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Kentucky Derby 2000© Greg Melikov
Page 2
May 2, 2000
My Derby exacta box: War Chant and Aptitude -- in that order. Both have the pedigree to get the 1 1/4 miles. Both are lightly raced.
Aptitude is the steadily improving son of A.P Indy who showed his mettle in Gotham and Wood Memorial. A rider upgrade to Alex Solis, with two seconds and a third in The Derby, should help his chances. The closer needs a trouble-free trip, but the extra distance gives him a shot if you check his fractions at 1 1/8 miles. Wednesday's half-mile workout of 47 1/5 is a good omen.
War Chant has the stalking style necessary to stay fairly close to the pace. Beaten a length by The Deputy in the Santa Anita Derby, the son of Danzig wore blinkers for the first time Monday and worked six furlongs in 1:13 4/5. One writer said the last quarter-mile was clocked in 22 3/5. War Chant galloped out in 1:27 4/5 for seven furlongs. Bailey is a big plus. Blinkers can make the difference. That's why I like War Chant to beat a path to the winner's circle.
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