KANSAS CITY BOY (Boston Harbor) has been installed as the slight 7-2 favorite
on the morning line for Saturday’s $500,000 Illinois Derby (G2) at Hawthorne.
The Kenny McPeek trainee, who is still eligible for a first-level allowance
race, comes off a disappointing seventh-place effort in the Louisiana Derby (G2)
after running second in the Holy Bull S. (G3) at Gulfstream Park and a close
third in the LeComte S. (G3) at Fair Grounds. Chris Emigh will ride.
John Battaglia Memorial S. winner MAGNA GRADUATE (Honor Grades) is the close
second choice at 4-1 on the morning line. The Pat Byrne-trained colt ran fourth
in the Lane’s End S. (G2) in his last start and will be ridden by Eusebio Razo
Jr.
Nine three-year-olds will line up for the 1 1/8-mile Illinois Derby. In post
position order, with riders and morning-line odds, the field consists of
GREELEY’S GALAXY (Mr. Greeley), Kent Desormeaux, 9-2; MONARCH LANE (Maria’s
Mon), Chris DeCarlo, 6-1; Magna Graduate; RIKMAN (Storm Creek), Heberto Castillo
Jr., 5-1; UNBRIDLED ENERGY (Unbridled’s Song), Shaun Bridgmohan, 6-1; MEDIGATING
(Fr) (Dolphin Street), Larry Melancon, 12-1; WIN ME OVER (Friendly Lover), Larry
Sterling Jr., 20-1; DADDY JOE (Unbridled’s Song), Norberto Arroyo Jr., 10-1; and
Kansas City Boy.
All starters will carry 122 pounds.
The card also features the $125,000 Lost Code Breeders’ Cup S. for
three-year-olds at six furlongs. Arlington-Washington Breeders’ Cup Futurity
(G3) winner THREE HOUR NAP (Afternoon Deelites) will face eight rivals under top
weight of 118 pounds.
AMAZING BUY (High Yield), who won three straight stakes races prior to
finishing third in the Bourbonette Breeders’ Cup S. at Turfway Park, will carry
co-highweight of 119 pounds in the $125,000 Meafara Breeders’ Cup S. for
three-year-old fillies going six furlongs.