Expert picks: 2021 Iroquois and start of Kentucky Derby trail

The Grade 3 Iroquois Stakes is taking place at Churchill Downs on Saturday. It's the first points race for the 2022 Kentucky Derby.

Expert picks: 2021 Iroquois and start of Kentucky Derby trail.

Guntown had a troubled debut but made up for it in his last race. Red Knobs is trained by Dale Romans and has four wins, two seconds, one third and two fourths in the Iroquois in last 8 years.

Major General won his maiden race. Bourbon Heist is a longshot. Major General has a better post position than Stellar Tap. Stellar tap's odds might fall to 2-1 or less by post time.

Stellar Tap won his debut at Saratoga. Husband Material won by 20 lengths at Delaware Park last time. Florent Geroux is aboard for the first time in this race. I will play a 6-8-10 trifecta box. Expert picks: 2021 Iroquois and start of Kentucky Derby trail.

Steve Asmussen might hold the top spot for the Kentucky Derby. Stellar Tap earned quality pace ratings in his debut at Saratoga. Guntown exits an easy flat mile maiden win at Ellis Park.

Longshot I like: #1 Tough to Tame. #6 Stellar Tap will be heavily bet. #9 Guntown also comes from the Steve Asmussen barn and won at Ellis Park in his last race.

Stellar Tap is the morning-line favorite. Guntown won by five lengths at Ellis Park four weeks ago. Strike Hard is a longshot at 10-1 on the early morning line. Gunta will bet at least 3-2 and key in an exacta box with #8 Major General and #4 Strikehard.

Asmussen horses are ready to run. Stellar Tap will be on the pace to set up for Guntown. Red Knobs will run late.