With Quality Road Off The ThoroughbredZone Derby 12 Due To A Quarter Crack, Everyone Else Has Moved Up One Spot. I Want Revenge Is Now The New #1 Horse. Desert Party Returns To The #12 Spot. Pretty Much The Same List As Before With a Few Little Tweeks. Pick And Preview Coming.
1)(2) I Want Revenge - Stephen Got Even - Meguial (Arg) By Roy (Mar) ($95,000) I Want Revenge takes over the #1 spot on ThoroughbredZone’s Derby 12. He followed up his impressive Gotham win with another big effort in the Wood Memorial. The amazing trip of I Want Revenge has been hot topic in the racing world for some time, breaking last out of the gate, fought traffic issues in the stretch and drew clear to win the Wood Memorial in impressive fashion. The question of whether he can handle traffic was answered with a resounding yes. It was a super effort for this horse that had overcame a few obstacles to win the race. Jockey Joe Talamo say’s he only had to run hard late. 4-weeks to recover should be plenty. It would be hard to top his Wood effort. Did he run his best race? He covered the mile and an eighth in 1.49:49. His poly races were good, but not good enough to get by Pioneerof the Nile. He proved he loves dirt, by running two huge races on it. He has a solid 2-year-old foundation. He galloped out nicely after he hit the wire in the Wood Memorial. Is he fast enough? That is the question as with most. Distance should not be an issue. He can get the mile and a quarter. He has more positives than negatives at this point.
2)(3) Pioneerof the Nile - Empire Maker - Star of Goshen By Lord at War (May) ($290,000) Pioneerof the Nile moves up a slot to the #2 position. He has kind of been flying under the radar out west, but the horse has accomplished some good things. Horse has a good foundation. He raced as a 2-year-old, and swept through the California preps in good, workman like fashion. He looks like he would like a faster pace, but has shown the ability to get into the race if need be. He is maturing at the right time. He was the winner of the Santa Anita Derby in 1.49.17 for the mile and an eighth. He is a May foal which puts him behind others in the maturation department. Another plus is the fact both I Want Revenge and Papa Clem came back to win the Wood Memorial and Arkansas Derby. That has to be viewed as a positive. Bob Baffert is no stranger to the Kentucky Derby. He knows how to get a horse ready to run a big one on that day. The nagging question of whether he will handle dirt still exists, and there have been some who say dirt is not his preferred surface. He could just be a poly specialist. Anyway, you look at it, this guy has a few more positives, than negatives at this point. The only real question is, will he be fast enough on dirt?
3)(4) Dunkirk - Unbridled’s Song - Secret Status By A.P. Indy (Jan) ($3.7 Million) The lightly raced Team Tabor horse looks like he will make it into the field for the Kentucky Derby after all. Graded earnings have been a big issue. He ran a bold race in the Florida Derby when he went after and caught Quality Road, and passed him briefly, but was turned back. Dunkirk will go into the Derby lightly raced. The Kentucky Derby will be only his 4th career start, and it will be at a mile and a quarter in a 20-horse field. Curlin and Big Brown were both lightly raced and turned in big efforts. Is Dunkirk as good as those are? Another obstacle is his foundation; he did not race a 2-year-old. Neither did Curlin. The flip side for Dunkirk is he could have very well not run his top race yet. His big sweeping move in the Florida Derby was a power move going against a track that did favor speed. He looked like a winner, passing Quality Road, but could not match Quality Road’s big late kick. He will appreciate a quick pace up front, so he can launch his big move. Todd Pletcher has had little success in the Derby, but at the same time has not had a horse good enough to win it. This 3.7 million dollar colt looks like he will make a late bid. He has class to garner a price tag like that. He galloped out nicely after the Florida Derby. Connections won the Roses with Thunder Gulch.
4)(5)Papa Clem - Smart Strike - Miss Houdini By Mr. Prospector (Feb) (Home Bred) Papa Clem debuts in the #4 spot after his big Arkansas Derby win. He finally got a fast dirt surface and responded with a big effort to defeat Old Fashioned. He had finished behind Pioneerof the Nile and I Want Revenge out west. He was off a moderately fast pace set by Old Fashioned and surged by to stop the clock in 1:49.01 for the mile and an eighth. It was a big effort and a big win for this colt. A son of the super Smart Strike showed his admiration for the dirt with a gutsy win. He will get 3-weeks to rest up for the Kentucky Derby. One has to wonder how much the race might have taken out of him 3-weeks before the Derby. Smart Strike has been one of the hottest sires in recent years. Stalk-Rally type should not be that far out of it.
5)(6) Chocolate Candy - Candy Ride - Crownette By Seattle Slew (Feb) Chocolate Candy was the runner up finish to Pioneerof the Nile in the San Anita Derby. He was in last place as he entered the top of the stretch and was very wide around the turn for home. He made a game bid in the middle of the track to try and get Pioneerof the Nile. He made up a ton of ground in a short period while enduring a very wide trip. He was gradually making up ground on the winner in the end, but was not going to get him. It was a big move anyway you look at it. He will enter the Derby making his first career start on dirt. He will be making his 10th career starts overall, which gives him some good seasoning. If moves forward the way Papa Clem and I Want Revenge did, he could make his presence felt late in the stretch at Churchill. Jerry Hollendorfer likes his horse. The only question some might have, has he ran his best race already. The nagging poly to dirt question is still there. Will he be as good on dirt, as he is on poly? He is one of several horses that likes to come from out of it. A fast pace will be to his liking. He looks like he is good for the distance. Coming together at the right time.
6)(7) Friesan Fire - A.P. Indy - Bollinger (AUS) By Dehere (Apr) ($725,000) Friesan Fire is the last bullet remaining for Larry Jones after his top prospect Old Fashioned got injured in the Arkansas Derby, ending his Derby hopes and possibly his career. He is in uncharted territory going into the Kentucky Derby off a 7-week layoff. Another factor is he has never run past a mile and sixteenth. His last win was in the slop in the Louisiana Derby, in what was a strong effort. This horse seems to have a few serious questions as to whether he will be capable of winning a mile and a quarter race off such a long layoff. He loved the Fairgrounds, that is one thing we know. Larry Jones has been runner-up in the 2 previous Kentucky Derby’s. He was running on very well through the stretch in the Louisiana Derby, but a mile and a quarter is still a long way to go. How ironic would be if this guy does it, the least hyped horse of his others in recent years? Hard Spun, Eight Belles and Old Fashioned. The mile and a quarter will be a daunting task. Larry Jones took Hard Spun to the Derby off a 6-week layoff.
7)(8) General Quarters - Sky Mesa - Ecology By Pulpit (Mar) ($20,000) The feel good story of the 2009 so far. Claimed for only $20,000 after his first career race, he is Louisville bound. He won the Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs, but backed that up with an improbable win the Bluegrass Stakes at Keeneland. Sent off at 14/1 he delivered a great effort in winning. He covered the mile and an eighth in 1.49:26. He has a good foundation under him. You can truly say this horse has gone from rags to riches. He was claimed for $20,000 and goes on to win the GI $750,000 Bluegrass Stakes. His chances at Churchill look daunting, but this horse has done nothing but surprise people on his way there. How good is this horse is the biggest question? Charismatic the 1999 Kentucky Derby winner raced for a tag early in his career. A $20,000 Investment has paid off in many ways. Distance and class will be his biggest obstacles in Louisville.
8)(9) Hold Me Back - Giants Causeway - Restraint By Storm Cat (Apr) ($400,000) He won the Lane’s End coming from far back. The Kentucky Derby will be his 3rd start since he was in the Remsen back in November at Aqueduct. Room for further progression exists. He made a strong move at the end of Bluegrass to earn the 2nd place finish. He has run on dirt before, but has not been as good as he has on Poly. At the same time, those dirt races were a while ago. Another horse who likes to come from out of it with a strong late kick. Will he be as good on dirt, as he is on poly? Connections are happy.
9)(10) Musket Man - Yonaguska – Fortuesque By Fortunate Prospect (May) If General Quarters is the feel good story of the year, Musket Man is the bargain of the year. A $15,000 yearling purchase, and re-sold for $35,000 as a 2-year-old sale. He has gone on to do some good things. Musket Man broke his maiden at Belmont Park on Breeders’ Cup day. Since that day he has gone on to win the Tampa Bay Derby and Illinois Derby. He covered the mile and an eighth in 1.49:91. Musket Man is another horse with New Jersey roots. Trainer Derek Ryan is a Monmouth Park guy, and Musket Man trained at Monmouth Park before he was shipped to Belmont Park for his debut. Musket Man has been well worth every bargain penny spent on him. The Kentucky Derby poses many tough questions for the son of Yonaguska. The Kentucky Derby will be his 7th lifetime start. A mile and a quarter could be a bit to far, and the other question is if he is actually fast enough? Big questions to answer, but he will be there to try to answer. Winner of 5 of 6 races he has been in.
