BloodHorse.com

 1

Monba Todd Pletcher

Maria’s Mon - Hamba, by Easy Goer

At the risk of further ridicule, I’m keeping him on top, basically in a dead-heat with Court Vision, in an effort to keep to my original Derby Dozen top two back in January. Sure it’s a stretch, but it’s worth taking a stab in a year like this.

 2

Denis of Cork David Carroll

Harlan’s Holiday - Unbridled Girl, by Unbridled

Could it be kismet that got him in the Derby field at the last minute? I’ve been a big fan of this horse since his maiden score, and the way he’s been working and galloping at Churchill Downs suggests a huge effort is coming.

 3

Colonel John Eoin Harty

Tiznow - Sweet Damsel, by Turkoman

With his :57 4/5 work under him he’s is the logical horse, and there isn’t much to knock. He’s got the pedigree, the looks, the stride, the consistency, and the temperament. A Derby win will bring talks of a Triple Crown.

 4

Big Brown Richard Dutrow, Jr.

Boundary — Mien, by Nureyev

He’s still a guess, not arriving at Churchill Downs until Monday. He’s either the proverbial freak or he isn’t. If he is he’ll win the Derby, because he so much faster than anyone. But how he’ll react to being hooked no one knows.

 5

Court Vision Bill Mott

Gulch - Weekend Storm, by Storm Bird

Many still think he’s too slow, but others are starting to believe in him once again. He’s woken up at Churchill Downs and looks ready for his best effort. Not crazy about first-time blinkers in the Derby, but he’ll be coming.

 6

Pyro Steve Asmussen

Pulpit - Wild Vision, by Wild Again

Just have a feeling he’s going to rebound in a big way in the Derby. Physically, he looks great, and his latest workout was visually impressive, so perhaps that was the beginning of his big push back to the top.

 7

Smooth Air Bennie Stutts

Smooth Jazz—Air France, by French Deputy

Dropped him a couple of notches because of his fever and high white blood count, but at least he bounced right back with enough time to get all the way back to himself by Saturday. Missed his 5-furlong work and may blow out.

 8

Z Fortune Steve Asmussen

Siphon - Fortunate Faith, by Fortunate Prospect

Big, powerhouse of a horse who should move forward off his second in the Arkansas Derby. He’s been training well, and judging how awesome Gayego looks, his last race is a lot better than it may appear. Good shot at a price.

 9

Visionaire Michael Matz

Grand Slam — Scarlet Tango, by French Deputy

He wins the shiniest coat award hands down. Still not sure about his distance capabilities, and he’s not built like a stayer, but he does have an explosive kick in the final quarter, and he’s been consistent on all kinds of tracks.

10

Gayego Paulo Lobo

Gilded Time - Devils Lake, by Lost Code

If there were no major concerns about his staying ability he’d be right up there among the hot favorites, based on record, his work at Churchill Downs, and his overall physical appearance. He’s a monster who is pumped right now.

 11

Tale of Ekati Barclay Tagg

Tale of the Cat—Silence Beauty, by Sunday Silence

He seems to be the forgotten horse, but he actually earned strong speed sheets figures in the Wood Memorial and simply put, he’s a very talented horse. But he’s one horse I’d prefer to have had one more start under him.

12

Bob Black Jack Jim Kasperoff

Stormy Jack-Molly’s Prospector, by Native Prospector

May just be a better horse than people think and have more staying power as well. Strong Derby gods angle with the popular Richard Migliore having the George Woolf Award this year, and what jockey is more deserving?