Eskendereya Out of Derby

WOW! This changes everything. . .

Todd Pletcher announced yesterday morning at 9:30 that his star pupil and likely Derby favorite, Eskendereya is out of the race due to a "slight filling in his left front leg."

While pundits turn on their speculating meters to determine whether this accumulation of fluid has been there for some time or just recently made its presence known (the jury is divided), others are recalculating their betting strategies. Personally, with Eskendereya out of the race, I think its anybody's guess.

Sidney's Candy deserves some attention although there is that gnawing unknown of never having raced on any surface other than synthetic. Ice Box, the Florida Derby winner, may get some play. And don't forget Super Saver, another Pletcher trained probably entry and the Bob Baffert trained Lookin at Lucky.

There is a lot of buzz about the filly Devil May Care, who may opt to beat the boys at their own game rather than run in the Oaks. At this point, Pletcher notes that she will be entered in both events and the draw may actually determine his strategy.

If you like long shots, my advice would be to pick one. This is anybody's race and anything can happen between now and Saturday. It's a true shame Lentenor did not have the opportunity to win a big race because I do believe he would have had just as much of a shot as some of the horses in the field.

I promise to have my picks by Friday. What about you?