A Closer Look: Florida Derby (Video)
01 Apr 2011 8:07 AM
Triple Crown Insider tracks the top 3-year-olds, rating the 20 best contenders in the weeks leading up to Kentucky Derby 137.
Last updated March 30, 2011
= Keeneland Graduate
| 1 |
Uncle Mo  |
Reportedly sharp as ever in his training; Would like to see him settle off of some speed in the Wood Memorial. |
| 2 |
Dialed In |
Bullet :47 2/5 indicates he's ready for Fla. Derby, as he easily overhauled last year's Jim Dandy S. runner-up in work. |
| 3 |
Soldat  |
The one to beat in Sunday's Florida Derby, and if he lives up to that billing he'll head to Louisville as one of the favorites. |
| 4 |
Jaycito  |
Think they'll pick the Wood for his final prep, as Baffert admits Aqueduct would better suit this horse than Santa Anita. |
| 5 |
Premier Pegasus |
Strictly the horse to beat in the Santa Anita Derby off of that dynamite performance in the San Felipe. |
| 6 |
Mucho Macho Man |
As hard as this big colt hits the ground, you have to assume losing his front right shoe played a factor in La. Derby. |
| 7 |
Stay Thirsty  |
Addition of blinkers in Sunday's Fla. Derby could make him both more focused and more aggressive early on. |
| 8 |
To Honor and Serve  |
By all accounts he's moved forward since his FOY flop, but he'll face a trio of colts ranked higher than him on Sunday. |
| 9 |
Santiva |
Blue Grass-bound and on an unorthodox schedule, with 8 weeks in between starts, then just 3 weeks to the Derby. |
| 10 |
Brethren |
He's better than his disappointing Tampa Bay Derby; Ark Derby will be a better gauge. |
| 11 |
The Factor  |
Can get 9 furlongs next, especially if allowed an uncontested lead like in Rebel; But KY Derby is at 10 furlongs. |
| 12 |
Toby's Corner |
He's one of many that keep moving up the list when others disappoint; Improvement expected in 1 1/8-mile Wood. |
| 13 |
Anthony's Cross |
Training up a storm at Hollywood Park; Would like to see better acceleration in Santa Anita Derby. |
| 14 |
Silver Medallion  |
Ownership change likely effected his schedule; Would like to have seen a March prep, but trust his top barn. |
| 15 |
Pants On Fire |
La. Derby victor quickly went from third string to first; A developing colt with plenty of stamina influences in pedigree. |
| 16 |
Nehro  |
Arguably ran the best in La. Derby; Lacks seasoning & foundation, but he's rapidly improved and will get Derby distance. |
| 17 |
Archarcharch  |
Disappointed he offered no punch late in the Rebel; Need to see more from him in Ark Derby. |
| 18 |
Sway Away  |
Fractious after gate incident, then ran into traffic in Rebel; Flat finish did nothing to convince that he isn't just a late-closing sprinter. |
| 19 |
Willcox Inn |
Already beat Spiral winner Animal Kingdom and is likelier to handle dirt (Harlan's Holiday), so he's the Polytrack horse that gets this spot. |
| 20 |
Master of Hounds |
KY Derby is a real possibility after nice comeback to narrowly lose UAE Derby; Dirt is the big question, but distance won't be. |
| OFF: Machen, Gourmet Dinner, Nacho Business |
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