1. Dialed In - Trained by Nick ZitoThe Timely Writer Stakes against Uncle Mo on March 12th may end up being his next start, although Nick Zito is searching for an allowance race. I would love to see him take on Uncle Mo.
2. Uncle Mo - Trained by Todd PletcherRecorded a very sharp five-furlong breeze on Feburary 27th, working the distance in 1:00 3/5. Should be primed to run a magnificent race in the Timely Writer.
3. Soldat - Trained by Kiaran McLaughlinHis Fountain of Youth victory was quite impressive. It is apparent that this colt is even better on dirt than he was on turf. I would like to see him rate just off the pace in the Florida Derby, however.
4. Brethren - Trained by Todd PletcherUndefeated? Check. Proven around two turns? Check. Half-brother to 2010 Kentucky Derby winner? Check. Talented enough to win the Derby? . . . I'll wait to see how he does in the Tampa Bay Derby first.
5. Jaycito - Trained by Bob BaffertHis workouts have been simply marvelous. On February 28th he worked five furlongs in :58 3/5. He will be ready for the San Felipe, there's no doubt about that!
6. To Honor and Serve - Trained by William MottDisappointed me greatly in the Fountain of Youth Stakes. Finishing a distant third after challenging on the far turn does not inspire confidence in him. But since it was his first start since late November, I shall give him another chance before dropping him down further.
7. Mucho Macho Man - Trained by Katherine RitvoThe Louisiana Derby, rather than the Florida Derby, is this colt's goal. Can't wait to see more of this immensely talented runner.
8. Santiva - Trained by Eddie KennealyI would assume that the Louisiana Derby is the goal for this colt also. Of course, seeing that he is based in Florida I suppose that the Florida Derby is also an option. We'll have to wait and see with this colt.
9. Elite Alex - Trained by Timothy RitcheyI believe that he has the talent to accomplish great things. I'm hoping that he gets a better trip in the Rebel Stakes later this month than he did in the Southwest Stakes. He'll have to run well if he is to amass sufficient graded earnings to make the Derby field.
10. Rogue Romance - Trained by Kenneth McPeekI do believe that this colt is better than his third in the Risen Star implies. The Louisiana Derby, if he runs there, should tell us more. This colt should have no trouble stretching out beyond a mile and a sixteenth and I anticipate his next race.
11. Archarcharch - Trained by William FiresSouthwest winner will return later this month in the Rebel Stakes. I'm fascinated by this colt's pedigree, which, in my opinion, screams distance.
12. Stay Thirsty - Trained by Todd PletcherDrew gate five in Saturday's Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct. It will be his first start since the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. I'm a little worried about his stamina, or the possible lack thereof, but he should win this race.
13. Sway Away - Trained by Jeff BondeAlthough very impressed by his run in the San Vicente, I do not like the fact that he ran with his head so high in the stretch. Perhaps it is nothing, but I can't help but wonder about it.
14. Alternation - Trained by Donnie Von HemelWill likely take a shot at the Rebel Stakes. May be the best colt prepping for the Triple Crown in Arkansas, but we won't know for sure until he takes on Elite Alex, Archarcharch, etc. etc.
15. Anthony’s Cross - Trained by Eoin HartyThe Robert B. Lewis winner worked a half-mile in :48 4/5 on February 25th. There won’t be much to say about this one until the Santa Anita Derby, as he will train up to that race.
16. Silver Medallion - Trained by Steve AsmussenHas been nominated to the Spiral Stakes, and the Santa Anita Derby and UAE Derby are both possibilities. Where this colt will turn up next is anyone’s guess.
17. Toby's Corner - Trained by H. MotionThis promising colt will get a chance to take down Stay Thirsty in the Gotham Stakes, in which he drew gate four. Should he win, expect to see him enter my top twelve.
18. Gourmet Dinner - Trained by Steven StandbridgeAlthough I'm not convinced that this colt can succeed at classic distances, I must admit that he is a game colt who always tries his best. Sometimes, that alone is enough.
