Pyromania!

Tweet On top of all of the experts' top ten lists at kentuckyderby.com, Pyro is back in action tomorrow in the Japanese Car Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland in race 9. Pyromania died down somewhat after the huge performance in the Florida Derby by Big Brown, who claims the two-spot in most polls. While Pyro's last two victories in the Louisiana Derby and Risen Star were both visually impressive, many racing enthusiasts have questioned the speed in those races. Pyro's individual splits in the Risen Star and LA Derby for the first six furlongs were 1:16 and 1:14, respectively, with come-home times of 28.55 and 30.37 for the final two and a half furlongs. This tells me that the slow early pace led to his late charges in both races. So on to the polytrack and an additional 1/8 mile for Pyro. My thinking today is that this sets up for him nicely, but more analysis this evening will be required.

At first glance at the PP's, one horse I am considering is Miner's Claim, who has only run on synthetics at Turfway and Woodbine, who is trained by Mark Casse, who wins 22% of the time on synthetics. I'll be looking at ways to use him underneath on exotics. I also will be studying Halo Najib a little closer, with GG aboard, his regular rider Kent Desormeaux riding Cool Coal Man.

More tomorrow on Arkansas Derby and the Blue Grass manana.