Louisville may be the River City, or Falls City, or even the Derby City – but 48 hours before post time I feel like I’m sitting in Schaefer City . . .

If you aren’t old enough to remember, Schaefer was a widely distributed beer, with commercials like this  . .. 

Schaefer City is sitting in the catbird’s seat, and I feel like I played the derby futures well.  I have just one live ticket, which has Hot Rod Charlie, Midnight Bourbon and Highly Motivated in an exacta box, the payouts range from $337 to $2051 for the $2 minumum, and I have it for more than that.

While I published Highly Motivated as the pre-draw pick for a column for neophytes for Sports Chowdah, at this moment, Hot Rod Charlie is my top pick.  His work and gallops have been fantastic, drew well.  All systems go.   Highly Motivated has worked well, but caught a little trainer-speak from Chad Brown today that the horse was “moving better” which means, they didn’t think he was moving great.  Regardless, he’s been pointed here all year, and the connections declined to run Crowded Trade, so they’re serious, but I just can’t use on top off that comment.  Finally, Midnight Bourbon has trained as well as anyone, will be forwardly places, is bred to run long, and has been stationed at Churchill for about a month, and I think Steve Asmussen points to a big race as well as anyone.

So I love the seat I am in, heading to the Derby.   I love playing the future wager, as it can give you some leverage for derby day.   What will I play day of race ?  I’m free to key some other trifectas, where I’ll both protect on top with Essential Quality, and possibly key him in the 2 and 3 slots with the exacta horses on top.   And finally, one wide ticket will add in the closers in the 2 and 3 slots – Dynamic One, O’Besos, Hidden Stash, and possibly a little Known Agenda and Keep Me In Mind.

Not a ton of Oaks Day opinions – I think the Kentucky Oaks itself is pretty wide open.  Here’s some playback opinions for Friday.

Australasia – R3 Churchill – was working great with Travel Column.  You won’t get ML 4-1.   If she airs, gotta upgrade Travel Column in the OAKS !

Illogami – R4 Churchill – is a b, progressive youngster already won back for us, still looks good on paper

Maxfield – R5 Churchill – if it isn’t a merry go round, think he wins easily. . . . ran too good to lose last time at Santa Anita while wide, should be fit and ready for today.

Rogue Rage – R3 – Tampa – Just missed last time. . . . today could be the day

Creed – R7 – Belmont – last time at GP clearly a prep, wants longer and should take a big step forward today