Michigan flair to Kentucky Derby Dream Bet selection in El Camino Real Derby

The first four races in Round 1 of the $25,000 Kentucky Derby Dream Bet are in the books but there is still plenty of time to qualify for Round 2 by cashing a $5 Win bet on one of the remaining 12 contest races. Be sure to click “Opt In” (from the Kentucky Derby Dream Bet banner on the contest & promotions page at TwinSpires.com) for eligibility.

in Saturday’s $200,000 El Camino Real Derby (G3) at Golden Gate Fields, I’ve landed on #3 Ann Arbor Eddie, who exits a pair of hard-fought wins over Cal-breds in the December 18 King Glorious at Los Alamitos and January 28 California Cup Derby at Santa Anita.

Trained by Doug O’Neill, the chestnut gelding has registered increasing BRIS Speed ratings in every start since capturing his career debut in late October and possesses good tactical speed in a seven-horse field lacking front-runners. He’s raced only on dirt so far but sire Square Eddie throws runners on all surfaces and the presence of damsire In Excess adds more versatility.

Mario Gutierrez will accompany Ann Arbor Eddie up north and should be able to establish favorable early positioning on a soft early pace. They can grind out another determined win.

I’ll tab a straight exacta with #6 Colonel Samsen in second. Winner of the Gold Rush three back in his Tapeta debut, the Colonel John gelding exits a solid third in the California Derby and may appreciate the added ground.