1. Uncle Mo - Trained by Todd Pletcher
Although the final time and Beyer Speed Figure were unimpressive, Uncle Mo turned in an excellent performance in the Timely Writer Stakes. I love the way that he closed his final quarter mile in :22 4/5.
2. Dialed In - Trained by Nick Zito
I believe that he will rebound nicely in the Florida Derby. With anything that even resembles a quick pace in front of him, he should come flying late.
3. Premier Pegasus - Trained by Myung Cho
His San Felipe victory was breathtaking and amazing. The ease at which he blew away his rivals was astounding. It's rare to see a horse jump from off this list to the third spot, but he deserves it.
4. Soldat - Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin
Recorded his first workout since the Fountain of Youth on March 13th, breezing a half-mile in :48.90. He could be talented enough to win the Kentucky Derby on the front end, but I would like to see him rate off the pace in the Florida Derby.
5. Jaycito - Trained by Bob Baffert
Made a good first start back in the San Felipe, rallying from last early on to finish second. True, he was decisively defeated by Premier Pegasus, but I feel he will be sharper next time out.
6. To Honor and Serve - Trained by William Mott
Breezed for the second time since the Fountain of Youth on March 13th, working five furlongs in 1:01 1/5, the fastest workout of the day at Palm Meadows. He's going to have to show a lot more in the Florida Derby than he did in the Fountain of Youth to remain a contender.
7. Mucho Macho Man - Trained by Katherine Ritvo
Will likely be the favorite in the Louisiana Derby. Worked a strong five-eighths in 1:00 4/5 at Gulfstream Park on the 12th.
8. Stay Thirsty - Trained by Todd Pletcher
I'm a little bit worried about the fact that he has been drifting quite a bit in the stretch of his races. It's probably nothing, but I am left wondering if he is capable of stretching out beyond a mile and a sixteenth, regardless of his pedigree.
9. Santiva - Trained by Eddie Kennealy
The Blue Grass Stakes is next for this intriguing contender. Breezed five furlongs in 1:02 flat at Palm Meadows on March 12th.
10. Elite Alex - Trained by Timothy Ritchey
Could be among the favorites in the Rebel Stakes this Saturday. He will have to prove himself capable of handling the likes of The Factor and Sway Away, but I feel that he is.
11. Brethren - Trained by Todd Pletcher
Very disappointed by his third place finish in the San Felipe Stakes. He is probably better when coming from off the pace, but he will have to show something more if he is to stamp himself as a legitimate Derby contender.
12. Archarcharch - Trained by William Fires
Still not fully convinced that he is a true Derby contender, but he will get a chance to prove to everyone that he is indeed one on Saturday, when he runs in the Rebel Stakes. Breezed a half-mile in :47 3/5 yesterday in preparation.
13. Rogue Romance - Trained by Kenneth McPeek
Dropping him down a few spots because he will miss the Louisiana Derby due to a foot bruise. It shouldn't affect his chances of making the Kentucky Derby, but he will have to wait until perhaps the Arkansas Derby before racing again.
14. Sway Away - Trained by Jeff Bonde
Will likely be among the favorites in the Rebel Stakes on Saturday. I'm still a bit worried about how high he held his head during the San Vicente, but he should be absolutely flying late in the Oaklawn stretch.
15. Alternation - Trained by Donnie Von Hemel
Breezed a half-mile in :48 3/5 on March 14th, which will most likely be his final workout prior to the Rebel Stakes. Should he win, expect to see him shoot way up on everyone's Derby lists. I know he would move into my top ten!
16. Anthony’s Cross - Trained by Eoin Harty
Worked a slow six furlongs in 1:14 3/5 at Hollywood Park on March 14th. I don't expect to hear much more about him until the Santa Anita Derby.
17. Silver Medallion - Trained by Steve Asmussen
Still no word on where this colt will make his next start, although he has been working sharply. I would love to see him run on dirt prior to the Derby, so we can get a better idea on how he will handle it.
