It's not the last chance, it's a big chance

TwinSpires logo

Leg 2 of the Kentucky Derby Championship Series presented by TwinSpires.com concludes today, and while many have called it "the last chance" for three-year-olds to guarantee themselves a spot in the starting gate, that's really only because of where the races fall on the calendar since these 170-point chances today are the same as the previous five Leg 2 races on March 30 and April 6.

I.e., if these races were two weeks ago they'd be just as valuable and prestigious. These races aren't the last chance, they're a big chance--for a Grade 1 win, big money, points toward the Derby, and to join a long list of some of racing's biggest stars.

It's a big chance for gamblers, too. I typically hate the term "wide-open" race, but it's impossible to ignore that the favorite in either race is extremely vulnerable. Even the top choices in both races are.

My main focus today is unquestionably the blockbuster 12-race Blue Grass card. What a blessing to watch Horse of the Year Wise Dan win his six-year-old debut, turn the page and see this card with three Grade 1 races, an all-stakes Pick 4, two Pick 5s, and of course one of the top preps for the world's most prestigious horse race.

Unlike Friday, though, there are precious few "gimmes" on this card. Whereas Wise Dan was nearly a free square in his race, no such block exists on today's card. The ABC grid is below.

Racing

It's not the last chance, it's a big chance

Suggested Articles