Kentucky Derby 140 Top 20 #3

This week will see the biggest shake up so far in the Derby Top 20. The largest change comes with the news that last weeks number 1, Top Billing has been injured and is off the Kentucky Derby Trail. That leaves a major void on the derby trail, but there were many impressive performances this week. In the GII San Felipe S. at Santa Anita California Chrome destroyed the field, stamping himself as the top contender in California. In Florida, Ring Weekend threw his name into the hat of contenders by running the field in the Tampa Bay Derby off their feet in an impressive score. This weekend the only major Derby prep occurs in Arkansas for the GII Rebel S. which is expected to feature major Derby contenders Tapiture, Kobe's Back and Strong Mandate. Another race of interest is the 8th race on Wednesday at Gulfstream Park an allowance race which features the return of Honor Code in his first race of 2014.

Kentucky Derby Top 20 3/11/14

1. Honor Code- Jumps to number 1, because I like the spot McGaughey found for 2014 return
2. Intense Holiday- Still a believer in this horse, just could not put him at number 1 just yet
3. Cairo Prince- Haven't cooled on him either, but is still weeks away until the Florida Derby
4. California Chrome- By far the biggest jump because his victory this past weekend was VERY impressive, took pressure and kicked on he is a serious contender
5. Samraat- Honor Code is expected to be pointed to Wood Memorial, will be a huge test for this horse
6. In Trouble- Not ready to move him down yet, I was wowed by his grit first time off the layoff
7. Strong Mandate- Rebel this weekend will sort out the charge from Arkansas
8. Tapiture- Will likely be favorite in the Rebel off of his Southwest victory
9. Candy Boy- Santa Anita Derby test vs. California Chrome will really tell how good he is
10. Ring Weekend- Not sure what he beat but he crushed them, very impressively at that
11. Uncle Sigh
12. General a Rod
13. Wildcat Red
14. Bayern
15. Mexikoma
16. Kobe's Back
17. Hoppertunity
18. Midnight Hawk
19. Conquest Titan
20. Albano

Kentucky Derby 140 Top 20 #2

The major Kentucky Derby prep race last weekend took place at Aqueduct in the GIII $500,000 Gotham Stakes. The top three finishers of the the thrilling race are all expected to return in the Grade I Wood Memorial at Aqueduct. This upcoming weekend features the GII Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs, and the GII San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita, both should have a profound impact on the road to the Kentucky Derby. This week on my Top 20 list, the biggest jump will be made by In Trouble, who ran a gutsy third in the Gotham off a significant layoff, I look for him to improve significantly in the Wood Memorial. I have removed Shared Belief from the list, because I have not seen enough in terms of work that would give him a realistic shot of making the Kentucky Derby, especially with 0 points. Havana has also been removed due to his battle with a quarter crack forcing him out of the GII Swale Stakes at Gulfstream last weekend.

Kentucky Derby Top 20 3/4/2014

1. Top Billing- Still believe he is a true Derby horse, hope he gets away from Gulfstream
2. Intense Holiday- Distance will not be a problem, Risen Star victory impresses me every time I watch it
3. Honor Code- Has some points from two year old season, but a first or second in the Rebel would leave McGaughey with more options down the road.
4. Cairo Prince- Purchased by Godolphin, which seems to be an encouraging sign
5. Samraat- Remained undefeated in gutsy Gotham victory, love his tactical speed.
6. In Trouble- Absolutely loved his Gotham performance, off the layoff down on the inside never gave in, should only improve off of that effort.
7. Strong Mandate- Rebel will be a serious test, whether he is worthy of this spot.
8. Tapiture- Perfect trip in Southwest led to victory, but it was a good performance
9. Candy Boy- Best 3yo on West Coast as of now, San Felipe should be tougher test
10. Uncle Sigh- I am a big believe in the Gotham, which could come back to bite me, but these are tough horses.
11. Bayern
12. Conquest Titan
13. Mexikoma
14. General A Rod
15. Wildcat Red
16. California Chrome
17. Kobe's Back
18. Albano
19. Midnight Hawk
20. Chitu

Kentucky Derby 140 Top 20 #1

The first major round of prep races took place last weekend, and with that it is time for my initial top 20 for the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Kentucky Derby Top 20 2/24/2014

1. Top Billing-Really impressed me in FOY against a strong bias should move forward
2. Intense Holiday- Loved his Risen Star victory, closed relentlessly distance will not be a problem
3. Honor Code- Reports are he is working well, clearly very talented.
4. Cairo Prince- Holy Bull win was impressive, but I don't like the 9 week break prior to Fla. Derby
5. Strong Mandate- Had a very wide trip in Southwest and showed new dimension sitting off, should only improve off that effort.
6. Samraat- Huge fan of his, Gotham HUGE test this weekend
7. Tapiture- Ran huge in the Southwest, but had a perfect trip, expect tougher test in the Rebel
8. Candy Boy- Professional in most recent win, but not sure about the quality of the field.
9. Tonalist- Serious contender in the final round of prep races, taken out of his element in last start, a real threat to improve.
10. Bayern- Really powerful allowance win tested in next
11. Shared Belief
12. Conquest Titan
13. Mexikoma
14. General a Rod
15. Wildcat Red
16. California Chrome
17. Havana
18. Albano
19. Hoppertunity
20. Commissioner