in Triple Crown Betting Trends

Friday is also a big day for racing nuts like me, it’s Oaks Day, the day the girls have their Derby.

This year, the Oaks will be a race I will bet. I see a scenario that I have seen work in the past. I call it the Lukas system. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas, a Hall of Famer and one of the most clever men in the business when it comes to bringing horses to big races that do not look ready but they win, has a shot on Friday.

The name of the young lady is Ex Caelis. Yes, she can run in the mud if it rains. That being said, keep in mind Lukas has a huge ego, and is a very outspoken guy about his passion, the racing game.

Also keep in mind that Lukas does not have a horse in the Derby, so he will want to get some attention at Churchill this weekend.

I have a feeling the Ex Caelis is ready despite having only one race this year. She faded a bit in the stretch in a Grade II race on April 14th, but she had challenged for the lead most of the way, and running a fresh horse for the lead is a good way to get them fit in a hurry. So I’ll take a shot with Lukas, the price will be right.

I am betting Lukas here more than the horse, I just have a feeling, and you know what they say, “If you got a hunch, bet a bunch.”

Derby notes

-From the postposition draw on Wednesday, I don’t really see any problems for the horses I like, but Jazil and Steppenwolfer look like they are in for a traffic jam.

-They both run from behind, but they will have 19 other horses to get around, so Jazil from the 1 post and Steppenwolfer from the 2 post are in for an LA Freeway type of race. I’ll pass on them.

-Sinister Minister the speedball comes out of post 4 and will have the lead before the man in the booth says “their off.”

-Favorites Brother Derek (post 18) and Lawyer Ron (post 17) will also have traffic at the start, what will they do? They will have to be close to the rail before going into the clubhouse turn or they are done. What a great set up for a long shot!

For my free Derby pick, email jrclemente@hotmail.com. I’ll send it out on Friday.

Good Luck!

To hear more from Pete Cataldo, tune in every Wednesday at 3pm EST to www.BetUSradio.com.