Code of Honor has been making the Kentucky Derby looks like a formality for months now. The only race that really matters in the Derby is between Pimco, Collin and edge. The horse pool also has some pretty good contenders, but so does the Code of Honor.
We have had some late season bets in the Derby before: but none since the Derby day last February. Sure there are horses that look good because of early speed and post position, but they aren’t the type of horses you can rely on to run the whole race. So why not take a look at this horse and see how it might run? I have them at 15-2 odds in the top three because I like their chances to finish near the front end of the first into the post. They are a probable top five finisher, but that probably means they will be outside at least on the start of the second.
On paper, that seems fine. Pimco and Collin both have solid competition: as do some of the young guns. But there is one huge problem. I really like PC and DVO’s chances to finish first or second, but they are so far off in terms of pace that they may be lucky to make it to the post.
This is where having an outside shot: like Dewayne Westwood, seems so valuable. While he is not fast, he is certainly faster than most of the other horses in the top four. His post-position advantage is one of the reasons that he should be able to move up on the outside and give PC a problem in the first half of the race. It will happen, if and only if the PC can manage to hold on to his lead.
What has impressed me the most about PC is how calm and cool he is under pressure: Even when he is up against a horse he is considered a long shot, he still seems to be able to find a way to win. Even when there are serious questions about his ability to compete, he still seems to rise to the occasion. That is why I love watching Kentucky Derby races with my friends. It seems like every single one of them has some form of handicapping scheme or another going on during the race.
You would think: that someone who carry such a heavy burden, and is paid handsomely to do it would have problems getting any sleep. But Lebettering doesn’t seem to have one. Indeed, I hope you will please consider adding Lebettering to your dog racing stock picks list.
He is simply one of the most exciting dogs in the Kentucky Derby field today.