Kentucky Derby Hopefuls- 2 of 5

By Jordyn Burco

5. Dullahan (8-1) - Can this synthetic specialist be a legit dirt contender this Saturday? Out of Even The Score-Ava Mining My Own, by Smart Strike and trained by Dale Romans, and will be rode by Kent Desormeaux. A lot of people are ranking them high on their list, after his smashing win against Hansen in the Bluegrass Stakes. I myself, is listing him in my top 8. He questions me whether he will like the dirt surface at Churchill. The only races he has ever won were at Keeneland on synthetic surface, and every time he has raced on dirt even at churchill, he hasn’t shown up for a win.  The distance does not question me at all, this horse is bred for the 1 ¼ miles and has shown in his past races he will love it. His closing kick is the best of the crop, and is perfectly suited for the distance and pace scenario of this year's Kentucky Derby. You want a horse that is just beginning to peak when May rolls around, and that is exactly where one of the best horseman in the nation, Dale Romans, would seem to be with this big son of Even the Score. It’s a leap of faith i'm taking, thinking he will like the dirt more then he has ever have before, but call me crazy; he’s good enough to win. I would never have thought this a few years ago, but the turf to synthetic prep route to Louisville has now proven to be a legitimate way to prepare a Kentucky Derby candidate, i.e. Animal Kingdom. Oh and did I tell ya his owners are from Des Moines?

6. Bodemeister (4-1) Your morning line favorite! Trained by the famous Bob Baffert. His 9 length romp in the Arkansas Derby was breathtaking. Bodemesiter along with Went The Day Well really called for me to somehow put one of them in my top 3, but I don't see enough experience.  Taking the latter first, I find it extremely difficult to assume a horse, who has only two lifetime wins, will be able to do much more than thrust himself into a pace that is simply too hot to win, considering the rigors of the Kentucky Derby. The history part comes in as much for the lack of Derby wins for horses who crushed the fields in their last race before Churchill, as it does for the 130-year drought for unraced juveniles. This horse just needs more experience and when he does he will do wonderful things this summer and fall. This may be the best horse in the field. He reminds me a lot of Curlin, richest race horse ever. Curlin also was unraced at two, and won the Arkansas Derby by 9 lengths but finished 3rd in the Ky derby, but became a two time horse of the year once he got more experience. The reason why he’s not 2 or 3 on my list is because of experience and in history past of derby day, not many horses win while being on the lead. Look for a stalker, mid-pack or closer to win. Though, Bodemeister is a very, young talented horse. I would love to see Bob Baffert win again!

7. Rousing Sermon (50-1) Jerry Hollendorfer trainee – This horse always rallies. He seldom wins, but he always has something in the tank to pass horses when the real running begins. Maybe, just maybe, if the pace is hot, and the front runners start to wilt, he will be one of the main beneficiaries with that stretch kick. It seems a little far-fetched considering he has not been winning against lesser, but a good showing is certainly a possibility. In 3 career starts this year he’s been 3rd, 5th and 3rd, which were both Grade 2’s. I do like his post position, so maybe he's the sleeper? I think this horse is going to have to step up to win this race.

8. Creative Cause (12-1) One of my other top picks. This horse is always there at the finish. Mike Harrington is the trainer – Another that will come in to the Derby off a loss, but he ran a strong race in defeat. He rallied on the rail, before racing between horses the entire stretch of the Santa Anita Derby. The fact that he didn't run a straight course once again, this time without blinkers is worrisome, but he has yet to run a race where he did not look like one of the best of his generation. He looks like he is still improving, and should handle the Derby distance just fine. In 8 lifetime starts he’s never been worse than 3rd. Currently he’s number 3 on my list, but with his horrible shipping I’m kind of worried. When he arrived Sunday at Churchill he ripped off part of his hoof wall and had to be repaired, so I think this could hurt the horses chances. He also hasn't worked in the past couple of days, so this is also making me scared. Mike is a fantastic man, and in an interview he said he's fine, nothing to worry about. I respect the man's words, but I still have that sick feeling that this horse could come out a winner, but with this problem has faced in  be dothe past days is worrying me. But look for this big horse tominant all across america in the next years. Who wouldn't want to see another grey win the derby?



Next four horses will be released during the 11 AM hour... Trinniberg, Daddy Nose Best, Alpha, & Prospective