Is that end-of-April paycheck burning a hole in your pocket? Are you itching to drop some dough on the 2012 Kentucky Derby, but not particularly interested in taking the "easy" way out with favorites like Bodemeister and Union Rags?
Well, you'll be happy to know that there are plenty of long shots with the potential to get you a solid return on your investment. Take these three entrants, for example.
Take Charge Indy
There's a lot to like about Take Charge Indy at 16-to-1 odds. He's shown steady improvement since his fifth-place finish at the Breeders' Cup in November, turning in triple-digit speed ratings in an allowance runner-up performance and a victory at the Florida Derby.
What's more, the stewardship of three-time Derby winner Calvin Borel only strengthens Take Charge Indy's case as a solid bet to win the "Run for the Roses."
El Padrino
Like Take Charge Indy, El Padrino is currently a 16-to-1 long shot to win the Derby and well worth every penny placed on him. He's won three of his six career races, including two out of the last three.
A fourth-place finish at the Florida Derby might not seem like a good indicator of future success, but El Padrino was only three lengths back of third place. As such, he appears to be the perfect pick to bounce back from a somewhat disappointing result to win at Churchill Downs, as so many Triple Crown contenders have before.
I'll Have Another
If you're willing to take a bit more of a risk on this year's field, look no further than I'll Have Another. He looked fantastic in back-to-back wins at the Robert B. Lewis and the Santa Anita Derby, albeit after a six-month layoff.
Sure, it's impressive that I'll Have Another was able to turn in such master-craft performances after being away from the track for so long. Then again, he won't have the luxury of time to recover from his last run.
Still, with his obvious physical gifts and a full month away from competition, I'll Have Another looks like a solid choice to deliver the goods, especially with 15-to-1 odds.
No comments:
Post a Comment