Super Derby Picks and Preview

Leading up to the Derby, the Tom Amoss trainee had a solid spring campaign, with a win in the (G3) Lecomte Stakes and a third-place run in the (G2) Risen Star, but seemed over his head in the Derby where he finished eighth. Following that effort, he came back to win the (G3) Ohio Derby over a somewhat weak field. While he appears to be top of the class here, he's been off since that race 11 weeks ago, and may be vulnerable because of it. The forecast for Saturday at Louisiana Downs is looking like a strong chance of rain as well, not the ideal conditions for a deep closer like Mo Tom.

Elsewhere in the field, Texas Chrome (7-2) has all the hallmarks of an improving colt, and has results of third, second and first in his last three efforts to show for it. The first two of those came in key races such as the (G3) Matt Winn Stakes and (G3) Ohio Derby, where he was the best of the rest up against top calibre entrants in Gun Runner and American Freedom, who came back to run 2-3 in the Travers Stakes. Dalmore (2-1) is second choice in the ML and should be able to set himself for a stalking trip in a race that lacks loads of early speed. Down on the inside, Whateverybodywants (6-1) is another improving sort, who finished second last out against a solid field in the (G2) West Virginia Derby.

The Super Derby goes Saturday, Sept. 3 from Louisiana Downs. Post time is 4:55 PM Eastern.

OTB Louisiana Picks

1) #5 Texas Chrome

2) #6 Dalmore

3) #1 Whateverybodywants

4) #2 Mo Tom