Betting trifectas in the Ellis Park Derby

Although a full field is expected to enter the starting gate for Saturday’s Ellis Park Derby at Ellis Park, that doesn’t mean the race will be difficult to handicap.

A handful of horses stand out as the key contenders in this 1 1/8-mile Road to the Kentucky Derby prep race:

• #2 Anneau d’Or, the runner-up in the 2019 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1). Although the stoutly bred son of Medaglia d’Oro is winless in three starts this season, he showed improvement when he finished fourth against tough competition in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and should appreciate the drop in class at Ellis Park.
• #4 Art Collector, who is 3-for-3 this season, following a 3 1/2-length score in the Blue Grass (G2). A versatile colt capable of winning with any running style, Art Collector brings Brisnet Speed ratings of 103 and 104 to the equation — the two highest figures in the Ellis Park Derby field.

• #9 Dean Martini, a former claimer who has improved by leaps and bounds in recent months. A premature middle move to seize command in the Ohio Derby (G3) should have left Dean Martini exhausted for the stretch drive, but he dug deep to win against a quality field.
• #12 Shared Sense, who finally caught a fair setup in the Indiana Derby (G3) and won by three lengths, with a 102 Brisnet Speed rating. A Godolphin homebred, this late-running son of Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense is progressing for high-percentage trainer Brad Cox.

The versatility of Art Collector stamps the Blue Grass winner as the horse to beat in the Ellis Park Derby. With his blend of tactical speed, finishing power, and tractability, Art Collector can secure a perfect trip, no matter what pace scenario unfolds. With any sort of luck, he can keep his perfect season intact with a resounding triumph Saturday.

My wagering strategy will be to key Art Collector on top in the trifecta. Underneath, I’ll emphasize Anneau d’Or, Dean Martini, and Shared Sense, with extra focus on the latter. A smaller ticket will add #10 Attachment Rate and #11 Winning Impression to the mix.

$5 trifecta: 4 with 12 with 2,9 ($10)
$5 trifecta: 4 with 2,9 with 12 ($10)
$2.50 trifecta: 4 with 2,9 with 2,9 ($5)
$2.50 trifecta: 4 with 12 with 10,11 ($5)
Total: $30

Good luck!