18. Gourmet Dinner - Trained by Steven Standbridge
He has not breezed since the Fountain of Youth, which worries me a little bit. The Santa Anita Derby has been mentioned as a potential next start, which surprises me a little bit.
19. Picko's Pride - Trained by McLean Robertson
Worked a sharp five furlongs on March 14th, breezing five furlongs in 1:00 4/5 at Oaklawn Park. I'm hoping that he runs in the Rebel Stakes, for I do believe that he belongs there.
20. Positive Respone - Trained by William Morey
Decided to put this colt on over Flashpoint strictly because I believe that he has a better chance at succeeding at a mile and a quarter. The John Battaglia victor will likely return to Turfway for the Spiral Stakes.
OTHER NOTABLE HORSES
Just Out of the Top
Arch Traveler - Sharp breeze on the 14th signals that his next start may be soon -- but where?
Astrology - The Rebel Stakes was supposed to be next, but now it sounds like he won't run.
Bowman's Causeway - Entered in a Gulfstream allowance race on Saturday.
Congo - Quite impressed by his ability to escape from pockets.
Flashpoint - Swale Stakes or Florida Derby will be next.
J P's Gusto – Should be among the favorites in the Rebel Stakes.
Kathmanblu – The Fair Grounds Oaks may be next.
Machen – Louisiana Derby will likely be next.
Mr Commons - Quite impressive in an allowance race at Santa Anita.
Sweet Ducky - Has been sold and will now run in the UAE Derby.
Toby's Corner - The Illinois Derby could be next.
Wilkinson - The Louisiana Derby is next.
Need to Show a Little More:
Adirondack Summer - Can’t wait for his next start.
Beamer – Fourth in the Tampa Bay Derby wasn't what I was hoping for.
Beer Meister – Brilliant late run to win the Turf Paradise Derby launches him into the picture.
Bench Points – Third place finish in the San Felipe was encouraging.
Caleb's Posse – Would not be surprised to see him turn up in the Rebel Stakes.
Cal Nation - Entered in an allowance race on Saturday.
Chasing Moonlight - Wondering where he will start next.
Crimson Knight - Fought hard in the Tampa Bay Derby.
Decisive Moment - Spiral Stakes may be next.
Eminent Tale - Quite impressed by his Sweet Envoy Stakes victory.
Fusa Code - Hoping that the Sunland Derby is next.
Indian Winter - Ran third in the Turf Paradise Derby, but I believe that he is capable of more.
J J's Lucky Train - Won the Miracle Wood Stakes by a neck over Bandbox.
J W Blue - Wondering where he will race next.
Left - Louisiana Derby is expected to be his next start.
Nacho Business - Louisiana Derby may be next.
Norman Asbjornson – Ran a strong second in the Gotham.
Queen'splatekitten – Runner-up finish in a pacelesss Palm Beach Stakes was by no means disappointing.
R Heat Lightning - Can't wait for her next race.
Supreme Ruler - Narrowly beaten by The Ole Gen in an Oaklawn allowance race.
The Factor - The Rebel Stakes will be his next start.
The Ole Gen - Won a mile and a sixteenth allowance race at Oaklawn Park on February 27th.
Watch Me Go - Tampa Bay Derby victory was surprising.
Need to Show a Lot More:
Adirondack Express - Broke his maiden on Saturday at Tampa Bay Downs.
Awesome Patriot – Drew gate four in the San Felipe.
Bandbox - Strong second to J J’s Lucky Train in the Miracle Wood was encouraging.
Behold de Buy - Strong second in the Borderland Derby was promising.
Casper's Touch - Quite disappointing in the Fountain of Youth.
Comma to the Top - Fourth place finish in the San Felipe was fine, but it's obvious that he has distance limitations.
Dance City - Entered in an allowance race on Saturday at Gulfstream.
Monzon – Not sure where he will run next.
Runflatout – Last place finish in the San Felipe was terribly disappointing.
San Pablo - Broke his maiden on the undercard of the Fountain of Youth.
Shackleford – Hasn't breezed since the Fountain of Youth.
Sky Music – Hasn't breezed since February 18th.
-Keelerman
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