Kentucky Derby Dreams: Top 10 (Dec 7th)

My first Kentucky Derby top ten post appeared here on Nov. 15^th. A few prep races have been run since, so here is my updated list.  Please click on the name of each horse to view their Horse Racing Nation profile page, which includes news, pedigree, results, and video.

Two horses have dropped from the original list, including Homeboykris. The Rick Dutrow trainee was a disappointing 5^th in the Remsen on Nov 28^th. Thiskyhasnolimit, 6^th in the Kentucky Jockey Club, is also gone from the top ten.

A couple of new shooters have been added to the honorable mention list, starting with Rule. The Todd Pletcher trainee was the 3^rd WinStar Farm colt to win a graded event in the past few weeks. The other two (American Lion, Super Saver) are part of my top ten, and the recent Delta Jackpot (G3) winner is knocking on the door after his wire job win on Dec 5^th.  He added $450k in graded earnings for his winning effort, and that will be more than enough to get him into the Derby starting gate. He will winter in Florida, and his next start has yet to be determined.

William’s Kitten is also one to keep an eye on. The late striding colt was on my radar screen following a visually impressive tally in the off the turf Sunday Silence at Louisiana Downs. A pair of below par synthetic efforts followed, and he returned to conventional dirt with a clear place finish in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) on Nov 28^th.

William's Kitten shown in Louisiana Downs winners' circle. He rallied for the place in Kentucky Jockey club Stakes on Nov 28th.

1. Lookin At Lucky (Smart Strike) – 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. Expect the likely 2yo champ to follow a similar path as last year’s Derby runner-up Pioneerof The Nile (also Baffert). CashCall Futurity on Dec 19th is next.

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.

3. Noble’s Promise (Cuvee) – Breeders’ Futurity hero had 3-race win streak snapped with BC Juvenile show finish. Ken McPeek has the CashCall Futurity at Hollywood Park on Dec 19th pegged as his next engagement.

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. 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’ll get a chance to rebound in the CashCall Futurity. Broke maiden on conventional dirt in Pilgrim Stakes.

6. American Lion (Tiznow) – Followed up his sharp Keeneland maiden win with a solid score in the Hollywood Prevue (G3) on Nov 21st. Eoin Harty trains the WinStar Farms colt, and he goes next in the CashCall Futurity.

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. 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.

9. 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 will winter in Florida with the Wood Memorial as his early spring goal.

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), Soaring Empire (Cam Gambalati), William’s Kitten (Michael Maker)

Image: Stacy Edwards