10)(11) West Side Bernie – Bernstein – Time Honored By Storm Cat (Feb) ($50,000) The second place finisher to I Want Revenge in the Wood Memorial. The effort was enough to stamp his ticket to the Kentucky Derby. Owned by the New Jersey crew of George and Loris Hall, and trained by Monmouth Park mainstay and top trainer Kelly Breen, West Side Bernie has strong New Jersey roots, as does Musket Man. He broke his maiden at Monmouth Park. He was on even terms with I Want Revenge for a brief second, as I Want Revenge swung out for running room in the stretch, but was no match for him in the final 100 yards. That being said he ran a good race. The Lane’s End was a clunker. You could chalk that up to the synthetic surface, as many horses just do not care for it. Distance and class look to be the main obstacles facing him at Churchill Downs. The horse earned a spot, and he will run.
11)(12) Regal Ransom – Distorted Humor – Kelli’s Ransom by Red Ransom ($675,000) Regal Ransom broke his maiden at Saratoga and was eventually shipped to Dubai for the rest of his campaign. He was an upset winner over stable mate Desert Party in the UAE Derby in March. Again, they have yet to have a horse that is good enough to win the Derby. That could very well be the case here. He ran a big race just a few weeks ago. Running a race good enough to win the Kentucky Derby will be a tall order. The Derby will be his 5th lifetime start. He has breeding that indicates the distance will not be an issue. He will go to the lead and go as far as he can in a race that looks to lack speed. He could be out there for awhile with his expected front running gambit.
12)(-) Desert Party - Street Cry - Sage Cat By Machiavellian (Apr) ($425,000) One of two Sheikh Mohammed thoroughbreds entered in the Derby. He ran 2nd in the UAE Derby on the Dubai World Cup Day. Since shipping to Churchill Downs he has settled in nicely and has looked good in the mornings. He will sit off the pace a bit, as his stable mate Regal Ransom will go to the front and make a front running gambit, going as far as he can. Connections have had limited success with Kentucky Derby entrants. Worldly Manner made a strong bid in the 1999 Kentucky Derby. At one point looked like a stretch to be a factor, but is coming along nicely and some respect should given to him.
ThoroughbredZone will preview the Kentucky Derby and give it’s selection to win the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby…Many things can still happen, post position, pace and track conditions are all factors
Updated Monday April 13, 2025
1)(1) Quality Road - Elusive Quality - Kobla By Strawberry Road (AUS) (Mar) (Home Bred) Quality Road remains the top horse on ThoroughbredZone’s Kentucky Derby 12. Things were rolling right along until a quarter crack on his back foot surfaced after the Florida Derby. It looked like it could very well derail his trip to Churchill, and still could. Quarter Cracks are bad news. Big Brown battled against quarter crack issues the entire Triple Crown series. The good news is the foot has improved a great deal. They patched it up. He went to the Belmont training track and worked a nice 5-furlong breeze in 1:02 on April 10. The plan is to give him one strong work about 5 days before the Derby. Quality Road has put together two blockbuster races at Gulfstream Park to earn the top spot. A big effort out running several speed demons in the Fountain of Youth, and fending off a hard charging Dunkirk in the Florida Derby in record time, all be it the track was playing fast that day. He still arguably ran the best prep by any 3-year-old this year. Quality Road kicked into another gear when collared by Dunkirk to turn him back. It was an impressive turn of foot, when he asked for more. The Derby will be his 5th career start for the son of Elusive Quality. Moreover, the possibility for further progression exists with this horse. Quality Road has tactical speed, and the way this is race is shaping up, he could very well decide to take it to them right out of the gate on the front end. The Pamplemousse and Old Fashioned, two expected front-runners are gone. The 5-week break between the Florida Derby and Kentucky Derby has proven successful over the past few years with Barbaro and Big Brown. Quality Road’s quarter crack issue will remain a concern. If he gets there %100 he looks like a big player.
2)(2) I Want Revenge - Stephen Got Even - Meguial (Arg) By Roy (Mar) ($95,000) I Want Revenge stays in the #2 slot. He followed up his impressive Gotham win with another big effort in the Wood Memorial. The amazing trip of I Want Revenge is still a hot topic in the racing world, breaking last out of the gate, fought traffic issues in the stretch and drew clear to win the Wood Memorial in impressive fashion. The question of whether he can handle traffic was answered with a resounding yes. It was a super effort for this horse that had overcame a few obstacles to win the race. It looked like it was a tough race for him. How much it might have taken out of him could be a question mark, and the question could be, has he run his best race? Jockey Joe Talamo say’s he only had to run hard late. It would be hard to top his Wood effort. He covered the mile and an eighth in 1.49:49. His poly races were good, but not good enough to get by Pioneerof the Nile. If Pioneerof the Nile is the goods, I Want Revenge is a big player in Louisville. He proved he likes dirt. He galloped out nicely after he hit the wire in the Wood Memorial. Is he fast enough? That is the question as with most. Distance should not be an issue. He can get the mile and a quarter.
3)(4) Pioneerof the Nile - Empire Maker - Star of Goshen By Lord at War (May) ($290,000) Pioneerof the Nile moves up a slot to the #3 position. He has kind of been flying under the radar out west, but the horse has accomplished some good things. Horse has a good foundation. He raced as a 2-year-old, and swept through the California preps in good, workman like fashion. He looks like he would like a faster pace, but has shown the ability to get into the race if need be. He is maturing at the right time. He was the winner of the Santa Anita Derby in 1.49.17 for the mile and an eighth. He is a May foal which puts him behind others in the maturation department. Another plus is the fact both I Want Revenge and Papa Clem came back to win the Wood Memorial and Arkansas Derby. That has to be viewed as a positive. Bob Baffert is no stranger to the Kentucky Derby. He knows how to get a horse ready to run a big one on that day. The nagging question of whether he will handle dirt still exists, and there have been some who say dirt is not his preferred surface. He could just be a poly specialist. Anyway, you look at it, this guy has a few more positives, than negatives at this point. The only real question is, will he be fast enough on dirt?
4)(3) Dunkirk - Unbridled’s Song - Secret Status By A.P. Indy (Jan) ($3.7 Million) The lightly raced Team Tabor horse looks like he will make it into the field for the Kentucky Derby after all. Graded earnings have been a big issue. He ran a bold race in the Florida Derby when he went after and caught Quality Road, and passed him briefly, but was turned back. Dunkirk will go into the Derby lightly raced. The Kentucky Derby will be only his 4th career start, and it will be at a mile and a quarter in a 20-horse field. Curlin and Big Brown were both lightly raced and turned in big efforts. Is Dunkirk as good as those are? Another obstacle is his foundation; he did not race a 2-year-old. Neither did Curlin. The flip side for Dunkirk is he could have very well not run his top race yet. His big sweeping move in the Florida Derby was a power move going against a track that did favor speed. He looked like a winner, passing Quality Road, but could not match Quality Road’s big late kick. He will appreciate a quick pace up front, so he can launch his big move. Todd Pletcher has had little success in the Derby, but at the same time has not had a horse good enough to win it. This 3.7 million dollar colt looks like he will make a late bid. He has class to garner a price tag like that. He galloped out nicely after the Florida Derby. Connections won the Roses with Thunder Gulch.
5)(-)Papa Clem - Smart Strike - Miss Houdini By Mr. Prospector (Feb) (Home Bred) Papa Clem debuts in the #5 spot after his big Arkansas Derby win. He finally got a fast dirt surface and responded with a big effort to defeat Old Fashioned. He had finished behind Pioneerof the Nile and I Want Revenge out west. He was off a moderately fast pace set by Old Fashioned and surged by to stop the clock in 1:49.01 for the mile and an eighth. It was a big effort and a big win for this colt. A son of the super Smart Strike showed his admiration for the dirt with a gutsy win. He will get 3-weeks to rest up for the Kentucky Derby. One has to wonder how much the race might have taken out of him 3-weeks before the Derby. Smart Strike has been one of the hottest sires in recent years. Stalk-Rally type should not be that far out of it.
6)(10) Chocolate Candy - Candy Ride - Crownette By Seattle Slew (Feb) Chocolate Candy moves all the way up to the #5 spot after his runner up finish to Pioneerof the Nile in the San Anita Derby. He was in last place as he entered the top of the stretch and was very wide around the turn for home. He made a game bid in the middle of the track to try and get Pioneerof the Nile. He made up a ton of ground in a short period while enduring a very wide trip. He was gradually making up ground on the winner in the end, but was not going to get him. It was a big move anyway you look at it. He will enter the Derby making his first career start on dirt. He will be making his 10th career starts overall, which gives him some good seasoning. If moves forward the way Papa Clem and I Want Revenge did, he could make his presence felt late in the stretch at Churchill. Jerry Hollendorfer likes his horse. The only question some might have, has he ran his best race already. The nagging poly to dirt question is still there. Will he be as good on dirt, as he is on poly? He is one of several horses that likes to come from out of it. A fast pace will be to his liking. He looks like he is good for the distance. Coming together at the right time.
