We head to the middle of nowhere for today’s race. Well, at least it looks like the middle of nowhere. We head to Hobbs, New Mexico and Zia Park for today’s race. Hobbs is in the southeast portion of the state, near the Texas border. The 10 horses and their connections found their way there for today’s race, the Zia Park Derby.
Zia Park Race 10 – Zia Park Derby
Favored in today’s race is the 5 Indispensable (5/2 morning line). It took him eight tries to break his maiden, but after that finished second Shared Belief at Del Mar and then a third in the Oklahoma Derby at Remington. He has been closer to the pace the last three races which has led to his success.
The 4 August Rain (6/1 ML) makes his American debut after racing his first 11 races in Canada, mostly at Hastings Park in Vancouver. He is 7 for 11 lifetime and won the graded stakes races at Century Mile in Edmonton and Hastings I his last two races. He is a consistent closer that has a great chance today in the Zia Park Derby.
The 9 Generous Tipper (4/1 ML) closed to win the Discovery Stakes at Aqueduct last time out three weeks ago. He closed well last time out to win, but he might be a bounce candidate here at Zia Park.
The 1 Woodcourt (12/1 ML) has been on the lead his last two times out and appears to be the speed in this race. He will be setting things up for the others if he goes for the lead here as expected.
Joe’s Pick
Indispensable will be tough here today, but I am liking the progression with August Rain and the moves that he made on the bullring track at Hastings in his career. Remember, that’s a 5/8-mile track and being wide on those turns means more real estate that needs to be covered to win.
Let’s take August Rain here in the Zia Park Derby. I’ll call this 4-5-9-1 and my play is $20 to win on the 4. Best of luck everyone, and I’ll see ya in the winner’s circle!
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