Sport of Kings

Derby Watch #1

Derby Fever is Here. Time for Derby Watch #1 - The Early top 10, with Odds.

1. BROTHER DEREK: 5-1 :Earned this spot because he just keeps winning. Will take a bad Santa Anita, and all the other top guys to move forward for him to get knocked off.
2. BARBARO: 6-1 : Here on ability. Obviously a freakishly talented horse, but a big win and a big win only in the Florida Derby keeps him here because of the skipped prep. However does have a nice foundation.
3. ACHILLES OF TROY: 9-1 : Another who hasn't taken a mistep this year. Will stay in New York, and that's probably a good idea. Remembering Smarty stayin away from the big boys? Good move.
4. CORINTHIAN : 12-1: Looks like a winner. Needs to continue to move forward and still has some to learn mentally. Like him and look for another step forward in the Florida Derby.
5. LAWYER RON: 14-1 : When people jump off, I jump on. Scarily similar to Smarty. Southwest was not as good according to most. Why? new tactic, same result. Shows diversity in style and that makes him a pro.
6. BLUEGRASS CAT: 15-1: Not a fan yet of the Tampa Route, but there is ability here. Bred to go all day, and assume his Tampa Derby will be huge. Big test to come after that, my guess is the Blue Grass.
7. PRIVATE VOW: 17-1: Here on ability because he hasn't run yet this year. Plenty good enough, the preps is the question, but he is a darn good horse.
8. FIRST SAMURAI: 20-1: Has dropped in stock ever since last October. In the long run, I think he's a sprinter. Just doesn't seem to want to go this far. Reminds me of Honour and Glory.
9. KEYED ENTRY: 22-1: Need to see it around two turns still. Can move forward off the Swale. Probably is if First Samurai reminds me of Honour and Glory, what can I say for his son?
10. BOB AND JOHN: 25-1: Considered alot for this spot, but gave it to him for his win around two turns. Suspect he can't run by top one, but he can run.

Notables:
Noonmark
Point Determined
Steppenwolfer
Flashy Bull

posted by Darin @ 9:03 PM