7)(5) Friesan Fire - A.P. Indy - Bollinger (AUS) By Dehere (Apr) ($725,000) Friesan Fire dips down to #7. Friesan Fire is the last bullet remaining for Larry Jones after his top prospect Old Fashioned got injured in the Arkansas Derby, ending his Derby hopes and possibly his career. He is in uncharted territory going into the Kentucky Derby off a 7-week layoff. Another factor is he has never run past a mile and sixteenth. His last win was in the slop in the Louisiana Derby, in what was a strong effort. This horse seems to have a few serious questions as to whether he will be capable of winning a mile and a quarter race off such a long layoff. He loved the Fairgrounds, that is one thing we know. Larry Jones has been runner-up in the 2 previous Kentucky Derby’s. He was running on very well through the stretch in the Louisiana Derby, but a mile and a quarter is still a long way to go. How ironic would be if this guy does it, the least hyped horse of his others in recent years? Hard Spun, Eight Belles and Old Fashioned. The mile and a quarter will be a daunting task. Larry Jones took Hard Spun to the Derby off a 6-week layoff.
8)(-) General Quarters - Sky Mesa - Ecology By Pulpit (Mar) ($20,000) The feel good story of the 2009 so far. Claimed for only $20,000 after his first career race, he is Louisville bound. He won the Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs, but backed that up with an improbable win the Bluegrass Stakes at Keeneland. Sent off at 14/1 he delivered a great effort in winning. He covered the mile and an eighth in 1.49:26. He has a good foundation under him. You can truly say this horse has gone from rags to riches. He was claimed for $20,000 and goes on to win the GI $750,000 Bluegrass Stakes. His chances at Churchill look daunting, but this horse has done nothing but surprise people on his way there. How good is this horse is the biggest question? Charismatic the 1999 Kentucky Derby winner raced for a tag early in his career. A $20,000 Investment has paid off in many ways. Distance and class will be his biggest obstacles in Louisville.
9)(-) Hold Me Back - Giants Causeway - Restraint By Storm Cat (Apr) ($400,000) The Lane’s End winner debuts at #9 after his 2nd place finish to General Quarters in the Bluegrass Stakes. He won the Lane’s End coming from far back. The Kentucky Derby will be his 3rd start since he was in the Remsen back in November at Aqueduct. Room for further progression exists. He made a strong move at the end of Bluegrass to earn the 2nd place finish. He has run on dirt before, but has not been as good as he has on Poly. At the same time, those dirt races were a while ago. Another horse who likes to come from out of it with a strong late kick. Will he be as good on dirt, as he is on poly? Connections can’t wait to get to Churchill.
10)(11) Musket Man - Yonaguska – Fortuesque By Fortunate Prospect (May) If General Quarters is the feel good story of the year, Musket Man is the bargain of the year. A $15,000 yearling purchase, and re-sold for $35,000 as a 2-year-old sale. He has gone on to do some good things. Musket Man broke his maiden at Belmont Park on Breeders’ Cup day. Since that day he has gone on to win the Tampa Bay Derby and Illinois Derby. He covered the mile and an eighth in 1.49:91. Musket Man is another horse with New Jersey roots. Trainer Derek Ryan is a Monmouth Park guy, and Musket Man trained at Monmouth Park before he was shipped to Belmont Park for his debut. Musket Man has been well worth every bargain penny spent on him. The Kentucky Derby poses many tough questions for the son of Yonaguska. The Kentucky Derby will be his 7th lifetime start. A mile and a quarter could be a bit to far, and the other question is if he is actually fast enough? Big questions to answer, but he will be there to try to answer. Winner of 5 of 6 races he has been in.
11)(-) West Side Bernie – Bernstein – Time Honored By Storm Cat (Feb) ($50,000) The second place finisher to I Want Revenge in the Wood Memorial. The effort was enough to stamp his ticket to the Kentucky Derby. Owned by the New Jersey crew of George and Loris Hall, and trained by Monmouth Park mainstay and top trainer Kelly Breen, West Side Bernie has strong New Jersey roots, as does Musket Man. He broke his maiden at Monmouth Park. He was on even terms with I Want Revenge for a brief second, as I Want Revenge swung out for running room in the stretch, but was no match for him in the final 100 yards. That being said he ran a good race. The Lane’s End was a clunker. You could chalk that up to the synthetic surface, as many horses just do not care for it. Distance and class look to be the main obstacles facing him at Churchill Downs. The horse earned a spot, and he will run.
12)(9) Regal Ransom – Distorted Humor – Kelli’s Ransom by Red Ransom ($675,000) The UAE Derby winner is in Louisville already with his stable mate Desert Party. Regal Ransom broke his maiden at Saratoga and was eventually shipped to Dubai for the rest of his campaign. He was an upset winner over stable mate Desert Party in the UAE Derby in March. Godolphin has had little success going the desert to the Derby route. Again, they have yet to have a horse that is good enough to get the job done. That could very well be the case here. He ran a big race just a few weeks ago. Running a race good enough to win the Kentucky Derby will be a tall order. The Derby will be his 5th lifetime start. He has breeding that indicates the distance will not be an issue. Is he fast enough is the biggest question?
Off
Old Fashioned - Injured, off trail Win Willy - Ran 4th in the Arkansas Derby, Derby run possible Desert Party - 2nd in the UAE Derby Theregoesjojo - Finished far back in the Bluegrass, not enough graded earnings
The Lexington Stakes will be run this weekend at Keeneland. A last chance for some to make the field in the Kentucky Derby.
ThoroughbredZone will preview the Kentucky Derby and give it’s selection to win the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby around May 1, 2008…Many things can still happen, post position, pace and track conditions are all factors.
Updated Monday April 6, 2025
In a shocking development, The Pamplemousse has been taking off the Derby trail with an injury to his tendon
Chocolate Candy and Musket Man Debut at#10 and #11
1)(1) Quality Road - Elusive Quality - Kobla By Strawberry Road (AUS) (Mar) (Home Bred) Quality Road stays a top ThoroughbredZone’s Derby 12. The winner of the Florida Derby is at Belmont Park and waiting for his trip to Churchill Downs. Quality Road will head to the Derby on a 5-week break. So far Quality Road has proven he is the fastest 3-year-old. Several of the horses he blew away in the Fountain of Youth have come back either win, or run well. This Ones For Phil who dueled with Quality Road before throwing in the towel, came back to win the Swale on Florida Derby Day. On Wood Day at Aqueduct, Capt. Candyman Can and Taqarub ran 1-2 in the Bay Shore. Quality Road dusted them in the Fountain of Youth as well. Quality Road is a very talented horse, and a very fast horse. Has a nice style of running, puts himself into the race on his own with his natural speed, and when asked, shows that explosive kick, such as he displayed in the Florida Derby. He is still the top dog. Still do not think this guy has run his best race yet. The extra week can only be viewed as a positive.***Suffered a quarter crack, not supposed to be serious,but it’s not good***
2)(6) I Want Revenge - Stephen Got Even – Meguial (Arg) By Roy (Mar) ($95,000) I Want Revenge moves up to the #2 spot after his big Wood Memorial win. After missing the break, he was in last place, but came back to win after running into a wall of horses in the stretch. Jockey Joe Talamo was able to swing him wide, find a seam and power him home for the win. It was an impressive move to see. In a long race like the Wood, he was able to recover. He stayed in contact with the field, and moved into contention on the far bend. He was on even terms with West Side Bernie for a brief second, but out kicked him easily under strong urging to win the Wood Memorial. I Want Revenge was asked for his best and he responded with all he had late. I Want Revenge has shown he is a versatile horse. He can either run up on the lead, or come from out of it, like in the Wood. The win was no doubt visually impressive. There is also no doubt he had to do some serious running to get to wire first. He will get 4 weeks to recover. Did he run his best race already? Distance looks like no issue. I Want Revenge covered the mile and eighth in 1.49:49
3)(4) Dunkirk - Unbridled’s Song - Secret Status By A.P. Indy (Jan) ($3.7 Million) Dunkirk moves up one spot. In his first class test the $3.7 million dollar colt showed his class in launching a huge bid around a speed-favoring surface to get to Quality Road at the top of the stretch. The move was impressive, but he was unable to beat Quality Road. Dunkirk is lightly raced, and showed a lot of courage. It looked like he was going to go by Quality Road with a full head of steam and open up. Graded earnings are still an issue. It’s still a question if he gets in or not. The Derby would be his 4th lifetime start. Potential for further improvement is there after his strong run against Quality Road. Gets a 5-week break until the Derby. Late rally type likes to come from back in the pack. A solid pace will certainly help this guy.
