2010 LOUISIANA DERBY LATEST PICKS AND BETTING TIPS

One of the big Kentucky Derby preps is upon us today and we have some absolute quality lining up here today at Fairgrounds. There is going to be a bit of extra attention paid to this race as it will be aired live on NBC as part of their Road to the Kentucky Derby series- that's fantastic news as I expect the betting pools to be especially robust for this widely-anticipated 1m1f dash on the dirt. 

Discreetly Mine (Mineshaft) has been described as the lukewarm favourite for this one, and it's tough to argue with that, as the talented Tood Pletcher-trained colt is hovering around the 7/2 mark. He captured the Risen Star in good fashion, scoring a 94 Beyer that day- wiring a solid field that included Tempted to Tapit. He is going to offer up some early pace, but I don't expect him to go right to the lead. Javier Castellano is abord for the trip and their eyes are on the Derby, no question about it. He'll be there-or-thereabouts. 
I've got my eye on the clear second favourite A Little Warm (Stormin Fever) who has shown plenty of acumen against quality opposition this season, since emerging off the maiden circuit in the fall. He took the Spectacular Bid Stakes at Gulfstream over 6f  and then put in a very respectable second to D'Funnybone in the Grade 2 Hutcheson Stakes which ran 7f. He recorded Beyer's of 100 and 97 in those races- a 97 in a place performance on a grade 2 is a lot more reference than most horses in this race have going for them. I think he's the one to beat if he gets into his preferred stalking position, I have faith in his ability to challenge a field three, four or even five wide and still acquit himself well. His late kick could be the difference-maker here. 4/1 and worth every penny in my book. 
Ron the Greek (Full Mandate) is attracting some attention at 6/1 but, despite winning the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes, he hasn't really proven himself against first-rate opposition in my book and while he's a very solid place bet, I struggle to back him even with the Grade 3 victory. 
Bob Baffert's The Program (Harlan's Holiday) is proving to be very popular at 10/1 and his 3rd place in the Grade 3 Sham Stakes is a solid reference and he looks to be an improver. I think he does well considering the amount of early pace that should be on display in today's race. He's got Nakatani aboard for the trip and this will be the first time the two have teamed up, and I have a feeling he's going to try to duel up front. He's a great bet for all of your exotics and should reward a solid payout on the win-only as well. Highly recommended.