Racing Season is here-! Horse racing that is.
1 Mo Donegal Irad Ortiz, Jr. Todd Pletcher 10-1
2 Happy Jack Rafael Bejarano Doug O'Neill 30-1
3 Epicenter Joel Rosario Steve Asmussen 7-2
4 Summer Is Tomorrow Michael Barzalona Bhupat Seemar 30-1
5 Smile Happy Corey Lanerie Kenny McPeek 20-1
6 Messier John Velazquez Tim Yakteen 8-1
7 Crown Pride Christophe Lemaire Koichi Shintani 20-1
8 Charge It Luis Saez Todd Pletcher 20-1
9 Tiz the Bomb Brian Hernandez Jr. Kenny McPeek 30-1
10 Zandon Falvien Prat Chad Brown 3-1
11 Pioneer of Medina Joe Bravo Todd Pletcher 30-1
12 Taiba Mike Smith Tim Yakteen 12-1
13 Simplification Jose Ortiz Antonio Sano 20-1
14 Barber Road Rey Gutierrez John Ortiz 30-1
15 White Abarrio Tyler Gaffalione Saffie Joseph 10-1
16 Cyberknife Florent Geroux Brad Cox 20-1
17 Classic Causeway Julien Leparoux Brian Lynch 30-1
18 Tawny Port Ricardo Santana Jr Brad Cox 30-1
19 Zozos Manny Franco Brad Cox 20-1
20 Rich Strike Sonny Leon Eric Reed 30-1
10. Zandon (3-1)
Trainer:Chad Brown
Jockey:Flavien Prat
Zandon put it all together in an awesome win at the Blue Grass Stakes, where he pounced from off the pace and drew off. That running style suggests there shouldn't be an issue with the 1¼-mile distance and his work at Churchill Downs suggests he will get over the surface quite nicely. He has arguably the best jockey in the country in Flavien Prat and landed a good spot in the post draw. The only thing to knock is Chad Brown's relative lack of success in the Kentucky Derby -- one in-the-money finish from six starters. I'm sure there will be those out there who can't stomach betting the Derby favorite -- and that is fine. There's very little, if anything, to suggest he will not run his race Saturday and at the very least post a top-three finish. He will be the cornerstone of my wagering strategy here.