Don't overlook these 3 longshots in Saturday's Kentucky Derby preps

Saturday's trio of 2018 Kentucky Derby points races -- the Grade 3 Withers and Robert B. Lewis, along with the Grade 2 Holy Bull -- will certainly cement some contenders heading into the first Saturday in May. But then there are the longshots hoping for a piece of the board. That's what we're focused on in this week's Horse Racing Nation Super Screener preview.

Horse Racing Nation's Super Screener Stakes Weekly analysis -- based on a robust, time-tested research methodology driven by a set of rules -- is here to help with your handicapping. The inspiration for this product came from our loyal Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup Super Screener customers. They have often asked us for a product focused on analyzing the key graded stakes that run each weekend throughout the year.

What's offered here -- for free -- is only a small sample of the full product now available! This weekend's Screener goes more in-depth on the three Derby preps and also includes analysis of the Grade 2 San Pasqual, Santa Anita Park's feature for older horses.

Now, on to the longshots...

In the Grade 3 Withers: This is a very tall order for Michael Maker’s charge, #6 California Night (15-1), having just wired a weak field of three other maidens on a good track going 6.5 furlongs.  Now moves to the 1 1/8s-mile distance as the clear pace leader here, so he’ll certainly hang around for a long time. If they are absolutely crawling up front, he may even place at a huge price. Connections of #4 Avery Island will make sure he does not get out on a slow, loose lead and will reel him in.

In the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis: #4 Lombo (5-1) comes back quick, and while Kent Desormeaux jumps ship, Flavien Prat opts for this mount over #6 Inscom. First route try and is your likely pace leader, but fractions will be reasonable and pressure moderate. Sticks around for a piece at a price.

In the Grade 2 Holy Bull: Put a line through #9 Tip Sheet's (30-1) last two races, as both were very troubled trips. No threat to the win spot but could disrupt the bottom of the Trifecta or Superfecta at giant odds. With a clean break sits just off the pace and runs on late.