Kentucky Derby Dreams: Top 10 (Dec 31st)

The end of the year has arrived, and this is my final Derby Top 10 of 2009. All Derby hopefuls turn three on January 1^st, and as we inch closer to the first Saturday in May, a new player has arrived on the scene. Please click on the name of each horse to view their Horse Racing Nation profile page, which includes news, pedigree, results, and video.

The aforementioned new player is Take Control. The $1.9 million Baffert runner debuted in a flat mile special weight affair on Dec 30^th at Santa Anita. The A. P. Indy-Azeri colt rallied to post a sharp tally, and there is a good chance he shows up in a graded affair in the near future.

Sidney’s Candy, an impressive graduate at Del Mar, made his much anticipated return at Santa Anita on Dec. 30^th, but he did not fare as well as Take Control. The Candy Ride offspring broke slow, made a middle move, and flattened out to finish a well-beaten 4^th. Probably too early to give up on this one, but he needs to rebound quickly. Tiny Woods was the wire job winner for Baffert, but he sports the look of a sprinter and will probably remain in shorter events.

Lookin At Lucky wrapped up divisional honors with a sharp win in the Grade 1 CashCall Futurity on Dec 19th.

1. Lookin At Lucky (Smart Strike) – Baffert trainee tasted defeat for the first time in the BC Juvenile, but he raced wide from the outside post and just missed in an excellent effort. Rebounded with a strong prominent throughout tally in the Grade 1 CashCall Futurity, and the likely 2yo champ will probably start two more times before the Derby.

2. Jackson Bend (Hear No Evil) – Rolled through the Florida Stallion series, and he will be given every opportunity to make the Derby under the care of new trainer Nick Zito. Look for him at Gulfstream this winter, and the Grade 3 Holy Bull on Jan. 23^rd is a possible return spot.

3. Noble’s Promise (Cuvee) – Breeders’ Futurity hero had 3-race win streak snapped with BC Juvenile show finish. Landed the place behind Lookin At Lucky in the CashCall Futurity on Dec. 19^th.

4. Vale Of York (Invincible Spirit) – Surprise BC Juvenile winner brought good turf form to Santa Anita, and he proved he could handle synthetic ground. Godolphin runner is not bred for dirt, but the new track in Dubai (synthetic) should suit him.

5. American Lion (Tiznow) – Followed up his sharp Keeneland maiden win with a solid score in the Hollywood Prevue (G3) on Nov 21st. Connections (Eoin Harty, WinStar Farms) opted to pass on the CashCall Futurity, and the talented colt could go next in the Grade 3 San Rafael at Santa Anita on Jan. 16^th.

6. Eskendereya (Giant’s Causeway) – Found much early trouble in BC Juvenile, so his 9th place effort can be forgiven. Had been training well leading up to the Cup, and he did not show up in the CashCall Futurity as originally expected. Broke maiden on conventional dirt in Pilgrim Stakes.

7. Super Saver (Maria’s Mon) – Moved up from my honorable mention list to the 7^th spot in the top ten with a strong wire job victory in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill. The Todd Pletcher (WinStar Farm) trainee should only improve with distance and experience.

8. Buddy’s Saint (Saint Liam) – Followed up his romping Nashua (G2) tally with another easy score in the Remsen (G2). He is based in New York with trainer Bruce Levine. He is wintering in Florida and could make 3yo bow in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth at the Gulf on Feb. 20th.

9. Interactif (Broken Vow) - Made a name for himself on the grass and was last seen finishing a rock solid 3rd in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. Broke maiden in career bow on the main track, and the versatile Pletcher trainee has been sent to Florida to prepare for his 3yo campaign.

10. Dave In Dixie (Dixie Union) - Looked great in Del Mar debut, and he was not disgraced (6th) versus graded foes in the Norfolk 2nd time out. John Sadler wisely kept him out of the Cup, and he is one to watch for down the road.

Honorable Mention: Aikenite (Todd Pletcher), Dublin (Wayne Lukas), Rule (Todd Pletcher), Take Control (Bob Baffert), William’s Kitten