Expert Pick of the Week: Iroquois Stakes

Sep 02, 2020 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

The 146th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) is the centerpiece of a grand day of racing at Churchill Downs on Saturday. But the undercard is loaded, as well, with six graded stakes races on the slate. One of those is the $200,000 Iroquois (G3) for juveniles going one-mile on the main surface.

A field of 11 youngsters will go postward in the well-matched event, led by Saratoga Special (G2) runner-up Therideofalifetime. The Ignacio Correas trainee has never been worse than second from a trio of lifetime outings, and the chestnut seems poised for a breakthrough at the graded stakes level. He is the Expert Pick of the Week.

Therideofalifetime debuted at Churchill Downs on June 19 and rallied for a second-placed result behind subsequent Grade 2 victor Jackie’s Warrior. The son of Candy Ride appeared at Keeneland for his second assignment and graduated with style, drawing clear to a 8 1/4-length win while posting a swift final time. The Kentucky-bred was always second best at Saratoga most recently, and he shows a pair of strong half-mile morning drills in the interim.

The February foal has the speed to overcome his wide post draw, as well as the pedigree and running style to prosper in his first attempt at a route of ground. He figures to force the pace while always in range with Florent Geroux taking the reins.

Rusty Arnold’s Crazy Shot was a winner on debut at Ellis Park for a conditioner not known for his prowess with first-time starters. Dark bay son of Trappe Shot gave every indication that he will prefer the extra ground with which to work with on Saturday.

Drop Anchor was a rallying debut winner at Ellis for trainer Kenny McPeek. The gray colt is bred to handle the distance, and he also received a cozy rail draw for his stakes debut. Son of Anchor Down could be a major player with expected improvement in the Iroquois.

An exacta with #10 Therideofalifetime over #9 Crazy Shot and #1 Drop Anchor in the Iroquois Stakes is the Best Bet of the Week.