Four Tracks Play Host to Derby Preps

The preps for the Kentucky Derby continue today at four venues: Santa Anita, Oaklawn Park, Aqueduct and Tampa Bay Downs.

Sun King, considered by many to be the best of trainer Nick Zito’s quartet of quality 3-year-olds, will be favored against a nondescript field in the $250,000 Tampa Bay Derby, a Grade III at 1 1/16 miles. The son of Charismatic should win for the third time in six starts as he gets ready for next month’s Blue Grass before he heads to Churchill Downs.

Locally, a solid field of eight will get together in the $250,000 San Felipe Stakes, the last major stop before the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby on April 9. Giacomo, Don’t Get Mad, Roman Ruler, Wilko, Consolidator and Golden Shine are all contenders in the Grade II at 1 1/16 miles.

Although Greater Good may attract some support, the $250,000 Rebel at Oaklawn Park is essentially a match between Afleet Alex, who will be ridden by John Velazquez for the first time, and the undefeated Rockport Harbor, trainer John Servis’ hope for a second consecutive Kentucky Derby winner. Rockport Harbor, a son of Boston Harbor, hasn’t lost in four starts.

In the $150,000 Gotham, a Grade III at a mile in New York, Galloping Grocer will try to rebound from a loss as the odds-on favorite in the Whirlaway on Feb. 12. Other contenders include Byanosejoe, Naughty New Yorker and Survivalist.

Race of the day: Burning Sun takes on 10 others in the Grade II Mervin H. Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans.

One for the road: Press Play returns at the same level after being claimed by hot trainer Jamey Thomas on Feb. 5 and should improve for her new connections in today’s fifth at Bay Meadows. Macario Rodriguez will ride the 3-year-old Flying Victor filly in the $8,000 maiden claimer at six furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Two Hours Late in the second, Ice Lemon And Rum, Motivo and Low Bolly in the third, and Imagoldseeker, Exclusive Deposit and Skippadoo in the fourth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/149. Money: Previous day/meet total: $10.60/$784. Total money bet: $1,044.