Derby Wars Pro Picks

The “Ubercapper”, Ellis Starr, is not only a handicapper for Equibase and frequent horse racing commentator for national broadcasts, he is also a regular Derby Wars player.

 

Here are his picks for Kentucky Derby 2012!

 

Gemologist – Impressed me in Wood as he made lead then waited on Alpha before kicking in again. Has not peaked yet and third start of his three-year-old season could be his best effort yet. Career best 114 Equibase Speed Figure in Wood tops the field. Has won at Churchill Downs. Castellano has been his only pilot.

 

Dullahan  – Also making his third start of the year so has more improving to do. 111 Equibase Speed Figure in Blue Grass was a career best but not the best we’ve seen from him. With Trinniberg setting fast fractions, may only need an unobstructed path in the stretch to win again.

 

Went the Day Well – Taking same path is Animal Kingdom did last year for same connections (Team Valor, Graham Motion, John Velazquez) and is another on a pattern for improvement. Gets blinkers and that could mean a significant improvement off the 103 figure effort last time out.

 

Alpha – Only a neck shy of Gemologist in the Wood after appearing to get the lead ever so briefly at one point in the stretch. Continues to improve and may not  have topped out yet. Had some traffic problems early and late in the Wood and worked well before shipping to Kentucky.

 

You can follow Ellis on Twitter @ubercapper and get his complete Oaks and Derby Day selections at equibase.com!

Leave a Reply