1

I Want Revenge Jeff Mullins

Stephen Got Even—Meguial, by Roy

No reason to take him off top spot after so many weeks. Still a few nagging questions, but all the major ones have been answered. He needs only maintenance work from now on and should be ready for another big effort.

 2

Pioneerof the Nile Bob Baffert

Empire Maker—Star of Goshen, by Lord At War

One of the main questions has been how he'll take to the dirt. From all indications he should handle it fine, judging from the way he's been gliding over the track. He was pure poetry in April 27 work and galloped out super.

 3

Friesan Fire Larry Jones

A.P. Indy—Bollinger, by Dehere

He's showing great muscle tone and is dead-fit. He worked 5f in :57 4⁄5 and looked like he was going much slower. If long-range weather forecast of rain holds, it will be to his advantage after huge performance in the slop.

 4

Dunkirk Todd Pletcher

Unbridled’s Song—Secret Status, by A.P. Indy

The closer we get to the Derby the more positive vibes I'm getting, although I got good Derby Day vibes from Rockamundo in '93. Three starts not preferable, but the more I look at those races, the more I think he's going to run huge.

 5

Desert Party Saeed bin Suroor

Street Cry—Sage Cat, by Tabasco Cat

He's been doing everything right since arriving at Churchill Downs. Both Godolphin colts had been pretty much under the proverbial radar, but this horse is doing so well he will be the buzz horse. He's sitting on a huge effort.

 6

Chocolate Candy Jerry Hollendorfer

Candy Ride—Crownette, by Seattle Slew

If you like Pioneerof the Nile, how can you not like this horse, and at a much bigger price? He turned in a sharp 5-furlong work Monday in :59 2⁄5. In the past four days his coat has blossomed and he looks sensational.

 7

General Quarters Tom McCarthy

Sky Mesa—Ecology, by Unbridled's Song

Most everyone seems to love the human story more than the horse himself, but he has few weaknesses. He loves the track; in fact, he seems to love all tracks. He's a powerful-moving horse, and I'll definitely be playing him.

 8

Hold Me Back Bill Mott

Giant’s Causeway—Restraint, by Unbridled’s Song

He looked very strong in his recent work. People love those big closers, and he's put in two strong finishes in a row. It would be great to see Bill Mott get his first Derby win. If Hold Me Back handles the dirt, he has a big chance.

9

Musket Man Derek Ryan

Yonaguska--Fortuesque, by Fortunate Prospect

He's not getting much press yet, perhaps because of his pedigree and having his big moments at Tampa and Hawthorne. His pedigree does say nine furlongs and shorter, but he doesn't seem to know that; he runs like a stayer.

10

Papa Clem Gary Stute

Smart Strike—Miss Houdini, by Belong to Me

He’s probably ranked too low, but there just isn’t anyone to move below him. He’s one horse who can win this race on the front end or from a tracking position. Main knock now is his uninspired works, especially last one.

11

Win Willy McLean Robertson

Monarchos—City Fair, by Carson City

I've been on his bandwagon since the Rebel and still feel he can bounce back to that kind of a performance. He's been looking good on the track and had a solid enough work April 27. Big longshot chance to hit the board.

12

Flying Private D. Wayne Lukas

Fusaichi Pegasus—Beautiful Treasure, by Unbridled

Putting him in the top 12 based on his physical appearance, his strong gallops, and a good work April 27 in which he went a half in :47 2⁄5 in company. Lukas has been here before, and this colt could surprise a lot of people.