Now that the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile is in the books, it is time to take an early look at the 2010 Kentucky Derby hopefuls.
In compiling this early list, I looked for proven graded class and strong breeding, but I also wanted to use promising, lightly raced sorts on the way up. Much will change in the coming weeks, but I had to start somewhere. Please click on the name of each horse to view their Horse Racing Nation profile page, which includes news, pedigree, results, and video.
1. Lookin At Lucky (Smart Strike) – Tasted defeat for the …read more

Still cannot believe what I saw in the Derby. I thought my Derby top Pioneerof The Nile was the winner turning for home, but Calvin Borel and Mine That Bird (Birdstone) were flying along the rail and rolled past my top with ease in a shocking Kentucky Derby triumph! The winner paid $103.20 and topped a $2,074.80 exacta.

If only I was able to turn back the clock to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Pioneerof The Nile was my top that day, and I boxed him in exactas with none other than Mine That Bird.
Fast forward 6+ months to …read more

I think we saw the 2009 Derby winner on Friday, but she ran in the Oaks…did she ever!
Rachel Alexandra turned in a brilliant work earlier in the week, and she completely dismantled her foes in the 135th Kentucky Oaks (G1). She has won all five of her routes in effortless fashion, and there is not a three-year-old filly in the land that can make her work up a sweat.

I am sure many Derby trainers are breathing a huge sigh of relief! Don’t know where they go next, but she’ll probably get a bit of a breather …read more

Papa Clem did not do enough in his two morning works since arriving in Louisville, so Gary Stute sent him out for a swift three furlong blowout (:34.47). He really needed that stiff move, but I still do not fancy the son of Smart Strike. I thought the Arkansas Derby was weak, and he seems a cut below the best.
Last minute entrant Nowhere To Hide, trained by former Derby winning trainer Nick Zito, had a two furlong move in :25.40. He has finished 4th in all three graded route tries and is overmatched on …read more

Before we revisit the longshot list, let’s look at today’s Derby news. A field of 20 was drawn for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, but Win Willy was not among them. His ankle injury allowed Nick Zito to sneak into the field with Nowhere To Hide.
I started my Derby longshot list on April 11th, and 4 of my 5 originals picks made the field. Not bad considering all of the defections the past few weeks. Patena did not make it, and wouldn’t it figure that I had him in the Derby future pool…oops! Hopefully he will return …read more

Quality Road defected from the Derby on Monday, and it was Square Eddie’s turn on Tuesday. Doug O’Neill and company tried to bring him back from a February injury, but he re-aggravated his shin. The Canadian bred could show up in the Queen’s Plate on June 21st if healthy.

I Want Revenge fired a four furlong bullet (:47.34) on Tuesday, and he deserves to be favored based on Gotham-Wood Memorial wins and morning activity at Churchill. I will most likely have him in my Top 3…but not on top!
Take The Points has been removed from Derby consideration by Todd Pletcher, who already …read more

Quality Road was just getting over a quarter crack when a second one popped up at the worst possible time, and James Jerkens wisely decided to remove him from Derby consideration. The final two legs of the Triple Crown are still possible if he recovers in time. Either way, he is one to keep an eye on later this year, and here’s hoping for a speedy recovery!

Chocolate Candy was on the verge of being removed from my Derby longshot list due to his uninspiring morning activity since arriving in Louisville, but he rebounded with a …read more

Hold Me Back is one of my live longshots, and he worked a solid five panels (1:01.15). I think he is sitting on a big effort…if he handles conventional dirt as well as synthetic ground. Mott trainee remains relatively fresh and will be closing late.

Square Eddie had his final Derby work on Sunday. He went an easy four furlongs in :50.51, and reports on him have been positive all along. I thought his much needed Lexington prep was perfect, but I am not thrilled about his chances at ten furlongs versus top company. He wheels …read more

A busy Saturday morning at Churchill Downs as the Derby players go through their final moves in advance of the first Saturday in May. Things to look for in Derby works are physical appearance, energy, and the ability to finish strongly. All of the connections will say they are happy, but pay attention to clockers for the real scoop. DRF’s Mike Welsch is on top of things at Churchill, and his daily reports can be found on the Daily Racing Form site.
If you are looking for Derby contender reports, news, and early odds, check out Horse Racing …read more

Arkansas Derby show finisher Summer Bird did not have an impressive work on Friday. Like General Quarters on Thursday, he failed to finish in strong fashion and could be in trouble on the first Saturday in May.
I Want Revenge and Pioneerof The Nile both had strong gallops and appear to be in top form for the big dance.

Florida Derby winner Quality Road has developed a second quarter crack, and the timing could not be worse.
“I saw Quality Road (Thursday) morning and that’s when we noticed the crack,” McKinlay said.
Trainer James Jerkens remains optimistic that his charge can …read more