Kentucky Oaks - Woodford Reserve - Kentucky Derby Pick 3

The Kentucky Oaks - Woodford Reserve - Kentucky Derby Pick 3 is one of my favorite wagers of the year. And why not? It includes three fantastic races (with horses that I have been following for some time), full fields, and it is a bet that I've had quite amount of luck with over the years. A two-day bet, it might not be for the instant gratification types, but I love the quality of the horses, and the potential windfall which it offers.

In the Kentucky Oaks, I do like the favorite best. It's a deep race, though, so Rachel's Valentina should not be too low. With Songbird away, I think the gutsy little daughter of Rachel Alexandra could well prove to be the class of the race. Her Ashland performance should set her up perfectly for this big test. I will also use my top longshot on most tickets, Dream Dance, who I think is sitting on a big one third off the layoff for trainer Neil Howard,  as well as the formidalble stretch runner from the Doug O'Neill barn, Land Over Sea. Lewis Bay is another, who I give a solid shot to win this year's race for the lilies.

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In the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, I look for even more opportunity for chaos. Having said that, I simply could not leave the reigning Male Turf Champion, Big Blue Kitten, off the tickets. He has class, consistency, and the proven ability to run well fresh, all on his side. Even better than him, I like the Californian invader Bolo, who could be ready to ascend to middle-distance on the grass stardom this year as a four-year-old. Anything near the 8-1 morning line would be very nice to see. Buff Bradley's late running Divisidero, as well as the Canadian-based Danish Dynaformer, are two more horses which I could see having huge turf years in this, their four-year-old seasons.

I hate to be the indecisive guy, but I do see six horses in the Derby who really have a good shot to win the race. Majesto will be my top pick, especially considering the odds. He is getting better with every race, and certainly looks the part here at Churchill Downs. I have great respect for Nyquist, but I do think he is beatable. While it would be nice to have the first undefeated champion since Seattle Slew to win in Louisville, I have enough doubts to make this year's Derby more of a spread race. Brody's Cause is another who I think may be peaking right here, right now. The stretch runner already has a nice win over the track, as well. 

Exaggerator, Mor Spirit, and Mo Tom, are three more who would not surprise me one little bit, and finally, I do have one ticket with a few others who scare me the most: Suddenbreakingnews, Creator, Gun Runner, Destin. Overall, as I mentioned, this is one of my favorite bets of the year, so I don't mind investing a little more into this one. Below are my five tickets, totalling $305, for a chance at a big payoff. I hope it helps you with some of your decisions ... Good Luck to all!