Analysis of The Santa Anita Derby

Colonal John showed some nice potential as a 2-year-old by finishing very well in all 4 of his starts. His comeback effort last time out was very good where he battled for the early lead under slow splits and then was dead game to the wire in a quick finishing fraction of :11 4/5 seconds. This effort puts him in position to be considered a real player not only for today but also in Kentucky. I am expecting another big effort today and quite possibly even better than his last one.

El Gato Malo has shown his best races to date are at 1-mile however he should be given a 2nd chance at trying 1 1/8 miles since his initial try was off a 5-week hiatus and he did finish strongly in a personal fraction of :11 3/5 seconds. Seems to be the main rival today with a chance to win it all.

Polonius gets his acid test today as he gets thrown in much deeper and much longer in this spot. Has talent and is well bred so we'll see how he handles the jump up in class and distance.