SEARCH NEWS:

 

Columnist Ralph Siraco: Kentucky Derby Winner Could Emerge from these 25 Runners

KENTUCKY -- With fewer than 10 weeks to go until this year's Kentucky Derby, it's time for the first "Derby watch" list of leading contenders for the "Run for the Roses."

Even hardcore racing fans are having a difficult time sorting the contenders from the pretenders. At this juncture, the Derby is as wide open as any in recent memory.

Here are the top 25 Derby horses, as classified by the Daily Racing Form:

1. Siphonic -- The California favorite finished second in the Santa Catalina Stakes on Jan. 19 and is scheduled to start in the March 17 San Felipe at Santa Anita. There are concerns about missed training and demeanor.

2. Johannesburg -- Last year's Eclipse Award and Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner is scheduled to return to the U.S. for a go at the Triple Crown. The European was perfect with a 7-for-7 record last year and is scheduled to prep at the Curragh in Ireland on April 7.

3. Repent -- Made sophomore debut a winning one with a Risen Star Stakes victory. Second to Johannesburg in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, this guy is improving with every start. He is scheduled to go next in the Louisiana Derby on March 10 at the Fair Grounds.

4. Harlan's Holiday -- Stablemate of Repent, he has finished second twice this year at Gulfstream Park in stakes competition. His next start will be the Florida Derby on March 16.

5. Saarland -- Remsen Stakes winner has had setbacks and needs a prep before Florida Derby. Trainer Shug McGaughey still has high hopes for the son of 1990 Derby winner Unbridled.

6. Booklet -- Recently won the Fountain Of Youth for second stakes score in a row. He will return for the Florida Derby and hails from the same connections that won last year's Kentucky Derby with Monarchos.

7. Came Home -- California hope won the San Vicente in his last outing. Will start next in the March 2 San Rafael at Santa Anita that could earn him a berth in the Santa Anita Derby.

8. Danthebluegrassman -- Golden Gate Derby winner will either test Southern Californians in the San Felipe or stay in Northern California for the March 9 El Camino Real Derby. Connections of 1998 Kentucky Derby winner Real Quiet.

9. Fonz's -- Runner-up in the Hollywood Futurity, he will make his sophomore debut in the San Rafael. Needs more consistent racing schedule.

10. High Star -- Failed by the shortest of noses in Gulfstream allowance outing recently. The Nick Zeto trainee remains on schedule to try biggies in Florida Derby.

11. Mayakovsky -- Promising son of Matty G. has not raced since he was runner-up in September 1 Hopeful at Saratoga. Will make season debut in either the San Felipe or the Gotham at Aqueduct.

12. Nokoma -- Solid victory in allowance outing at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. Should be on track for a Florida Derby start. Same owner as Mayakovsky.

13. Tempera (f) -- Eclipse Award winner for top juvenile filly last year, she has yet to make 3-year-old debut. Last won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. She is scheduled to start in the UAE 1000 Guineas at Nad Al Sheba race course in Dubai on March 14.

14. USS Tinosa -- Won the Sham Stakes at Santa Anita recently. Next start comes in either the El Camino Real Derby or the San Felipe, where he will meet tougher competition.

15. Bob's Image -- Runner-up in Risen Star will get another chance in the Louisiana Derby on March 10.

16. Easyfromthegitgo -- Third in the Risen Star, will next start in the Louisiana Derby.

17. King's Consul -- Another of the Godolphin Racing, Inc., royally bred runners. Still in Dubai, next start undecided.

18. Monthir -- Finished off the board to Nokoma in Gulfstream Park allowance race on Saturday. Has had bang-up efforts, but is starting to get a reputation as a "hanger."

19. Request For Parole -- Won the WEBN Frog Stakes at Turfway Park in last and is scheduled to return in the Battaglia Memorial at that same track on March 2.

20. Saratoga Blues -- Winner of the Whirlaway at Turfway Park, will return in either the Battaglia Memorial or the Gotham.

21. Werblin -- Promising son of Unbridled's Song was third in San Vicente. Scheduled to return in the San Rafael.

22. Blue Burner -- Third in Fountain Of Youth, is scheduled for the Florida Derby next.

23. Cappuchino -- Won Golden State Mile on Feb. 10 at Golden Gate Fields and is scheduled to stay at the Northern California track for his next start in the El Camino Real.

24. Pelirrojo -- Gray son of Flying Continental won recent optional claimer at Santa Anita. Set for San Rafael next.

25. Stephentown -- Disappointing sixth in Fountain Of Youth, an allowance race may be next in order, then a Florida Derby berth.

Another runner of note is Sunday Break, who won in solid fashion at Santa Anita in an allowance outing Friday. This Neil Drysdale trainee should be seen next in stakes competition.

< Gaming News