Bay Meadows Derby

Eight sophomores will head to the post for Saturday’s Bay
Meadows Derby (G3), to be run at nine furlongs over the Northern
California track’s turf course. KINGDOM COME (Ire) (Foxhound)
will step up here but it looks to be the perfect time for the
bay, as trainer Patrick Gallagher has gotten his charge in top
form after an impressive three-length win last out. Two-for-two
over Bay Meadows’ turf course at 1 1/16-miles, we think the Irish-bred
will welcome the added distance and competition. Jason Lumpkins
has the mount.

HENDRIX (Sultry Song) exits a strong third in the Oak Tree
Derby (G2) last time and will be the one to beat. The Craig
Dollase trainee will get the services of red-hot Cory Nakatani
and has steadily improved this fall. The $310,000 Keeneland
purchase is tough to overlook, especially after a bullet five-furlong
move in :59 on Monday over Hollywood Park’s fast main track.

The James Cassidy-trained ON THE ACORN (GB) (Inchinor [GB])
finished seventh in the Oak Tree Derby but was only three lengths
back. With a record of two-for-three at this distance and a nice
closing win over nine grassy furlongs as a prep for the Derby, we
can’t leave the colt out of the exotics.

RULES OF WAR (Cromwell) makes his first start for Bill McLean
and tries the turf for the first time. The Canadian invader can’t
be ruled out with a lifetime record of 7-3-1-0.

CONGRESSIONALHONOR (Forestry) makes his stakes debut here for
trainer Jerry Hollendorfer and has not missed the board in his
last four starts. Jockey Tyler Baze may get the improving gray up
for part. NEW COURSE (Corslew) was switched to the lawn when
claimed two back by conditioner Chuck Peery and the bay closed
well last out to win an 8 1/2-furlong claiming event over this
course last out. The gelding may stretch out well.

BIG SQUEEZE (Petionville) may enjoy the shortening in distance
but the gelding appears outclassed here. TALARIS (Thunder Gulch)
exits a win but steps up in this contest. We’ll let the bay beat
us.