Creator each-way value in Kentucky Derby
Published:
David Metcalf | May 6, 2016
Creator has plenty goiung for him in Kentucky Derby
Creator is improving at a rate of knots looks cracking each-way value in the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 7th (23:34, UK time).
The Steve Asmussen trained colt won his maiden three starts back in runaway style by 7 1/4 lengths at Oakland, and backed that up with a solid staying on third in a Grade 2 at the same venue.
Creator then took his form to a new level when last seen in action in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby, again at Oakland, and beating Suddenbreakingnews by 1 1/4 lengths.
After being held-up in the last duo , the three-year-old had to be angled out by jockey Ricardo Santana to get a run before scything through the pack to win going away at the line.
Fearless run-style a big plus
Creator was fearless , showing a tremendous attitude to squeeze between horses and clocking a good time in the process, and that is a great attribute to have in this 20-runner line-up.
The son of the brilliant Tapit is a closer, meaning that he will be looking to pick up the pace at the end of the race, but he is one that looks sure to get every yard of the 1m 2f trip.
Another plus is that Creator has been putting in some scintillating workouts at the track, which have left work watchers in awe, and he goes into the race on a serious upward curve and in the form of his life.
Nyquist a class act
Nyquist heads the betting and is bidding to become the third favourite in a row to win the Run for the Roses.
The colt is unbeaten in seven starts and represents the trainer/jockey team of Doug O’Neill and Mario Gutierrez who landed the valuable prize back in 2012 with I’ll Have Another.
Like I’ll Have Another, Nyquist has had two preps runs ahead of the first leg of the Triple Crown.
In the last of those in a Grade 1 over 1m 1f at Gulfstream Park, Nyquist made all to win comfortably by 3 1/4 lengths.
However, the son of Uncle Mo did drift out alarmingly inside the final furlong before being straightened up to get the job done and that raises the questions as to whether his stamina was running out.
Step up in trip a concern
Nyquist is all about speed and his previous win this season had come over 7f at Santa Anita.
He is undoubtedly a class act, but whether he is crying out for the step up to 1m 2f is highly debatable.
It could be that Nyquist was just idling and losing concentration when hitting the front at Gulfstream; and if that is the case, then he looks a worthy favourite given that he brings the strongest form into the contest and has an unblemished record.
There will, however, be no hiding place in this big field contest which looks sure to be run at a searching pace and, at the odds on offer, siding with the improving closer Creator, who boasts a rock solid profile, could be rewarding as he appears to have sneaked under the radar.
Related
For more horse racing betting tips, check out our dedicated section.
Coral’s top tip: Nyquist is a class act but, with doubts about him getting the trip, the thriving Creator looks well worth an each-way wager in a wide-open renewal of the Kentucky Derby.
