KENTUCKY DERBY 145 RUNDOWN
The Kentucky Derby is the longest running sporting event held at the same venue in United States history. This sport has been around longer than your mother-in-law at a dinner party. Let’s get a quick thought on the 20 horses making a run at immortality.
TACITUS- Wood Memorial winner set a stakes record in his Tampa Derby victory. Striking gray son of Tapit might be the most handsome in the field and is for real.
OMAHA BEACH-Big Money Mike Smith is in the irons and two gutty wins at Oaklawn Park shows he is hot at the right time. Can land one for trainer Mandella.
VEKOMA-Bluegrass Stakes winner is very competitive and a real athlete. This son of Candy Ride has only raced four times but has three wins. Can be there in the end.
PLUS QUE PARFAIT-UAE Derby winner seemed like second class citizen in two less than stellar runs at Fair Grounds but maybe he has found himself. Not on our radar.
ROADSTER– Santa Anita Derby winner has a big kick down the lane and is a lean machine. Could be the one to give trainer Bob Baffert Derby win number 6.
BY MY STANDARDS-His only previous Stakes start was an impressive score in Louisiana Derby. Pappy Goldencents was a running rascal but this might be a reach.
MAXIMUM SECURITY-Unbeaten Florida Derby champ has only started four times and all have been at Gulfstream Park. Might be on the lead early but can he stay???
GAME WINNER—Juvenile champ is two nostrils away from being unbeaten. Gives Baffert another BIG shot. A real battler that will be there in the end.
CODE OF HONOR-Fountain of Youth winner ran third in Florida Derby for trainer Shug McGaughey. Jockey Johnny Velazquez is a plus but he probably needs more.
CUTTING HUMOR- Sunland Derby winner has been in the money in 5 of 6 lifetime starts with 2 wins. Not sure if he fits here, but trainer Todd Pletcher wins a lot.
COUNRTY HOUSE-Three Stakes starts since February 16 yielded a 2,3,and 4 finish. Last out was a third in Arkansas Derby for trainer Bill Mott. Needs a bunch here.
GRAY MAGICIAN-Second place finish in UAE Derby for trainer Peter Miller puts him in. One win in eight career starts means there are more questions than answers.
HAIKAL-Five starts and five times in the money with three wins means he can be there in the exotic wagers. His big closing kick means with the trip he is dangerous.
LONG RANGE TODDY-His experience is a plus with 8 starts. Jockey Jon Court (58) will be the oldest rider in Derby history, but his first Derby win is not likely.
IMPROBABLE-Third starter for Bob Baffert that won three times at two but has finished second twice at three. Not as talented as the other two but with Baffert…
WIN WIN WIN-Six starts and six times in the money for trainer Michael Trombetta. Was running at the end in runner up finish in Bluegrass Stakes. Can hit the board.
MASTER FENCER-Two wins in six lifetime starts for the Japan entry into the Kentucky Derby. Faces a very tall order here for sure.
TAX-Won the Withers Stakes and has been in the money in all five career starts for trainer Danny Gargan. Unlike his namesake, he is not a certainty.
SPINOFF-Two starts this year have yielded a win and a second. Louisiana Derby runner up finish was gallant effort, but this Derby is a bit different.
WAR OF WILL-Which horse will show up, the athlete that won three in a row on dirt or the one that laid a clunker in Louisiana Derby. Looks good but it takes more.
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