Super Derby

Saturday's $500,000 Super Derby (G2) came up tough with three notable

three-year-olds -- LAWYER RON (Langfuhr), POINT DETERMINED (Point Given) and

STRONG CONTENDER (Maria's Mon) -- among the field of eight. All three have a

good chance at the top prize, but we like Strong Contender.

Trained by John Ward Jr., Strong Contender easily captured his lone juvenile

appearance and created quite a stir when opening his sophomore campaign with a

smashing 4 3/4-length success in a February allowance at Gulfstream Park. He

became a leading Kentucky Derby (G1) candidate, but Strong Contender couldn't

live up to the hype, finishing a dull

third in the Blue Grass S. (G1). Following another disappointing third in the

Peter Pan S. (G2), the chestnut began to turn things around. He trounced his

rivals in the Dwyer S. (G2), earning a 107 BRIS Speed rating, and entered the

Haskell Invitational S. (G1) as one of the favorites. However, Strong Contender

broke poorly that afternoon and dropped far off the pace after being involved in

some scrimmaging, but he was able to

rally for a decent third. The Kentucky-bred has trained forwardly since then,

drilling six furlongs in a bullet 1:12 2/5 a couple of weeks ago, and the race

should set up well for the stalker with a lot of early speed present.

Lawyer Ron will also be stalking the pace, and the Arkansas Derby (G2) winner

must be respected. He brought a six-race winning skein and a lofty reputation

into this year's Kentucky Derby, but Lawyer Ron was steadied early and

eventually faded to 12th. To make matters worse, he exited the race with an

ankle problem and underwent minor surgery. Returning to action in the August 26

St. Louis Derby at Fairmount Park, the Bob Holthus-trained colt once again

displayed a formidable turn of foot to rally into contention and he received an

excellent 105 Speed rating for the three-quarter of a length win. Lawyer Ron is

eligible to improve off that tightener, and he's been working up a storm at

Churchill Downs in preparation. He looks ready to go under regular rider John

McKee.

Point Determined must bounce back off a last-place finish in the Del Mar

Derby (G2), but we can overlook that race because he didn't like the turf. A

grinder, the Bob Baffert charge has recorded runner-up finishes this year in the

Santa Anita Derby (G1), San Felipe S. (G2) and Swaps Breeders' Cup S. (G2), so another top three placing could easily be in the cards, but the Grade 3

winner remains a threat for it all with his best. Victor Espinoza will be in

from California for the ride.

Prelude S. winner LOUISBORG (Victory Gallop) represents the home team and has

captured three of his four lifetime starts. The Tony Richey pupil will receive a

serious class check in this spot, but the late-running gray has the best chance

of a top three finish if one of our top three picks falters.

HIS EYES (Gold Case) will come out winging it, but he'll have a difficult

time sustaining his speed. COSTA RISING (Royal Strand [Ire]) also does his best

running on the front end and will likely face too much early pressure. FOLLOW

THE STORM (Stormin Fever) reeled off four straight wins at Evangeline Downs

before finishing far back in the St. Louis Derby, and we can't envision him

improving enough to contend here. Ruidoso Downs shipper MAJESTIC STREAM (Fusaichi

Pegasus) owns only one career win and probably needs an easier spot to be

competitive.