PLAYING today’s Big 3 Pick 3 would be a lot easier if trainer Bobby Frankel were running a horse in the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park, the third leg of the three Kentucky Derby preps that make up the bet. The Wood Memorial at Aqueduct kicks off the Big 3 Pick 3, followed by Keeneland’s Blue Grass Stakes. All three races are run at a mile-and-an-eighth.
In the Grade 1, $750,000 Wood, Frankel will saddle a 500-pound gorilla named Empire Maker, 3-5 on the morning line and pro-tem favorite for the May 3 Run for the Roses after winning the Florida Derby by 9 3/4 lengths.
“I wouldn’t bet on him,” Frankel warns. “How are you going to take 3-5? He’s never been on a wet track, and who knows what the track will be like?” But the fact is that Empire Maker towers over his seven rivals and merits a singleton in the Big 3 Pick 3.
Frankel also sends out the morning-line favorite in the Grade 1, $750,000 Blue Grass in Peace Rules, who’s been training up a storm since his 2 1/4-length romp in the Louisiana Derby, for which he earned the fastest Ragozin speed sheets number of any 3-year-old this year.
Frankel is worried Peace Rules will “bounce” off that effort, even though the colt didn’t show any ill effects afterward. “But sometimes they fool you,” he said.
The other Blue Grass starter to use in the Big 3 Pick 3 is Badge Of Silver. Unbeaten in his first three starts, he faded down the stretch in the Louisiana Derby to finish sixth, but since then underwent minor throat surgery to correct a breathing problem.
After singling the Wood and using two in the Blue Grass, it’s time to spread in the wide-open Arkansas Derby. Ten horses in the field of 12 have a shot.
Defere’s Vixen was beaten just five lengths in the Louisiana Derby and has two bullet works over the track. Christine’s Outlaw won last out at the distance by 2 3/4 lengths. Sir Cherokee has a powerful stretch kick. Cat Genius is the one to catch.
If you want to cut the cost of the ticket in half, just go with Christine’s Outlaw, Region of Merit, Comic Truth, Aristocat and Man Among Men in this spot.
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WOOD MEMORIAL FIELD
Post, horse, jockey, odds
1. New York Hero, Norberto Arroyo Jr., 8-1
2. Spite the Devil, Mike Luzzi, 30-1
3. Kissin Saint, Rich Migliore, 20-1
4. Funny Cide, Jose Santos, 6-1
5. Senor Swinger, Gary Stevens, 10-1
6. Indy Dancer, John Velazquez, 5-1
7. Sky Soldier, Rodrigo Madrigal Jr., 15-1
8. Empire Maker, Jerry Bailey, 3-5
