It'll be interesting who goes off as the favourite in the Wood between Battalion Runner, Irish War Cry, Cloud Computing and Mo Town. My guess it'll be Battalion Runner and then Irish War Cry as the 2nd choice, but I imagine the other two will be well bet as well. Doesn't say much about the confidence the trainers have with these horses who, save for Cloud Computing, were all pointing towards a different race (the 3 were originally pointed towards the Florida Derby with Battalion Runner also considered for the Santa Anita Derby) and then elected the Wood because the race was seen as the softer spot to get those needed Derby points. The good thing about the Wood is that somebody has to win it and at least two or three will go on to the Derby where they'll be sure to burn their backers' money.
In addition to legitimate Derby contenders like Tapwrit and McCraken, the Blue Grass will also have decent sorts like J Boys Echo (Gotham winner) and Practical Joke (3rd in BC Juvenile, 2nd in Fountain of Youth) entered in that race, either of who would have been the likely favourite in the Wood if they entered that race instead. In the Blue Grass, though, both are not likely to be given much of a chance by the bettors against the top two who should be taking the vast majority of money. It's a rare year when races like the Sam Davis and Tampa Bay Derby end up being the key Derby preps, but that could very well be the case this year.
