Kentucky Derby 2020 Report for 2-7-20

The Kentucky Derby 2020 points race series was in high gear last weekend. Tiz the Law is the very early Derby favorite after a sharp score in the Holy Bull Stakes, and Bob Baffert’s $1 million colt Thousand Words ran his record to 3-for-3 in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes. The Withers was the other points race on Feb. 1, and Max Player went from maiden winner at Parx to graded stakes winner at the Big A.

Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! Tiz the Law capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest.

The Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs is the lone points race on Saturday, Feb. 8, and Independence Hall tries to go 4-for-4. The early-pressing type makes his first start around two turns. Premier Star stretches out and looms the target, and Remsen Stakes (G2) runner-up Ajaaweed is the one to fear late.    

Kentucky Derby 2020 Points Race Recaps

Withers Stakes Recap (2-1-20) - Winner: Max Player ($12.80)

Shotski was an underlay as expected. He stole the Remsen (G2) over a speed favoring oval last year. In this event, he did not figure to shake loose early, and he did not. Prince of Pharoahs was the first to engage the chalk, and Vanzzy and New Commission were also forwardly placed. Monday Morning Qb went after Shotski after the other early challengers faded, and that set the table for my value oriented TRD video winner Max Player. The Linda Rice trainee was lurking wide under Dylan Davis. He was scrubbing away and under the whip while continuing wide approaching the far turn, and swung even wider turning for home. He had the momentum out in the middle of the track and won going away by 3+ lengths. Shotski just held 2nd over late runner Portos, and Monday Morning Qb flattened out and finished 4th. New Commission was 5th, and Prince of Pharoahs was another ten lengths back in 6th. Mr. Shortandsimple and Vanzzy were both eased. This was not a fast race but was a big forward move for Max Player. He went from wet track maiden winner at Parx to a graded Derby points race winner.   

You can read the rest of this post on my Kentucky Derby 2020 page...