19. Flashpoint - Trained by Rick DutrowWon the Hutcheson Stakes (gr. II) on the undercard of the Fountain of Youth in stunning fashion. His path to the Kentucky Derby will likely be an unorthodox one -- the Swale Stakes in April will likely be his final Derby prep, which would mean entering the Derby while having never raced around two turns before. Interesting indeed!
20. Picko's Pride - Trained by McLean RobertsonI was really impressed by his effort in the Southwest Stakes at odds of nearly 80-1. He was twenty lengths behind early, had to wait for room in the stretch, and still rallied for fourth while beaten less than four lengths. Definitely one to watch.
OTHER NOTABLE HORSES
Note: Crossbow, who was expected to start in Saturday’s Gotham Stakes, is off the Derby trail with an ankle chip. I have also removed Bert B Don and Determinato from my list because neither of them have breezed in a month.
Just Out of the Top
Arch Traveler - Sharp winner of a nine furlong allowance race on the Fountain of Youth undercard.
Astrology - Rebel Stakes is next on the agenda.
Beamer - Actually didn't run too badly in the Sam F. Davis. Next start will tell us more.
Bowman's Causeway - Strong fourth in the Fountain of Youth was quite promising.
Congo - Quite impressed by his ability to escape from pockets.
J P's Gusto - Was charging hard at the finish of the Southwest Stakes.
Kathmanblu - Solid win in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes was impressive.
Machen - Should improve in his next race.
Mr Commons - Quite impressive in an allowance race at Santa Anita.
Premier Pegasus - Strong third in the San Vicente should set him up well for his two-turn debut.
Runflatout - San Felipe Stakes will likely be next.
Sweet Ducky - Will train up to the Florida Derby.
Turbulent Descent - Will try to regain her winning ways in the Santa Anita Oaks.
Wilkinson - Not sure where the LeComte winner will turn up next.
Need to Show a Little More:
Adirondack Summer - Can’t wait for his next start.
Awesome Patriot - Expect him to show up in the entries soon.
Caleb's Posse - Didn't run all that well in the Southwest Stakes but significant traffic issues hindered his chances.
Cal Nation - Has a lot of catching up to do but raw talent warrants his inclusion here.
Chasing Moonlight - Wondering where he will start next.
Comma to the Top - Breezed five furlongs in :58 4/5 on February 28th.
Decisive Moment - Louisiana Derby will tell us more.
Fusa Code - Won the Borderland Derby on Saturday in an impressive performance.
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 - The Rebel Stakes may be his next start.
Left - Won an allowance optional claiming race on Saturday at Fair Grounds.
Nacho Business - Strong second to Arch Traveler encourages me.
Positive Response - The San Felipe Stakes in March could potentially be his next race.
Queen'splatekitten - The Blue Grass Stakes has been mentioned as a possible goal.
R Heat Lightning - Rebounded brilliantly in the Davona Dale.
Sky Music - Runner-up in the Undaunted Mettle Stakes may prove to have been the best horse in the race.
Supreme Ruler - Narrowly beaten by The Ole Gen in an Oaklawn allowance race.
The Factor - May run in the Swale Stakes next month against Flashpoint.
The Ole Gen - Won a mile and a sixteenth allowance race at Oaklawn Park on February 27th.
Need to Show a Lot More:
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.
Dance City - Has a lot of catching up to do.
Eminent Tale - Winner of the Undaunted Mettle Stakes could prove an interesting contender.
Monzon - Was not entered in the Gotham like I expected him to be.
San Pablo - Broke his maiden on the undercard of the Fountain of Youth.
Shackleford - Will break from the outside in the Fountain of Youth.
Striding Ahead - I suppose the Tampa Bay Derby isn’t out of the question.
Travelin Man - Very disappointing in the Hutcheson despite running second.
Uncle Sam - Not sure where he will turn up next.
Wine Police - Hasn't breezed since February 7th.
-Keelerman
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