Hello OPM,

Funny Cide's sheet looks very solid except for that 3.5 in September. That is enough to make me very nervous. On the plus side, he is relatively fresh, has never really went backwards is second fastest going into the race and may be able to control the pace. A lot to like. Also, assuming that Empire Maker will be only about 80 percent cranked, FC certainly has a shot. An off track probably will help as well since he will likely be on the lead.

That being said, I think Senor Swinger and Indy Dancer both have the potential to run big tops and also have a shot.

I am not sure how the public will bet his race though. Will they hammer EM down to 2/5? If so, it should be playable but who will the crowd land on as the second choice? The new Baffert horse? The previously over-hyped Pletcher horse? Or the fastest horse of the three that may have the pace players drooling?

You have to believe that at least one of them may go off at generous odds.

Should be an interesting betting race. I will need to look at the other entrants to see if it looks like anyone is likely to push FC early.

The Blue Grass also looks interesting as does the Ark Derby.

I am definitely starting to get a bad case of Derby fever.

Chris