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There is a small field for this race. Connemara (#2) is my pick to win. He is undefeated, well-bred, and has one of the top trainers in the country. I’ve seen him run and he should have a bright future. He could be on the Derby trail if he keeps improving. For the pace, Our Minesweeper ( #1), Ranger Heartley (#5) and Shudacudawudya (#6) are all forward factors. Connemara and Thomas Baines (#3) will definitely benefit from the early pace. The pace should be hot when Connemara will come from behind. Russell Baze should be able to guide Conemara into the clear when he needs to. Thomas Baines looks like a follower. He has a style where he should be closing with Connemara. Thomas Baines has good connections but I’ll take a lightly-raced 2 for 2 horse over a horse who is 1 for 9 with four third place finishes. He’s competitive, but there’s more of an upside with Connemara. Our Minesweeper is rugged. He’s won half his lifetime starts with 3 out of 6. He’s training well. That horse tries hard every single time; he never quits trying. He is Northern California based and is familiar with the track. Jack's Blue Card picks are: W – Connemara (#2) P -Thomas Baines (#3) S - Our Minesweeper (#1)
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