Kentucky Derby Dreams: Top 10 (Nov 15th)

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 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).

Lookin At Lucky is the early favorite for the 2010 Kentucky 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.

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. Homeboykris (Roman Ruler) - Nice stalk and pounce winner of the Champagne for Rick Dutrow. He goes next in the Remsen at the Big A on Nov 28th.

7. American Lion (Tiznow) – Rolled to a sharp maiden win (93 BSF) in a 7f synthetic affair at Keeneland on Oct 18th. Eoin Harty trains the WinStar Farms colt, and he might show up next in the CashCall Futurity.

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. Thiskyhasnolimit (Sky Mesa) – Clearly likes Churchill Downs as he graduated there and won the Iroquois when last seen in Louisville. The Steve Asmussen runner goes next in the Kentucky Jockey Club on Nov 28th.

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), My Time To Star (Dale Romans), Soaring Empire (Cam Gambolati),  Super Saver (Todd Pletcher).

Image: Newscom