Todd Pletcher is back in the Derby picture with the Blue Grass Stakes exacta of winner Monba, and second place Cowboy Cal. Even-money favorite Pyro was never a factor and failed to deliver his patented killer closing move, finishing a very disappointing third from last in the field of 12 contenders. Kentucky Bear was third, and Stevil fills out the superfecta.

Pletcher's turf graduate Cowboy Cal led the field with Johnny velazquez on board, setting a pace that would finish Cool Coal Man. Monba, Pletcher's other entry, piloted by Edgar Prado, moved up and pressed the leader, ultimately winning a stretch duel against Cowboy Cal to take the Blue Grass Stakes by about a neck. The final time for the 1 1/8 mile contest was 1:49.71. Cowboy Cal set fractions of 24.96, 49.01, 1:13.17, and the mile put away at 1:37.27. Pyro was beaten by 11 1/2 lengths.

Monba paid $19.60 to win--a saver for me in exactas with Pyro on top. In Monba's previous race, the Fountain of Youth, he finished terribly, but had some contact with another horse and was said to have flipped his palette. Good to see him back.

Tags: Monba Bluegrass 2008 Toddpletcher Kentuckyderby

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