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Wicked Strong has the look of a winner with Danza and Intense Holiday big contenders. Favorite California Chrome has his breeding working against him. The Globe's Joe Sullivan handicaps Saturday's 140th running of the Kentucky Derby. PP HORSE JOCKEY TRAINER ODDS
Comment: Hasn't raced since March but that was a front-running victory in the Louisiana Derby; Can't win from one hole.
Comment: Trounced in last race, the Blue Grass, and hasn't won since February.
Comment: New York breds aren't usually Derby contenders, fell short in Wood Memorial.
Comment: Won the Arkansas Derby impressively and has a chance to improve on that.
Comment: Has won last four by a combined 24¼ lengths; California breds don't win the Derby.
Comment: Five of six lifetime, big effort in finishing second in Wood. Another New York bred.
Comment: Has a decent record; won the Spiral Stakes in March but doesn't seem fast enough.
Comment: Never out of the money in five races but his Florida races might not translate to Kentucky.
Comment: His last race was a disaster as he finished last in the Blue Grass; speed figures don't stack up.
Comment: He'll be on or near the lead. That helped him in Florida, will hurt him here.
Comment: Speed figures say he's too slow but he's coming off a big win and beat California Chrome last summer.
Comment: Has won three of four lifetime including front-running win in Sunland Derby in his last race.
Comment: Bred for the grass, has never won on a conventional dirt surface. Good second in Blue Grass on artificial.
Comment: Had a big win at Churchill Downs last fall but came up empty in the Arkansas Derby.
Comment: He'll be running late, which could help behind a fast pace; great trainer and jockey.
Comment: Has only won one race but did finish third in the Louisiana Derby.
Comment: He'll have to improve after finishing behind California Chrome in the Santa Anita Derby.
Comment: Has never won a stakes race but he's never far back at the end.
Comment: Had big improvement and big win in the Wood Memorial, has a chance to improve; big contender.
AT A GLANCE: Post time: Saturday, 6:32 p.m. TV: NBC. Weights: 126 pounds. Distance: 1¼ miles. Purse: $2,177,800 if 19 start. First place: $1,417,800. Second place: $400,000. Third place: $200,000. Fourth place: $100,000. Fifth place: $60,000.
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SULLIVAN'S SELECTIONS: 1. Danza; 2. Wicked Strong; 3. Intense Holiday. Joe Sullivan can be reached at jtsullivan@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @globesullivan.
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