Get A Hunch, Bet A Bunch

It would be premature to guess how good Big Bucket may turn out to be, but it would not be out of line to say he should win tonight’s renewal of the All West Derby.

Even before he won the colts and geldings edition of the All West Futurity as a maiden, Big Bucket had worked faster than some of these can run. He apparently has the tactical speed to stay out of traffic, and there’s little reason to fear he won’t get the distance. Nonetheless, don’t overlook Woodpile, who ran decently against older multiple stakes-winners, including 1993 All West Derby winner Payday Mackee, in Montana.

Big Bucket’s trainer, Allan Heath, could have a big day. He has Golden Rolls in the fifth race, rejuvenated Jay Jay K. in the seventh and Time’s Tapestry, also an obvious contender, in the 10th.

Here are today’s selections: FIRST: $10 to win on LITTLE DRUMMER.

FOURTH: $5 to win on KAL EM SPORT and $2 exactas pairing him with TOP THE MARTINIS and KAPTAIN KENYA both ways ($8).

FIFTH: $5 to win on GOLDEN ROLLS. Parlay winnings to BIG BUCKET in ninth.

SIXTH: $1 trifectas pairing MY BEST HABIT and RIVER TO CEE both ways with R. LITE IS RIGHT, CASH’N PRIZES, EXCLUSIVE RIGHT and MINER’s BASIN ($8).

EIGHTH: $10 to win on HARMONY IN BLUE.

NINTH: $50 to win on BIG BUCKET, $5 exactas to WOODPILE, BUBBYSBROTHERBENNY and STRIKE TO IGNITE and WOODPILE to BIG BUCKET ($20).

TENTH: $10 to win on MOONLIGHT MACKEE.

Original bankroll: $2,000.

Saturday’s result: Lost $1.50.

Present bankroll: $1,440.80.