Can Deadly Dealer catch Curlin?

Question

I have been told that Deadly Dealer is the best horse in Pletcher's barn. Both horses are lightly raced and are going head to head in the Arkansas Derby on Saturday.

I'd like to hear all the pro's and con's from all you 'cappers here!

Answer 1

You should re-phrase your question to can Curlin catch Deadly Dealer, because he should be flying early on.  Should be a good race between the 2 of them, I would have loved to see Ketchikan in there too and see 3 up and comers duke it out, but he will have to wait for another day.  They look like the only two with a shot in the field and I'm giving the edge to Curlin, based on the fact he seemed to rate last time and has a 2 turn race under his belt, I also think if Lukas' horse goes to the front, he and DD could turn into a crazy duel, setting it up perfectly for Curlin.  Deadly Dealer did beat Boogie Boggs by 7 last out and he came back to run 5th in the Florida Derby, only 4 1/4 lentgths behind Scat Daddy, so he does stack up somewhat to other contenders (although I'm not a big fan of the GP preps this year).  It's too bad both of these guys don't have one more race in them, because they both seem to have loads of talent and I think they will both have an impact if they go on to the Ky. Derby, I just think seasoning will get the best of them come the last 1/8th at Churchill.

Answer 2

I like Curlin more than Deadly Dealer!! Curlin is most likely a favorite in the Arkansas Derby!! Deadly Dealer may probably test Curlin's ablility, too!! I hope I helped you!!!

Answer 3

That's a good question. Deadly Dealer is facing the same questions going into this race that Curlin faced going into the Rebel - can he duplicate the great figure he ran in a sprint when he stretches out into a route while moving into a stakes race. Curlin has already answered that question in the affirmative with a powerful win despite a wide trip, so he gets the nod. However, since Deadly Dealer's Beyer is so awesome I'm going to box the 2 in the Exacta as a saver.

I'd also have to include Officer Rocket on the bottom of my Exacta bets since he ran well in the Rebel despite being trapped on the rail.

Good luck.

Bob

Answer 4

The problem about this race is that we've heard so little about any of these horses.  I've only seen Curlin run once and it was a strong performance after a maiden win by 12.5 lengths.  I don't know anything about Deadly Dealer and I couldn't even find his race record online.  In a field of pretty much unknowns, I really think Curlin will win easily... i mean there's no other really strong Derby contender in the race.  But at the same time, Curlin hasn't really proven himself...  he's run twice against nobodies...  he could have been lucky.  But his last race was 8.5 furlongs and this one's only 9...  a half furlong difference isn't much.  I really believe unless something big happens, this horse will pull out an easy win.