4)(5) Pioneerof the Nile - Empire Maker - Star of Goshen By Lord at War (May) ($290,000) Pioneerof the Nile moves up a spot this week after his Santa Anita Derby win. The Pioneer keeps on rolling along out west. He put together another solid workman like effort to win the Santa Anita Derby. Bullet Bob Baffert once again heads to Churchill Downs with a pretty good colt. Pioneerof the Nile got a break when The Pamplemousse was scratched before the race. The big showdown was nixed. Baffert continues to say his horse is continuing to develop nicely. He is late May foal, and room for development continues. The biggest question facing this horse is how he will take to dirt. That’s a concern. Faces a big task in 4 weeks.
5)(5) Friesan Fire - A.P. Indy - Bollinger (AUS) By Dehere (Apr) ($725,000) Stays at #5. He will go into the Derby off a 7-week layoff, that’s almost unheard of. Jones has two-second place finishes the past two years in the Derby with Eight Belles and Hard Spun. Friesan Fire swept all three Fairground Derby preps. Larry Jones has brought him along nicely, and at this point he should be respected. He looks like he will be able to get a mile and quarter, but has yet to run past a mile and sixteenth. That is a question mark anyway you look at it.
6(7) Old Fashioned - Unbridled’s Song - Collect Call By Meadowlake (Jan) ($800,000) Old Fashioned gets a shot at redemption in this weeks Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park. He will look to bounce back with a strong effort to get some of that luster back that he lost in The Rebel last month. Talented colt was zipping through quick fractions in the Rebel, but did not have much left late, as Win Willy surged past him to win. The set back raised the question of distance limitations. He already had questions about that going in. The Arkansas Derby could be a solid indicator if he truly indeed has a ceiling on to how far he can actually go. Sharp looking colt will need a strong showing to make himself a legitimate threat in the Derby.
7)(8) Theregoesjojo - Brahms - Slewie Blues By Seattle Slew (Apr) ($42,000) Theregoesjojo finished 3rd to Quality Road in their rubber match in the Florida Derby. Rating behind, he launched a bid turning for home in an attempt to catch Quality Road. He had to check, and was unable to regain his momentum, as he was past by Quality Road. An objection was launched, but was dismissed. It was a good effort, but was no match for the top 2 this time. Rating further behind might be the best strategy for this colt. A mile and a quarter could also be a question.
8(10) Win Willy - Monarchos - City Fair By Carson City (Apr) ($25,000) Bumped up to the #10 spot. You have to love that name. Win Willy literally came out of nowhere to win the Rebel in stunning fashion, rolling home in the middle of Oaklawn’s track to surge by Old Fashioned. It was his first try going long and it was a big success. He took advantage of the early fast pace set by Silver City. Questions remain if he can do it again. He will get that chance again soon enough in the Arkansas Derby.
9)(11) Regal Ransom – Distorted Humor – Kelli’s Ransom by Red Ransom ($675,000) Winner of the UAE Derby. He covered the mile and an eighth in 1:50.00. He was able to hold off Desert Party who tried to cut into his lead. Regal Ransom will probably be pointed to the Kentucky Derby. The Derby will be his 5th career start, and to be a factor, he will have to run faster, and will have to do it shipping in from Dubai.
10)(-) Chocolate Candy – Candy Ride – Crownette By Seattle Slew (Feb) Chocolate Candy debuts this week in the #10 spot. Faced his stiffest test yet, and he did alright. The runner up to Pioneerof the Nile in Santa Anita Derby, he was 5-wide and made a move to try to get Pioneerof the Nile. It was a solid effort, setting him up for a Derby run in 4-weeks. Distance looks like it will not be an issue, but whether he is fast enough is another question. Will make into the gate at Churchill Downs for Jerry Hollendorfer. A real dark horse.
11(-) Musket Man – Yonaguska – Fortuesque By Fortunate Prospect (May) $15,000 The Musket Man debuts in the #11 spot after another win, this time in the Illinois Derby. Derek Ryan will head to the Churchill with a Derby prospect, and he has to be thrilled with that. Musket Man is this year’s bargain of the year. He was only a $15,000 purchase, and has paid off dearly. He has been workman like in his wins. He has also been a road warrior, 5 wins at 5 different tracks. Distance concerns are an issue with him. The mile and quarter might be to far.
12)(12) Desert Party - Street Cry (Ire) - Sage Cat By Tabasco Cat (Apr) ($425,000) Has a good two-year-old foundation. Going a mile and a quarter remains a question and still remains a question after the UAE Derby. He ran right behind Regal Ransom in the UAE Derby Saturday. He launched a bid, but was unable to get to the winner Regal Ransom. The plan still looks like a trip to Louisville will be in order
Off
The Pamplemousse suffered a leg injury and is off the trail, Imperial Council- Flip or no flip, has not a run a race worthy of being a Derby threat yet
***Next Week A Complete Close Up of The Top 12 Candidates In The Final ThoroughbredZone Kentucky Derby 12***
ThoroughbredZone’s Kentucky Derby 12 Updated Monday March 30, 2025
The biggest tweaks this week…Quality Road keeps his spot on top at #1… The Pamplemousse moves up to the #2 slot…Friesan Fire dips to the #3 spot…Dunkirk moves up to #4 from #7…Regal Ransom debuts at 11…Desert Party dips down to the #12 spot…Win Willy moves up to the #10 spot from #12 …And a few others dipped one spot…Patena Drops off…Mr. Fantasy has been taken off the trial…Beethoven out do to a leg injury.
1)(1) Quality Road - Elusive Quality - Kobla By Strawberry Road (AUS) (Mar) (Home Bred) Quality Road solidified his spot a top ThoroughbredZone’s Derby 12 with a stirring win in the Florida Derby over a game Dunkirk. Making just his 4th career start and first start around two-turns, Quality Road settled nicely behind the pace setter Casey’s on Call through a relatively quick pace for a mile and an eighth. Quality Road entered the stretch with a lead that looked in jeopardy, as Dunkirk launched a powerful move from back in the pack to range up and pass Quality Road, but Quality Road who had been cruising along, was asked for more and responded with a powerful kick to repel Dunkirk and draw clear to break the track record for a mile and eighth in 1.47:72. The win topped his prior effort, which was huge in the Fountain of Youth, where he ran This Ones For Phil into submission through fast fractions, who, in the race before the Florida Derby, the Swale Stakes, came back to run a huge race against Big Drama. Some complaints have been raised about the track having a strong speed bias, however the argument falls short to an extent, considering everyone ran over the same surface and Quality Road is a very fast horse, and has run fast in every one of his races. Quality Road had to fend off a powerful move by Dunkirk and came home in 12.44 seconds. Theregoesjojo finished third, who had to check, at the top of the lane was no threat to Quality Road. Quality Road will enter the Kentucky Derby off a 5-week break, which has been a successful move in recent years. The 5 week break will be a good thing for him. He showed grit and determination in turning back Dunkirk. The win was impressive in many ways. The question will arise if he might have peaked to soon, but from everything we have seen, there is nothing to indicate that he will not continue to run well, as he is a large, talented colt.
2)(3) The Pamplemousse - Kafwain - Comfort Zone By Rubiano (Apr) ($80,000) Moves up to the #2 spot. The Pamplemousse is working towards the Santa Anita Derby. Looked sharp in The Sham. The Pamplemousse was on cruise control from the start and turned back any threat in winning, setting swift fractions of 23.08 and 46.51. He ran the one and one eighth distance in 1:47.86. Great looking son of Kafwain might be one of the better ones to come out of California in recent years. Trainer Julio Canani exudes confidence when speaking of him. A showdown with Pioneerof The Nile this Saturday in the Santa Anita Derby will be a key race. This race will tell us a lot. Sports a win a mile and an eighth. If all goes well, will head to Kentucky with no dirt prep, always an interesting factor.
3)(2) Friesan Fire - A.P. Indy - Bollinger (AUS) By Dehere (Apr) ($725,000) Dips down to number #3. Friesan Fire continues to roll along on the derby trail, and continues to get better and better. He has been playing second fiddle to Old Fashioned his stable mate throughout the early part of the year, but he stepped out of that shadow with a dominating win in The Louisiana Derby in the slop. Friesan Fire swept all three Fairground Derby preps. There is no telling how much more he will improve, and he will have to. Larry Jones has brought him along nicely, and at this point he should be respected. He looks like he will be able to get a mile and quarter, but has yet to run past a mile and sixteenth. The Kentucky Derby look like his next race.
4)(7) Dunkirk - Unbridled’s Song - Secret Status By A.P. Indy (Jan) ($3.7 Million) Dunkirk moves up to the #4 spot after his game effort in the Florida Derby. In his first class test the $3.7 million dollar colt showed his class in launching a huge bid around a speed-favoring surface to get to Quality Road at the top of the stretch. The move was impressive, but he was unable to beat Quality Road. Dunkirk is lightly raced, and showed a lot of courage. It looked like he was going to go by Quality Road with a full head of steam and open up. Getting into the Derby might be an issue with the lack of graded earnings, but is still a possibility. It was a strong race in his first true test. The Preakness Stakes and or Belmont Stakes look like races he will target. The potential for Dunkirk down the road is there for some good things to happen.
