odds.

Oaklawn Park traditionally closes its meeting with the Arkansas Derby on Saturday. With the very last race on the card run over a marathon one mile six furlongs, we say goodbye to racing at Oaklawn for another year. Veteran announcer Terry Wallace who has not missed calling a race at Oaklawn since he began over 34 years ago. Terry has been called "The most recognisable voice in Arkansas " and on Saturday he will be dressed in his customary Black Tie to host his Simulcast show and call the races. In his time at Oaklawn, Terry has called over 18,000 races and is still going strong. In 2008 it is refreshing to see a perfect gentleman and a true professional still outperforming his younger counterparts in his profession. If you are looking for a reason not to retire just take a look at Terry Wallace. He is a inspiration to us all, young and old.