
The top two contenders now are Dunkirk, who remains an uncertain proposition because of his lack of experience; and Friesan Fire, whose best performance came on a sloppy track in Louisiana. The Churchill Strip was muddy this morning,and Friesan Fire would be a prime beneficiary if it remains wet at post time.
The scratch of I Want Revenge diminishes my enthusiasm for betting the Derby; he was the only entrant I thought possessed unshakable credentials. (Unfortunately, I hadn't been able to scrutinize his ankle. But because betting the Derby is a civic duty, my strategy will be to eliminate all of the horses with synthetic-track form,and play the trifecta and supefecta using the logical horses, Friesan Fire and Dunkirk, plus Papa Clem and the two invaders from Dubai, Regal Ransom and Desert Party.