New Faces in Derby Pool

The final pool for the Kentucky Derby future wager opens today along with the only future wagering pool for the Kentucky Oaks, the significant race for 3-year-old fillies run the day before the May 3 Derby.

First among the half a dozen new shooters in the Derby pool is San Felipe Stakes winner Buddy Gil, who will try for a third consecutive victory in Saturday’s Santa Anita Derby.

Other fresh faces on the list are Alysweep, who went wire-to-wire in last month’s Gotham at Aqueduct; Brancusi, who was third in the San Felipe; New York Hero, the upset winner of the Lane’s End at Turfway Park nearly two weeks ago; and Ten Most Wanted, who will run in Saturday’s $500,000 Illinois Derby at Hawthorne.

Twenty-three fillies were listed individually in the Oaks pool, including the unbeaten Lady Tak, the rapidly improving Yell and Storm Flag Flying, the 2-year-old champion for trainer Shug McGaughey.

Race of the day: Native Desert, a 10-year-old gelding who has won 21 races and more than $1.75 million, will make his first start since July 4 in today’s seventh at Santa Anita. It’s a $57,000 optional claimer at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the turf.

Who’s hot: Steve Asmussen. The trainer will try to win his fifth training title at Lone Star Park, which opens its 70-day meet tonight.

Who’s not: Norberto Arroyo Jr. The jockey lost with 28 of 29 mounts at Aqueduct.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Lady General, Memogram, Pretty Meadow and Cd’s Best Yet in the sixth, Islander, Sunset Place and Reel ‘Em In in the seventh and singling Belle Of Portugal in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/203. Money: Previous day/meet total: $13.80/$1,141.60. Total money bet: $1,218.