Kentucky Derby Points at Stake in Grade 3 Sham Stakes

Calculator, the 8/5 morning line favorite, will make his three year-old debut for trainer Peter Miller after a successful juvenile campaign.  As a two year-old, Calculator finished second in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity and Grade 1 Front Runner Stakes, but here’s the oddity:  Calculator remains a maiden, winless in four career starts.  While clearly the class of the field, many bettors will be leery about the prospects of backing a maiden in stakes company at short odds – particularly in the case of Calculator who has not run since September 27. 

Miller trainee could be controlling speed 

7/2 second choice, Rockinatten broke his maiden impressively October 26 at Gulfstream West after running third and second in his first two career starts.  In the maiden score, Rockinatten pressed the pace before easily running away from his rivals in the stretch to post an eight and three quarter lengths win in the seven furlong race.   Rockinatten will make his first start for trainer Peter Miller after making his first three in Florida for Ralph Nicks. 

Rock Shandy goes turf to dirt 

Miller will also saddle a pair of 8/1 shots in Rock Shandy and St. Joe Bay.  The former exits a third place finish in the Grade 3 Cecil Demille, which was run at one mile on the turf.  Rock Shandy previously won a mile turf race against maiden special weight company making him the only winner of a route race in the field.  The Sham winner will receive ten Kentucky Derby qualifying points with 4-3-1 respectively going to the 2nd-4th place finishers.