This year\'s Santa Anita Derby, the first ever on synthetic, is a pretty weak renewal. In the last few years it seems like the quality of this race as a Derby prep has declined. That being said, Colonel John looks formidable this year from a pace standpoint and on class alone. He\'s the main closer in a speed-packed field, and closers have done well lately on the main track. El Gato Malo is a real synthetic track specialist, light bodied, the kind that run well over polytracks. He doesn\'t seem like he really wants to go this far, but if John falters in any way, El Gato Malo should pick up the pieces -- they both ran well enough on a deep track in the Sham. Beyond those two it is hard to make a case for anyone else.
Coast Guard has shown some ability I guess though his up close style may hurt his chances -- he\'s a decent animal I think. Yankee Bravo ran OK vs. Pyro in the La. Derby but didn\'t seem like he could go any faster. Good luck to all. I guess Colonel John might be a good multi-race wager single.
In other stakes: I like Surf Cat strongly over Greg\'s Gold in the Potero Grande.
In the Arcadia, Artiste Royal should make his presence felt late and Hyperbaric came back with a very strong effort in his return. Golden Balls goes for a red-hot Cassidy barn - ignore him at your own risk. Daytona has never impressed me, yet all he does is win. The pace may be faster than he\'s used to here. We\'ll see.
In the Providencia, Sweeter Still is yet another grass monster out of Rock of Gibralter. Missit kept good company overseas and may run well first out. Bel Air Sizzle was visually dazzling against a cheap bunch in last.
I\'m not sure how to make money today but I\'ll see how things play out and bet accordingly.
