Third choice is Calvin Borel and Take Charge Indy. In his first start for the year, Take Charge Indy earned a 109 Brisnet speed figure when he finished two lengths behind El Padrino. Two months later, he took charge of the Florida Derby beating Reveron and Union Rags by a length. Borel will break from post 3 and he’ll likely move to the rail where, again, he’ll be ready to pounce on the leaders.
Two horses I’m torn about are Hansen and Bodemeister. These are the front runners I’m expecting the others to close upon. Hansen has the experience and the skill, but his need for the lead and inability to run anything other than fast, may cost him the win.
Bodemeister, who ran his first race January 16, may well turn out to be the best this crop of talented three-year-olds has to offer, but at this point, he’s just too green to put in the win position. However, the Churchill Downs track has been playing very fast, even after an overnight rain. If either of Bodemeister or Hansen can hang on, they’ll win it.
Photo: Kentucky Derby