5)(4) Pioneerof the Nile - Empire Maker - Star of Goshen By Lord at War (May) ($290,000) The late May foal got the job done once again in winning the San Felipe. Up closer to the pace, something he has not really done in the past and fought off challengers late in the race. It was a workman like performance. One thing we do know, he is a little further behind in the maturation department to some of the other colts, being a late May foal, and Bob Baffert is aware of that. He will meet The Pamplemousse Saturday. It will be his biggest class test to date. The nagging question of whether he will handle dirt remains, and will be a question right up until post time on the first Saturday in May. Needs to improve further along, and there is room for that. The Pamplemousse is waiting.
6)(5) I Want Revenge - Stephen Got Even – Meguial (Arg) By Roy (Mar) ($95,000) I Want Revenge made his first effort on dirt a winning one. He ran in tandem with Mr. Fantasy throughout much of the race, until mid stretch, when he opened up and pulled away from him. I Want Revenge looked impressive in the win, running through moderate fractions and finished up strongly. He was in an all out drive, and put together a big effort. I still think it was somewhat of a hard race to judge. Going a mile and an eighth next time will tell us more. A Solid 2-year-old foundation also gives him upside. He certainly enjoyed the dirt. This Saturday is show time in the Wood Memorial. Off the plane and in to the starting gate.
7)(6) Old Fashioned - Unbridled’s Song - Collect Call By Meadowlake (Jan) ($800,000) Old Fashioned suffered his first setback in the Rebel. It looked as if he was going to win by a country mile turning for home under confident handling, but that was not the case as he could not keep up his fast pace late. Old Fashioned flattened out and finished second to the up start Win Willy. The race leaves a lot of questions, the biggest being if distance will be his undoing. He did race right behind a fast pace set by Silver City and put him away, but it took its toll on him late. However, not ready to throw him out just yet as a viable Kentucky Derby threat. Larry Jones knows that the race that means the most is in Louisville. The Rebel was certainly not a must win situation at all. He has been bringing him along slowly. Larry Jones is working him up to that race. The Arkansas Derby will be a critical race for him nonetheless. Seeing him slow down late in the lane was not a positive, but all hope is not lost with this talented colt. However will need to run a very solid race next out to get some of that luster back. Terry Thompson will replace Ramon Dominguez in the saddle.
8)(9) Theregoesjojo - Brahms - Slewie Blues By Seattle Slew (Apr) ($42,000) Theregoesjojo finished 3rd to Quality Road in their rubber match in the Florida Derby. Rating behind, he launched a bid turning for home in an attempt to catch Quality Road. He had to check, and was unable to regain his momentum, as he was past by Quality Road. An objection was launched, but was dismissed. It was a good effort, but was no match for the top 2 this time. Rating further behind might be the best strategy for this colt. A mile and a quarter could also be a question. The other problem facing Theregoesjojo is the lack of graded earnings. He might be looking at the Preakness Stakes.
9)(10) Imperial Council – Empire Maker – Jaramar Rain By Thunder Gulch (Jan) ($130,000) He finally decided to do some running after the race was just about over passing a weakening Mr. Fantasy. It certainly looks like this one will like the longer distances, but in a race like this with a runaway winner, hard to judge how good he is. He was the only horse in the field to get in the picture late. The Wood will answer some questions on whether he will be a factor in Kentucky. He will need to run a big one to get there. He should appreciate a faster pace. Gotham still left a lot of questions. He will get to answer some those questions in the Wood Memorial. He also gets another crack at I Want Revenge.
10(12) Win Willy - Monarchos - City Fair By Carson City (Apr) ($25,000) Bumped up to the #10 spot. You have to love that name. Win Willy literally came out of nowhere to win the Rebel in stunning fashion, rolling home in the middle of Oaklawn’s track to surge by Old Fashioned. It was his first try going long and it was a big success. He took advantage of the early fast pace set by Silver City. Logical next step would be the Arkansas Derby. Questions remain if he can do it again. He will get that chance again soon enough.
11)(-) Regal Ransom – Distorted Humor – Kelli’s Ransom by Red Ransom ($675,000) Debuts in the # 11 spot with his upset win over Desert Party. He had been on the knocking on the door list, so we let him in after the win. He covered the mile and an eighth in 1:50.00. He was able to hold off Desert Party who tried to cut into his lead. Regal Ransom will probably be pointed to the Kentucky Derby. The Derby will be his 5th career start, and to be a factor, he will have to run faster, and will have to do it shipping in from Dubai.
12)(10) Desert Party - Street Cry (Ire) - Sage Cat By Tabasco Cat (Apr) ($425,000) Has a good two-year-old foundation. Going a mile and a quarter remains a question and still remains a question after the UAE Derby. He ran behind Regal Ransom in the UAE Derby Saturday. He launched a bid, but was unable to get to the winner Regal Ransom. The plan still looks like a trip to Louisville will be in order
Off
Patena –Will have to earn way back on with a strong effort, Mr. Fantasy – Off Derby trail, Beethoven – Injured leg derails Derby hopes
Another update after next weeks preps…
Week Of March 21,2025
There have been some changes this week, most notable…Old Fashioned drops down to the number 6 spot from number 2, Friesan Fire moves up to number 2 from number 4, Patena drops to number 11 from number 7…New faces include Win Willy at number 9 and Beethoven pops back on at number 12…Mr. Fantasy drops off
1)(1) Quality Road - Elusive Quality - Kobla By Strawberry Road (AUS) (Mar) (Home Bred) Quality Road continues to work in Florida in preparation for his next start, either in the Florida Derby or Wood Memorial, depending on how the weather is in Florida, he could be sent to New York. The Fountain of Youth win remains the most impressive prep win yet by any 3-year-old on the trail including I Want Revenge’s win in the Gotham. Quality Road proved he has serious speed, and out ran some fast horses early on in the FOY and kept going. He stopped the clock in a very sharp 1.35:01 over a fast surface after being on the pace the entire way. A mile and a quarter is a long way, but his bottom says that will not be an issue, and the way he won the mile was solid. First he will have to prove he can handle two turns, and that should not be an issue. He will see Dunkirk and Theregoesjojo in the Florida Derby or they could run in The Wood Memorial where he would meet I Want Revenge.
2)(4) Friesan Fire - A.P. Indy - Bollinger (AUS) By Dehere (Apr) ($725,000) Friesan Fire continues to roll along on the derby trail, and continues to get better and better. Moves up to the number 2 spot this week. He has been playing second fiddle to Old Fashioned his stable mate throughout the early part of the year, but he stepped out of that shadow with a dominating win in The Louisiana Derby in the slop on Saturday. Friesan Fire swept all three Fairground derby preps. There is no telling how much more he will improve. Larry Jones has brought him along nicely, and at this point he should be respected as a legitimate derby contender. He has done nothing but continue to win and get better as he does it. Another big plus has been his ability to rate nicely early. Starting to look one of the horses that will not have an issue with a mile and a quarter, and that is half the battle.
3)(3) The Pamplemousse - Kafwain - Comfort Zone By Rubiano (Apr) ($80,000) The Pamplemousse is working towards the Santa Anita derby. Looked sharp in The Sham. The Pamplemousse was on cruise control from the start and turned back any threat in winning, setting swift fractions of 23.08 and 46.51. He ran the one and one eighth distance in 1:47.86. Great looking son of Kafwain might be one of the better ones to come out of California in recent years. Trainer Julio Canani exudes confidence when speaking of him. No dirt prep always leaves questions. A showdown with Pioneerof The Nile awaits in The Santa Anita Derby April 4
4)(5) Pioneerof the Nile - Empire Maker - Star of Goshen By Lord at War (May) ($290,000) The late May foal got the job done once again in winning the San Felipe at Santa Anita Saturday. Raced up closer to the pace, something he has not really done in the past and fought off challengers late in the race. It was a workman like performance. One thing we do know, he is a little further behind in the maturation department to some of the other colts, being a late May foal, and Bob Baffert is aware of that. He will meet The Pamplemousse in next months Santa Anita Derby. It will be his biggest class test to date. The nagging question of whether he will handle dirt remains, and will be a question right up until post time on the first Saturday in May. Needs to improve further along, and there is room for that. The Santa Anita Derby next.
5)(6) I Want Revenge - Stephen Got Even – Meguial (Arg) By Roy (Mar) ($95,000) I Want Revenge made his first effort on dirt a winning one. He ran in tandem with Mr. Fantasy throughout much of the race, until mid stretch, when he opened up and pulled away from him. I Want Revenge looked impressive in the win, running through moderate fractions and finished up strongly. He was in an all out drive, and put together a big effort. I still think it was somewhat of a hard race to judge. Going a mile and an eighth next time will tell us more. A Solid 2-year-old foundation also gives him upside. He certainly enjoyed the dirt. Wood Memorial next
6)(2) Old Fashioned - Unbridled’s Song - Collect Call By Meadowlake (Jan) ($800,000) Old Fashioned suffered his first setback in the Rebel on Saturday. It looked as if he was going to win by a country mile turning for home under confident handling, but that was not the case as he could not keep up his fast pace late. Old Fashioned flattened out and finished second to the up start Win Willy. The race leaves a lot of questions, the biggest being if distance will be his undoing. He did race right behind a fast pace set by Silver City and put him away, but it took its toll on him late. However, not ready to throw him out just yet as a viable Kentucky Derby threat. Larry Jones knows that the race that means the most is in Louisville . The Rebel was certainly not a must win situation at all. He has been bringing him along slowly. Larry Jones is working him up to that race. The Arkansas Derby will be a critical race for him nonetheless. Seeing him slow down late in the lane was not a positive, but all hope is not lost with this talented colt.
