El Camino Real Derby

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

The El Camino Real Derby (G3) at Bay Meadows has historically produced
runners for the spring classics. In this year’s edition of the 1 1/16-mile
event, there is a great deal of speed present, so STELLAR MAGIC (Western Fame)
rates our top choice.

Stellar Magic settled nicely into a stalking position along the inside, swung
out turning for home, then ran by odds-on favorite Texcess (In Excess [Ire]) in
the stretch to win the San Mateo Mile S. by 1 1/2 lengths over this track in his
last start. The latter was coming off a close third-place finish to Spanish
Chestnut (Horse Chestnut [SAf]) in the San Rafael S. (G2) at Santa Anita.
Stellar Magic, who has won three of four starts, owns a strong late kick and
appears to be rapidly improving. He should prove hard to deny with a similar
effort.

WANNAWINEMALL (Royal Anthem) rallied from midpack to defeat maidens going
this distance at Santa Anita in his last start. The Kristin Mulhall-trained colt
has been keeping good company at the southern end of the state and should factor
for a share. Mike Smith stays aboard.

Stakes-winning speedster UNCLE DENNY (In Excess [Ire]) finished a close
fourth in the nine-furlong Sham S. in his last start and is the one to catch
under perennial leading rider Russell Baze. The Rafael Becerra-trained colt, who
smoked six furlongs in a bullet 1:09 3/5 at Santa Anita last week, won’t offer
attractive odds, though.

BIG TOP CAT (Storm Cat), trained by D. Wayne Lukas, figures to set sail for
the early lead and will likely add to the opening fractions. The royally bred
colt, out of champion Golden Attraction (Mr. Prospector), has also trained
smartly. He should be respected.

Golden Gate Derby winner BUZZARDS BAY (Marco Bay) attended the early pace
before fading badly in the Risen Star S. (G3) at Fair Grounds. He has trained
well since and is worth a second look. STORMIN AWAY (Skip Away) also has good
early speed and exits a troubled fourth-place finish as the favorite in the Turf
Paradise Derby. He could stick around for a minor award. SHARP WRITER (Capote)
finished second by a nose to Buzzards Bay in the Golden Gate Derby, then
finished a distant sixth in the San Mateo. He’s hard to recommend off his last
performance.

CUSTOMER (Silver Charm) finished second in his debut at Santa Anita and
obviously has some talent. This may be too much too soon, though. WIND WATER
(Bold Badgett) won a six-furlong sprint on the front end in a fast time against
high-level claimers last out. He figures to add to what should be a hot pace.
VASILIAS (Comic Strip) comes off the shelf after breaking his maiden and would
be a surprise.