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Open Derby Day Reggae 6 with Successful Man
August 04, 2025
MINIDEVAK winning the Reggae 6 opener at odds of 8-1 was the only tremor on Saturday's bet, which returned $18,233, marked by money-back favourite TIGRAY EXPRESS, a free banker, technically making the wager a glorified Pick-5.
Derby day's mandatory payout, opening at $15.6m at nine furlongs and 25 yards, has a free banker at the opener, SUCCESSFUL MAN, who has finished ahead of all but no-hoper DON'T TELL LOU LOU in his last three races as a runner-up.
The second for three-year-old maidens also has a potential banker for the brave at heart, PRIMO SUPREMA, who improved his half-mile gallop at exercise from 48.2 to 47.0 in three weeks, now partnered by claiming rider Garvin Harris replacing journeyman Charlton Riley, who could possibly be his grandfather.
BASILICUS, who won easily with Wesley Henry at his pet trip, beating $500,000 claimers two Saturdays past, returns up in class among $700,000 runners in the third, facing super-fit WHISKY, who looked a picture when winning for Dennis Lee first time out the same afternoon.
It could be deja vu for WHISKY, who still has claiming rider Demar Williams aboard but departs the round course for BASILICUS' territory. BASILICUS might have changed barns through the claim box and races at a higher level but is a speedy course-specialist, who cannot be underestimated.
The fourth at six and a half furlongs could be a tricky affair with SONNY T AND CHIPPY and RANI BANGALA running out of new barns from the claim box. RANI BANGALA finished a length and three-quarter ahead of SONNY T AND CHIPPY after going at each other's throat when both were collared by MONEY MISER at a mile on May 31.
For insurance, considering the trip, NATURAL DANCER, a strong winner at seven furlongs on June 15, could use speed to slip away should RANI BANGALA and SONNY T AND CHIPPY fail to fire for new connections.
Take no chances with the fifth and sixth events. Finish the Reggae 6 strong by carrying a quarter in the fifth - ZULU WARRIOR, J SPIETH, BLU SENSATION and MACK AND ROME - to take advantage of any possible race scenario including a collapsing pace.
The sixth, for four-year-olds, non-winners of three races, should be similarly approached. FIRST OFFENSE, CHIEF DISSIDENT, LINSTEAD MARKET, TORONADO STEEL and PRINCESS CATALEYA take turns at playing musical chairs within the group, making it next to impossible to follow form.
REGGAE 6
Race 1: 1
Race 2: 2
Race 3: 3, 6
Race 4: 4, 5, 6
Race 5: 2, 3, 4, 8
Race 6: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9
TOTAL: $1,200
TWILIGHT 6
Race 6: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9
Race 7: 2, 5
Race 8: 6
Race 9: 15
Race 10: 2
Race 11: 1
TOTAL: $100
BONUS BETS
EARLY 5 STAR
Race 5: 2, 3, 4, 8
Race 6: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9
Race 7: 2, 5
Race 8: 6
Race 9: 15
TOTAL: $400
LATE 5 STAR
Race 7: 2, 5
Race 8: 6
Race 9: 15
Race 10: 2
Race 11: 1
TOTAL: $20
BEST THREE
Race 9: Magnificent Force
Race 10: H Two O
Race 11: Burning Hedge
OUTSIDER:
Race 6: Chief Dissident
