As a non-points race, the Illinois Derby has lost a little luster as a Kentucky Derby Prep. But this year Midnight Hawk enters the Illinois Derby with a chance of still running in Kentucky.
Midnight Hawk is a surprise entrant in the Illinois Derby. This speed son of Midnight Lute has Chicago connections and will be performing for the home crowd on Saturday. This gutsy horse has run with all the big boys and come out of it with a strong resume. He was extremely game at Sunland in the last race and a repeat of his last couple of races makes him 4/5 in this race and a very heavy and deserving favorite.
Dynamic Impact finally recorded his maiden victory in the last race. This hard trying son of Tiznow is likely to improve off that effort and has the running style to be competitive in this race. Look for him to lay mid-pack behind a fast pace and make his move going into the turn.
A Step Ahead is a full brother to the mighty Giant Oak who plodded around the Hawthorne oval and several tracks a few years back. This son of Giant’s Causeway out of a productive mare has the same plodding, come from behind running style. Class doesn’t seem to be an issue and if some of the speed comes back to the pack this guy may pick up some of the $500,000 purse.
Irish You Well is a cleverly named horse, but has been racing several class levels below a horse like Midnight Hawk. Still a maiden after 6 races and has lost to Class Leader. Hard to imagine a victory in this spot.
Emmett Park opened his career with a couple of wins at Turfway Park which is a very unique surface. His running style indicates closer, but last race is a toss because of the post and running style not being benefitted by his surface. Recent works are improved and expect a better race on Saturday. Possible top 3 material.
Global Strike did not fire in the land of Enchantment at Sunland. Is cross-entered in the Lexington Stakes on Saturday, but fits in this spot and this field and surface may be more conducive to his running style and class level. Has run near the pace and is capable of sitting behind Midnight Hawk in this race or taking the lead if Hawk decides to lay off the pace. Has a good shot in this spot.
Class Leader comes in with a double dip winning streak. Veteran trainer has brought him along slowly and pedigree indicates distance should not be an issue. Not sure if he is fast enough to hang with the speed in this race. Getting off the Fairgrounds surface could help him.
The Pace:
Midnight Hawk just may have too much speed and class to not take the lead in this spot. Class Leader is capable of showing more speed and Dynamic Impact has a good post.
The Choice:
Midnight Hawk looms large over this field. Fast horse may ultimately be distance challenged. One of the best bets in racing is the classier horse on the lead. Dynamic Impact would be my 2nd choice.