7)(9) Dunkirk - Unbridled’s Song - Secret Status By A.P. Indy (Jan) ($3.7 Million) Remains on target for h is next start in the Florida Derby in two weeks. Has yet to face a top rated 3-year-old, and that will change in the near future, as he will get his first class test against Quality Road and others. Dunkirk has shown he likes to come from out of it, a style that could benefit him down the road, but the question remains early on if he fast enough. Breeding is there, and has the potential to move forward is also there. The Florida Derby next
8)(9) Theregoesjojo - Brahms - Slewie Blues By Seattle Slew (Apr) ($42,000) Ran second in the Fountain of Youth (GII) behind Quality Road. He was the only horse in the picture when Quality Road hit the wire, as he tried to close. Theregoesjojo won that race coming off a layoff. He showed ability in surging to that allowance victory. His running will suit him very well in the Derby if a speed duel were to develop with his late kick. A rubber match with Quality Road up next in The Florida Derby
9)(-) Win Willy - Monarchos - City Fair By Carson City (Apr) ($25,000) You have to love that name. Win Willy literally came out of nowhere to win the Rebel in stunning fashion, rolling home in the middle of Oaklawn’s track to surge by Old Fashioned. It was his first try going long and it was a big success. The win was worthy enough to get him on this weeks list. He took advantage of the early fast pace set by Silver City. Logical next step would be the Arkansas Derby. Questions remains if he can do it again.
10)(11) Desert Party - Street Cry (Ire) - Sage Cat By Tabasco Cat (Apr) ($425,000) At one time, he was at the lower ranked horse of Godolphin’s group for the Derby, but after an injury that derailed Midshipman, and a poor effort by Vineyard Haven, he is now their number one Derby prospect. Desert Party is a winner of four of his career five starts. Has a good two-year-old foundation. Going a mile and a quarter always remains a question. The Dubai-Kentucky route has proved unsuccessful in the past, but also could be an overrated thing as none of those previous horses that tried were good enough. Still would like to see him shipped back to the states for a try in one of the big US Preps. It looks like the UAE Derby is a target on the Dubai World Cup under card.
10)(11) Imperial Council – Empire Maker – Jaramar Rain By Thunder Gulch (Jan) ($130,000) He finally decided to do some running after the race was just about over passing a weakening Mr. Fantasy. It certainly looks like this one will like the longer distances, but in a race like this with a runaway winner, hard to judge how good he is. He was the only horse in the field to get in the picture late. The Wood will answer some questions on whether he will be a factor in Kentucky. In addition, looks like a faster pace would be to his liking. Gotham still left a lot of questions. Wood Memorial next
11)(7) Patena - Seeking The Gold - Handpainted By A.P. Indy (Feb) ($250,000) The much-anticipated debut of Patena under Richard Dutrow’s care was not as successful as he would have hoped. Raced into contention turning for home in the Louisiana Derby but leveled to finish far behind Friesan Fire. You can either cross this guy off as a Derby contender, or you can toss the effort due to the fact he may have not cared for the sloppy surface. Breeding indicated the surface would not be an issue, but that does not always work out that way. He was running up into contention, but was under strong urging to do so. He never did look all that at ease running on the sloppy surface. At this point he will stay on the list. He will have one more chance to show his ability and if all goes well, hopefully he will be able to do so on a fast track.
12(-) Beethoven - Sky Mesa - Moonlight Sonata by Carson City (Jan) ($300,000) Beethoven reappears on ThoroughbredZone’s 12 after a brief hiatus. Beethoven has been forwardly working in preparation for the Florida Derby on March 28th. John Ward continues to say good things about his colt, saying he is developing nicely as we move into spring. He also said the horse is getting stronger and developing physically. The late running son of Sky Mesa will have more ground in the Florida Derby to close into, that should aid his cause. He still needs to put together a big effort to be considered a serious Kentucky Derby threat. ***Injured…Off Trail***
Knocking On Door
Regal Ransom- Ran second to Desert Party in Dubai, Vineyard Haven – Next start will say a lot Al Khali- Allowance winner at Gulfstream for Pletcher, Chocolate Candy - El Camino Real winner, Musket Man-Winner of the Tampa Bay Derby, Join In The Dance- Close runner up to Musket Man in the Tampa Bay Derby
Off
General Quarters, Hello Broadway, Mr. Fantasy
March 10, 2026
I Want Revenge debuts in the # 6 spot…Imperial Council debuts at #11…Stardom Bound and Haynesfield drop off
1)(1) Quality Road - Elusive Quality - Kobla By Strawberry Road (AUS) (Mar) (Home Bred) Quality Road bounced back in a big way after his second place finish last out, to beat a solid group of fast horses in the Fountain of Youth (GII) at Gulfstream. Stays in the top spot this week. The win was the most impressive yet by any 3-year-old to date, showing the ever-important ability to rate, he settled nicely off quick fractions, and drew clear, running away from his foes in the stretch. Theregoesjojo was a distant second, in their rematch. Quality Road proved he has serious speed, and out ran some fast horses early on. He stopped the clock in a very sharp 1.35:01 over a fast surface after being on the pace the entire way. A mile and a quarter is a long way, but his bottom says that will not be an issue, and the way he won the mile was solid. A match up with Dunkirk is possible in the Florida Derby (GI) or they could run in The Wood Memorial (GI)
2)(2) Old Fashioned - Unbridled’s Song - Collect Call By Meadowlake (Jan) ($800,000) Old Fashioned remains on target for the Rebel (GII) this Saturday and continues to work wonderfully. He remains a big contender if he stays together. Side note both Quality Road and Old Fashioned raced the same day at Aqueduct on Cigar Mile day. Old Fashioned so far has a solid foundation that will suit him well for the rigors of the Triple Crown series. He kicked off his three-year-old campaign in solid fashion in taking the Southwest Stakes (GIII) at Oaklawn on Presidents’ Day over a stubborn Silver City. Old Fashioned looked sharp in winning the one-mile event way up to making it four wins in as many starts. He settled right behind the speedy Silver City and galloped along nicely through snappy fractions. He was relaxed, and never showed any signs of being rank. Old Fashioned took over entering the top of the stretch and drew clear for the win. The race was more than what connections could have hoped first race back. The one big positive Old Fashioned has, he has not run his best race yet. He also showed that he is not a one-dimensional speedball. The Rebel (GII) This Saturday
3)(3) The Pamplemousse - Kafwain - Comfort Zone By Rubiano (Apr) ($80,000) The Pamplemousse put together a big performance in the Sham (GII) at Santa Anita. You are going to hear his name more as the spring rolls on. The Pamplemousse was on cruise control from the start and turned back any threat in winning, setting swift fractions of 23.08 and 46.51. He ran the one and one eighth distance in 1:47.86. Great looking son of Kafwain might be one of the better ones to come out of California in recent years. Trainer Julio Canani exudes confidence when speaking of him. A question of whether he can rate might remain, but that should not be an issue as he lumbered easily along on the front end in the Sham (GIII) It still would be a question if enters the Kentucky Derby without a dirt prep. The Santa Anita Derby (GII) April 4th
4)(4) Friesan Fire - A.P. Indy - Bollinger (AUS) By Dehere (Apr) ($725,000) Surged in the middle of the track to win The Risen Star (GIII) at the Fair Grounds. He has won both his stakes starts at the Fair Grounds. Has been consistent in winning and will probably target the Louisiana Derby (GII). Sired by A.P Indy, and his dam sire Dehere was a champion 2-year-old. Jones has had the ability to keep his 3 year olds in good shape, and bring them up the Derby ready to go. Colt has been flying under the radar, due to his stable mate Old Fashioned. Jones is happy with the way he is working for his next start. The Louisiana Derby (GII) This Saturday
5)(5) Pioneerof the Nile - Empire Maker - Star of Goshen By Lord at War (May) ($290,000) Working well for his next. Bob Baffert is back with another Kentucky Derby (GI) candidate in Pioneerof the Nile. Winner of the Robert B. Lewis (GII), where he came off the pace late to snag the win over the Pro-Ride surface at Santa Anita. May foal has more time to develop as he moves forward into his 3-year-old campaign. Defeated I Want Revenge twice in close battles, who came back to dominate the Gotham Stakes (GIII). He has 6 races under his belt, which gives him an experience edge over some others. A match up with The Pamplemousse in the Santa Anita Derby (GI) looks like a probability at this point. Would love to see this horse on dirt before the Derby. San Felipe (GII) This Saturday
