Derby contenders looking to peak

by | Apr 20, 2015 | Blog, Uncategorized

DERBY CONTENDERS LOOK FOR PEAK FORM

With the Kentucky Derby just a little more than a week away, one of the most intriguing questions of life begins to burn a bit more brightly. With final preparations being made by the top three-year old horses in the world we must wonder aloud…who is going to win the Kentucky Derby?

As history will tell us, the best horse does not always win the blanket of roses. It is the best horse on that day that is immortalized. With that in mind, let’s take a look at our top ten contenders, list their conditioner, and provide a thought on each.

  1. Dortmund- Bob Baffert has brought this undefeated son of 2008 Derby winner Big Brown along nicely. His size and will to win makes him one of best for sure.
  2. American Pharoah- Bob Baffert and this son of Pioneer of the Nile fit nicely together as the Pharoah has exactly what the California conditioner loves, speed, speed, and more speed.
  3. Carpe Diem- Todd Pletcher has done an excellent job of bringing this Winstar Farms colt along. With 4 wins and a 2nd in 5 career starts, he knows how to be there in the end.
  4. International Star- Mike Maker has this son of 2000 Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus running well after winning all 3 prep races this year at the Fair Grounds in Louisiana.
  5. El Kabeir- John Terranova may be poised to pounce with this versatile running son of Scat Daddy. Having won on 3 different tracks including Churchill, he is well-traveled.
  6. Far Right- Ron Moquett really likes the navigational skills of this late running colt. As a great-grandson of Seattle Slew, he has the gene pool to get the mile and a quarter.
  7. Firing Line-Simon Callagnhan has what some consider the third best horse from the West coast, but that still says a lot considering the depth. His Sunland Derby win was pretty impressive.
  8. Frosted- Kiaran McLaughlin has the Wood Memorial winner rounding into peak form. With father Tapit’s good looks, his running style is not the only striking thing about him.
  9. Danzig Moon- Mark Casse and this rather tall son of Malibu Moon are looking to continue building off a closing second place finish in the Blue Grass Stakes.
  10. Mr. Z- D. Wayne Lukas likes to run his horses and this colt has danced every dance in 12 lifetime starts. Always seems to be right there and the Coach has a way of getting horses to peak at the right time.