Emerald Downs 2025 Cream 5-2-25

Cream
This is it
It’s time for you to go to the wire
You will hit
‘Cause you got the burnin’ desire

My high school football coach Jerry Dotson always used to tell us, “the cream always rises to the top”. The two-minute churn that is the Kentucky Derby should separate the cream of this year’s 3-year-old crop.

I like Sandman. If the track is off, it should not bother him. He will need some pace to run at and a decent trip to touch the roses.

I don’t consider myself overly knowledgeable about the top 3-year-olds this year as I don’t pay a great deal of attention to racing east of Phoenix.

NOW, let’s talk about some real races 🙂

EMD Race 3 Maiden $25,000
1 FortyShadesoftiger– (WA) first time for a tag after running mid-pack in both 2024 EMD starts at more than 40-1. Works are fairly Frank-ish.

2 Fly by John- (OR) firster out of Vistarella – she hurt me in a uniquely painful way once long ago and I have a sharp memory and would love to get even by cashing on one of her progenies. Has been working decently.

3 Adios Jojo- (OR) returns at the same level after being bumped and closing well at 8-1 in debut. Had a 4f bullet work here (45.4 Hg) on 4-19.

4 Tiz Dynamic- (CA) firster out of Felice the Cat, the dam of Mach One Rules (7 for 24 lifetime $330,876) Good 4f gate work here 4-23 (47.2)

5 Ruby N Ray- (CA) firster with a 5f bullet (59.2 Hg) on 4-5. I have a fondness for the name “Ruby” (but, spelled Rube) but that’s a story for another day.

6 Calmcoolncollected- (KY) took action in both starts last year while running ok. Working well now and drops in for $25,000.

7 Goin’ South- (CA) most experienced runner in here. Picked up 3 second place finishes last year. Been working well and has a 5f bullet (59.1) on 4-6. Looks like Blaine has him ready to roll. The pick.

8 Smile Don’t Wink- (CA) has beat one horse in two 2025 starts. Has Cruz aboard and did show brief speed in latest. Drops in here for $20,000.

EMD Race 5 Maiden Special Weight
1-Guard Your Spot- (WA) first time starter out of Find Your Spot, a mare that has thrown multiple winners. Been working well. The one-hole can be a tough place for a firster, unless of course you have a ton of speed and can blast out of there…. Perhaps

2-Sapphire Lady- (ID) 4 yr old – I am unfamiliar with her sire and her dam never crossed this line first. I’ll watch one before backing.

3-Coconut Dreams- (KY) fair warning, I am a coconut FREAK so… she took action and ran well (despite not threatening) in a MDN Special and two stakes races here last year. Been working well. Has a shot.

4-Cape Blossom- (WA) 4 yr old – sports two sub one-minute 5f works in a row with a bullet (59.1) on 4-23. Cruz will likely start winning races soon. Cannot toss out.

5-Kir Royale- (WA) 59.1 Bg on 4-24… Dam was 2 for 26 and banked $166,666. Ignore KC your own risk.

6-Rockyscents- (WA) in three tries and run last twice and second once. Took decent action in all three starts (Luigi was that you?) and does possess a bit of early foot. I’ll take a stand against today.

7-Above All Else- (KY) 4 yr old – has the most experience, has shown route-turf speed only and did not show much in recent start at TuP. Was favored at SA for $50,000 tag at SA last Oct. but it would surprise me if she crossed the wire first today.

8-Miss Double Down- (WA) she had a significantly bad start upon debut and chased a very
fast pace in her second try at TuP. She has the benefit of two recent races under her belt and she has speed. Coconut is the only other runner here that has flashed speed, so this Miss should be vying for the lead. My second choice.

9-Curlin’s Song- (CA) good second place eAort at 1000 yards at Los AL upon debut at 19-1. I like others more.

10-Cantputapriceonfun- (WA) here we have a half-sister to Paynt Ya Later (4 for 8 lifetime $116,410). Paynt Ya Later won the first two races of her career and she has won two races in Kentucky already this year. (she also may have won another race here last year but for a
track management fiasco on an Indian Relay race day) (ask me about it in person sometime) Their dam, Empecunious, won 5 out of her first 10 starts. I’m thinking Blaine has her ready and I like an outside post for a first timer. The Pick.

Enjoy Derby Day!