6)(-) I Want Revenge - Stephen Got Even – Meguial (Arg) By Roy (Mar) ($95,000) I Want Revenge debuts on ThoroughbredZone’s Derby 12 after his big win in the Gotham Saturday at Aqueduct. I Want Revenge made his first effort on dirt a winning one. Running in tandem with Mr. Fantasy throughout much of the race, until mid stretch, when he opened up and pulled away from him. I Want Revenge looked impressive in the win, running through moderate fractions and finished up strongly. He was in an all out drive, and put together a big effort. I still think it was somewhat of a hard race to judge. Going a mile and an eighth next time will tell us more. Mullins will keep the horse in New York and target the Wood Memorial next, in which he is likely to see some of the foes he beat in the Gotham. Big race off the plane, seeing how he goes next time is key. A Solid 2-year-old foundation also gives him upside. Certainly enjoyed the dirt. Wood Memorial (GI) next
7)(8) Patena - Seeking The Gold - Handpainted By A.P. Indy (Feb) ($250,000) Patena has only raced three times in his career, but his second place finish to Friesan Fire in Lecomte (GIII) was a nice race as he gained on Friesan Fire late. We will see more of him down the road, and that will give us a better idea of what he is all about. His breeding certainly indicates a mile and quarter should be with in his grasp, but still needs to prove he will be good at a mile and an eighth. Working for his next start in the Louisiana Derby where he will meet Friesan Fire. The Louisiana Derby (GII) This Saturday
8)(9) Dunkirk - Unbridled’s Song - Secret Status By A.P. Indy (Jan) ($3.7 Million) Undefeated in both career starts, he was wide most of the way in his allowance win, but drew clear and opened to win in a drive. He had to do some serious running in that allowance win, and how he comes back from that will be interesting, considering his next start will only be his third career race. Unraced at two is a negative, but certainly not something that would stop him if he is good enough. Has yet to face a top rated 3-year-old, and that will change in the near future, as he will get his first class test. The Florida Derby (GI) looks to be a target for him. Dunkirk has shown he likes to come from out of it, a style that could benefit him down the road, but the question remains early on if he fast enough. Breeding is there, and has the potential to move forward is also there. The Florida Derby (GI) next
9)(10) Theregoesjojo - Brahms - Slewie Blues By Seattle Slew ($42,000) Ran second in the Fountain of Youth (GII) behind Quality Road. He was the only horse in the picture when Quality Road hit the wire, as he tried to close. Theregoesjojo won that race coming off a layoff. He showed ability in surging to that allowance victory. His running style could suit him very well in the Derby if a speed duel were to develop with his late kick. A rubber match with Quality Road up next in The Florida Derby (GI)
10)(11) Desert Party - Street Cry (Ire) - Sage Cat By Tabasco Cat (Apr) ($425,000) Winner of the Gulf News UAE 2,000 Guineas (GIII) in Dubai. Sheikh Mo forked over a cool 2.1 million dollars for this colt with hopes of getting to the derby. At one time, he was at the lower ranked horse of Godolphin’s group for the Derby, but after an injury that derailed Midshipman, and a poor effort by Vineyard Haven, he is now their number one Derby prospect. Desert Party is a winner of four of his career five starts. Has a good two-year-old foundation. Going a mile and a quarter always remains a question. The Dubai-Kentucky route has proved unsuccessful in the past, but also could be an overrated thing as none of those previous horses that tried were good enough. Still would like to see him shipped back to the states for a try in one of the big US Preps. It looks like the UAE Derby is a target on the Dubai World Cup under card.
11)(-) Imperial Council – Empire Maker – Jaramar Rain By Thunder Gulch (Jan) ($130,000) The highly touted Imperial Council debuts at number 11 on the list. He finally decided to do some running after the race was just about over passing a weakening Mr. Fantasy. It certainly looks like this one will like the longer distances, but in a race like this with a runaway winner, hard to judge how good he is. Only horse in the field to get in the picture late. The Wood will answer some questions on whether he will be a factor in Kentucky. Also looks like a faster pace would be to his liking. Gotham still left more questions, than answers at this point in time. Wood Memorial (GI) next
12)(7) Mr. Fantasy - E Dubai - Twice Forbidden By Spectacular Bid (May) ($135,000) Moves all the way down to the 12 spot. Mr. Fantasy got his first class test in The Gotham (GIII) and for a while looked like he was going to make it a winning one. He raced through moderate fractions, with I Want Revenge to his outside the entire way until upper stretch, where he could no longer keep up. I Want Revenge opened on him and he settled for a 3rd place finish as Imperial Council got up at the wire for third. Mr. Fantasy had to work and failed to keep up late with the sharp shipper. Before the race, Mr. Fantasy looked okay in the paddock, but not great. It was Mr. Fantasy’s third career start and he is a May foal. Benefit of the doubt keeps him on the list at the bottom. Seeing how he comes out of this race is will be key. Wood Next?
Knocking On Door
Regal Ransom- Ran second to Desert Party in Dubai, Vineyard Haven - Drops off the main 12 with a mediocre effort in the Gulf News UAE 2,000 Guineas (GIII), Al Khali- Allowance winner at Gulfstream for Pletcher, Hello Broadway- Tampa Bay Derby will tell us more, Beethoven - Closed to finish third in the FOY, Danger To Society- Disappointed in the Hutcheson Stakes (GII ), Chocolate Candy - El Camino Real (GIII) winner, General Quarters - Upset winner of the Sam F. Davis (GIII) stakes at Tampa Bay,
Off
Well Positioned- Showed nothing in last, Majhood- Ran poorly in last, Taqarub- Better off sprinting, Haynesfield- Failed first class test, Stardom Bound- Looks like she would be better suited to stay against fillies
Updated March 1, 2026
In the biggest change to date in the Derby 12…A bold move has been made in placing Quality Road in the #1 spot after his big FOY win…Old Fashioned stays strong at #2…The Pamplmousse moves up to #3 after rolling in The Sham…Midshipman out due to injury
ThoroughbredZone’s Derby 12
1)(10) Quality Road - Elusive Quality - Kobla By Strawberry Road (AUS) (Mar) (Home Bred) In a huge jump, Quality Road rockets up from the number 10 spot all the way to take over the number 1 spot in ThoroughbredZone’s Kentucky Derby 12. Only Curlins jump from the number 12 spot to number 2 was bigger after his huge Arkansas Derby (GII) win in 2007. Quality Road bounced back in a big way after his second place finish last out, to beat a solid group of fast horses in the Fountain of Youth (GII) at Gulf stream. The win was the most impressive yet by any 3-year-old to date, showing the ever important ability to rate, he settled nicely off quick fractions, and drew clear, running away from his foes in the stretch. Theregoesjojo was a distant second, in their rematch. Quality Road proved he has serious speed, and out ran some fast horses early on. He stopped the clock in a very sharp 1.35:01 over a fast surface after being on the pace the entire way. A mile and a quarter is a long way, but his bottom says that will not be an issue, and the way he won the mile was solid. The amazing Elusive Quality on top gives him his serious speed. In addition, on the bottom Strawberry Road (Aus) was a globe trotting long distance grass champion, giving speed and stamina pedigree wise. The mile and an eighth next race, will answer a lot of questions. If he stays together, things look good for him. A match up with Dunkirk is possible in the Florida Derby (GI) or they could run in The Wood Memorial (GI)
2)(1) Old Fashioned - Unbridled’s Song - Collect Call By Meadowlake (Jan) ($800,000) Old Fashioned By no fault of his own, dips down one spot to the number 2 spot after Quality Roads blockbuster FOY win (GII). He still has a tremendous amount of upside as he an easy runner with lots of talent. He remains a big contender if he stays together and moves forward. Side note both Quality Road and Old Fashioned raced the same day at Aqueduct on Cigar Mile day. QR broke his maiden that day first out. It would be thrilling to see these two load in the Derby gate in May. He kicked off his three-year-old campaign in solid fashion in taking the Southwest Stakes (GIII) at Oaklawn on Presidents’ Day over a stubborn Silver City. Old Fashioned looked sharp in winning the one-mile event way up to making it four wins in as many starts. He settled right behind the speedy Silver City and galloped along nicely through snappy fractions. He was relaxed, and never showed any signs of being rank. Old Fashioned took over entering the top of the stretch and drew clear for the win. The race was more than what connections could have hoped first race back. The one big positive Old Fashioned has, he has not run his best race yet. He also showed that he is not a one-dimensional speedball. The Rebel (GII) next.
