Four horses I'm playing before the Main Event

Here are a few horses I like on the Derby Day undercard:

Race 3 (Allowance)

# 2 SPIN MASTER (2-1 ML)

Speedster makes his first start since Saratoga for new trainer Todd Pletcher. His most important win came last year at Churchill and he has a history of running big when fresh.

Race 7 – The Distaff Turf Mile (G3)

#1 YOU GO WEST GIRL (15-1 ML)

Returned with a sensational win going six furlongs on the Keeneland Polytrack, which probably isn’t her best game. Gets back to turf and is likely to move forward in her second start off the layoff. Love the inside post and low weight assignment. Favored Dreaming of Anna will be tough, but she’s stuck with the outside post and packs 124 pounds.

Exactas with #2 Sharp Susan, #8 Ventura and #9 Dreaming of Anna.

Race 8 – The Humana Distaff (G1)

#4 MISS MACY SUE (5-1 ML)

Tough filly returned with an easy win at Oaklawn as a tune-up for this. Won at five different tracks last year, including Churchill Downs. Ran big to finish third in the Breeders’ Cup over the soupy track. The stretch to seven furlongs is the biggest question mark. Her main competition may be tailing off.

Exactas with #1 Hystericalady, #3 Graeme Six, #7 Miraculous Miss and #8 Baroness Thatcher.

The Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (G1)

#1 OUT OF CONTROL (5-1 ML) – BEST BET

Ran deceptively will in the Maker’s Mark at Keeneland, racing wide on both turns. Draws the rail here and gets a bit of weight from the main competition. Set for a peak effort in his third start off the layoff for Bobby Frankel. Gomez should work out a clean trip this time.

Exactas with #2 War Monger, #3 Golden Balls, #4 Thorn Song