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January 17 - Even though the Kentucky Derby, America's biggest thoroughbred horserace, is still fifteen weeks away, trainers all over the country are already preparing their top three-year-old runners for a chance at winning the prestigious race, and trainer Doug O'Neill is no exception. It's also not to soon to find potential Kentucky Derby betting opportunities, and O'Neill might hold an early key here.
The reputable trainer is preparing his talented charge, Square Eddie, for today's 1 mile San Rafael Stakes (Gr 3) at Santa Anita in California, and while he said 'he is not looking further than Saturday's outing', he definitely had that 'Kentucky Derby glint' in his eye, and why not given the race's prestige?
Returning to competition from an 83-day layoff, Square Eddie will go into the $150,000 San Rafael Stakes well-prepared according to O'Neill. In his last outing in the auspicious Breeders' Cup Juvenile here in October last year, the colt secured second place behind Midshipman, who is trained by Bob Baffert.
If Square Eddie performs well between now and the Kentucky Derby, he'll have a shot at revenge as Midshipman has also been entered in the Churchill Downs race. The San Rafael Stakes will be Square Eddie's first race as a three-year-old, and his connections will be keen to see what he can do.
Interestingly, Square Eddie was not entered in the CashCall Futurity (Gr 1) at Hollywood Park on December 20th, despite the race being sponsored by Square Eddie's owner, J. Paul Reddam. Said O'Neill, 'Paul was adamant that we give Square Eddie a breather and save him for the big races this year.'
That decision makes sense when you consider just how well Square Eddie did as a two-year-old. Not only did he square off against some of Europe's top runners in four outings, but he also notched up a notable win in his US debut in the Breeders' Futurity Stakes (Gr 1) at Keeneland Racecourse in October.
In today's San Rafael Stakes, Square Eddie will go up against the likes of maiden winners Papa Clem, Brother Keith and The Pamplemousse; talented European import, Ryehill Dreamer; and Feisty Suances, who is always quick off the mark and usually likes to set the pace.
Check out our Triple Crown betting section to see our recommended online racebooks for horse betting this season.
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