2013 Free Kentucky Derby Predictions: Win, Place and Show Predictions

2013 Free Kentucky Derby Predictions: Win, Place and Show Predictions : The 2013 Kentucky Derby has arrived, and before the gates even opened, the list of possible contenders has already been trimmed. Black Onyx was scratched from the field Friday, meaning 19 horses will take part in Saturday’s Run for the Roses. In addition to the late scratch, inclement weather is threatening to create a very sloppy surface at Churchill Downs. As if predicting the top finishers of the race wasn’t hard enough, a muddy track can really throw a wrench in the equation. That being said, a little mud isn’t going to stop the horses from running, and it won’t stop anyone from betting on one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year. With that in mind, here is a look at my straight trifecta picks for this year’s Kentucky Derby.

Winner: Revolutionary (10/1)

Since this colt began racing, he has been in the mix for a victory in every race he has run regardless of the track and regardless of the competition. In six starts, Revolutionary has finished in the money six times. More importantly, he has won his last three starts, which includes a win in the Louisiana Derby. The fact that that Revolutionary has never really had a bad race is comforting, and the fact that he seems to be hitting his stride at the perfect time is even more intriguing. Last but not least, Revolutionary’s jockey Calvin Borel has the experience to handle the horse’s hard-charging style. Sloppy track or not, I like Revolutionary to make a late push and overtake the leaders down the stretch.

Place: Goldencents (7/1)

The Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby is one of the toughest prep races leading up to the Kentucky Derby, and Goldencents is the horse that emerged victorious. Overall, the colt has four wins in six starts, and he also plenty of winners backing him in his camp. In addition to being trained by Doug O’Neill, who trained last year’s Kentucky Derby winner, one of his co-owners is Louisville Cardinals’ coach Rick Pitino. Obviously, the ties to a proven trainer means a heck of a lot more than the Pitino factor, but at the same time, Pitino isn’t going to be using his money to back a mediocre horse with a weak pedigree. In the end, I like what Goldencents has done on the track, and I like the group the horse has standing behind him off it.

Show: Vyjack (20/1)

There are two schools of thought when it comes to Vyjack. Some view his third-place finish in the Wood Memorial Stakes as proof that he was exposed when he faced his toughest competition. I’m in the other camp that believes he was less than 100 percent in that race as evidenced by the treatment he received for a lung infection shortly after the event. I mean, I’m not a horse, but I have to imagine it is difficult to sustain a fast pace when you can breathe properly. Prior to the Wood Memorial, Vyjack was a perfect 4-for-4 in his starts. Back at full strength, I expect the colt to prove his doubters wrong and have an excellent run Saturday.