3)(7) The Pamplemousse - Kafwain - Comfort Zone By Rubiano (Apr) ($80,000) Big move up to the 3 spot. Yes it is the horse with the crazy name, actually he is named after a local restaurant. The Pamplemousse put together a big performance in the Sham (GII) at Santa Anita. You are going to hear his name more as the spring rolls on. The Pamplemousse was on cruise control from the start and turned back any threat in winning, setting swift fractions of 23.08 and 46.51. He ran the one and one eighth distance in 1:47.86. Great looking son of Kafwain might be one of the better ones to come out of California in recent years. Trainer Julio Canani exudes confidence when speaking of him. A question of whether he can rate might remain, but that should not be an issue as he lumbered easily along on the front end in the Sham (GIII) It still would be a question if enters the Kentucky Derby without a dirt prep. Would love to see him ship in for the Wood Memorial, but highly unlikely. A match up with Pioneerof the Nile and Stardom Bound looms for the Santa Anita Derby (GII), however depending on what Baffert thinks is better, he could send Pioneerof the Nile to the Wood. The Santa Anita Derby (GII) will give a real idea of how good he might be,. The top three in this year’s Kentucky Derby 12 have all proved they are so far, the best of this group as of right now. The Santa Anita Derby (GII) next
4)(4) Friesan Fire - A.P. Indy - Bollinger (AUS) By Dehere (Apr) ($725,000) Stays at 4. Larry Jones 2nd of two of Derby 12 horses. Surged in the middle of the track to win The Risen Star (GIII) at the Fair Grounds. He has won both his stakes starts at the Fair Grounds. Has been consistent in winning and will probably target the Louisiana Derby. Sired by A.P Indy, and his dam sire Dehere was a champion two year old. Jones has had the ability to keep his 3 year olds in good shape, and bring them up the Derby ready to go. Colt has been flying under the radar, due to his stable mate Old Fashioned. The Louisiana Derby (GII) next
5)(3) Pioneerof the Nile - Empire Maker - Star of Goshen By Lord at War (May) ($290,000) Drops 2 spots to the number 5. Bob Baffert is back with another Kentucky Derby (GI) candidate in Pioneerof the Nile. He is fresh off his Robert B. Lewis (GII) win, where he came off the pace late to snag the win over the Pro-Ride surface at Santa Anita. May foal has more time to develop as he moves forward into his 3-year-old campaign. In fact, he shares a birthday with Midshipman. He has 6 races under his belt, which gives him an experience edge over some others. A match up with The Pamplemousse in the Santa Anita Derby (GI) looks like a probability at this point. Empire Maker has been off to hot start as a sire. We will see if this guy gets on dirt down the road. Baffert has sent his horses east for the Wood Memorial in the past, and it is not of the question this year either, especially if he is not too anxious to see the Mousse until May. San Felipe (GII) Next
6)(5) Stardom Bound - Tapit - My White Corvette By Tarr Road (Apr) ($50,000) Dips to six. An original $50,000 purchase and was resold to IEAH for a whopping 5.7 million dollars. The big gray filly was the BC Juvenile (GI) winner. She was dominant as a 2 year old, and she came back to win the Las Virgenes (GII) in her first start as a 3 year old. Connections have stated the Kentucky Derby (GI) is a goal. She is another who has never raced on dirt, always a question when doing so for the first time. Santa Anita Oaks Next
7(8) Mr. Fantasy - E Dubai - Twice Forbidden By Spectacular Bid (May) ($135,000) Keeps the number 7 spot. Mr. Fantasy is the undefeated New York bred owned by West Point Thoroughbreds. He has won both career starts in smashing style. His last was an impressive winner in an allowance race at Aqueduct where he won in a hand ride stretching out for the first time. ThoroughbredZone would have put him higher, but there is plenty of time for that if he continues to move forward. Mr. Fantasy also has some upside being a late May foal. He should develop along nicely as we get closer to May. Should get a much better idea after The Gotham (GIII) as to how good he is. And there could be a surprise entry in either speedster Not For Silver or Wildcat Brief, however I think they will keep Wildcat Brief sprinting, but they might be tempted to run and that would be interesting. The Gotham (GIII) next
8)(9) Patena - Seeking The Gold - Handpainted By A.P. Indy (Feb) ($250,000) Up to number 8. Patena has only raced three times in his career, but his second place finish to Friesan Fire in Lecomte (GIII) was a nice race as he gained on Friesan Fire late. We will see more of him down the road, and that will give us a better idea of what he is all about. His breeding certainly indicates a mile and quarter should be with in his grasp, but still needs to prove he will be good at a mile and an eighth. Working for his next start in the Louisiana Derby where he will meet Friesan Fire. The Louisiana Derby (GII) next
9)(-) Dunkirk - Unbridled’s Song - Secret Status By A.P. Indy (Jan) ($3.7 Million) The regally bred Dunkirk debuts in the number 9 spot, after his big allowance victory at Gulfstream Park. Undefeated in both career starts, he was wide most of the way in his allowance win, but drew clear and opened to win in a drive. He had to do some serious running in that allowance win, and how he comes back from that will be interesting, considering his next start will only be his third career race. Unraced at two is a negative, but certainly not something that would stop him if he is good enough. Has yet to face a top rated 3 year old, and that will change in the near future, as he will get his first class test. The Florida Derby looks to be a target for him. Dunkirk has shown he likes to come from out of it, a style that could benefit him down the road, but the question remains early on if he fast enough. Breeding is there, and has the potential to move forward is also there. The Florida Derby (GI) next
10)(9) Theregoesjojo - Brahms - Slewie Blues By Seattle Slew ($42,000) Drops down to the number 10 spot after finishing second in the Fountain of Youth (GII) behind Quality Road. He was the only horse in the picture when Quality Road hit the wire, as he tried to close. Theregoesjojo was an impressive allowance winner over highly impressive maiden Quality Road at Gulfstream Park. Theregoesjojo won that race coming off a layoff. He showed ability in surging to that allowance victory. His running style could suit him very well in the Derby if a speed duel were to develop with his late kick. The Florida Derby (GI) could be next.
11)(-) Desert Party - Street Cry (Ire) - Sage Cat By Tabasco Cat (Apr) ($425,000) Godolphin’s Desert Party debuts in the number 11 spot after winning the Gulf News UAE 2,000 Guineas (GIII) in Dubai. Sheikh Mo forked over a cool 2.1 million dollars for this colt with hopes of getting to the derby. At one time, he was at the lower ranked horse of Godolphin’s group for the Derby, but after an injury that derailed Midshipman, and a poor effort by Vineyard Haven, he is now their number one Derby prospect. Desert Party is a winner of four of his career five starts. Has a good two-year-old foundation. Going a mile and a quarter always remains a question. The Dubai-Kentucky route has proved unsuccessful in the past, but also could be an overrated thing as none of those previous horses that tried were good enough. Still would like to see him shipped back to the states for a try in one of the big US Preps. It looks like the UAE Derby is a target on the Dubai World Cup under card.
12)(11) Haynesfield - Speightstown - Nothing Special By Tejabo (May) ($100,000) Dips to number 12. Less than a week from his showdown with another undefeated NY bred, Mr. Fantasy in the The Gotham (GIII) at Aqueduct on Saturday. Haynesfield will see his best opponents yet in the The Gotham (GIII) and it will be his first class test to date. Haynesfield will see tougher down the road and will have to show he can improve, as the distances get longer. Haynesfield is another who is a May foal and has time to develop some more. New York bred either steps up, or steps down, and like mentioned above a surprise entry in Wildcat Brief or Not For Silver are possible. The Gotham (GIII) next
Knocking On Door
Regal Ransom- Ran second to Desert Party in Dubai, Vineyard Haven - Drops off the main 12 with a mediocre effort in the Gulf News UAE 2,000 Guineas (GIII), needs to show more, Taqarub - Showed early speed in FOY, than faltered, could just be fast sprinter. Beethoven - Closed to finish third in the FOY, Plodding style has to run faster, Majhood - Well bred horse broke his maiden in his second career race last time out at Aqueduct at mile and seventy yards, Danger To Society- Disappointed in the Hutcheson Stakes (GII ), Chocolate Candy - El Camino Real (GIII) winner, General Quarters - Upset winner of the Sam F. Davis (GIII) stakes at Tampa Bay, Well Positioned - Set to run in a mile and an eighth allowance race on Friday, must bounce back after poor effort last time
Off
Midshipman -Who ironically would have been dropped to knocking on door status after his long hiatus in Dubai has been injured and is off the derby trail, from the 2 spot to gone, Capt. Candyman Can- Short stay debuted at #12 and falls back off, has to do better, distance concerns, Square Eddie -Will have to recover from injury quickly, and a rush job for May is bad news, This Ones For Phil - Better off sprinting Notonthesamepage Fast horse, but a mile and a quarter looks to far for him. Charitable Man - Undefeated Shadwell colt, but it’s been quiet on his side
Updated February 2, 2026
1 through 5 remain unchanged. Capt. Candy Man Can debuts in the # 12 spot. Fountain of Youth packed with 7 horses that are mentioned here.
1)(1) Old Fashioned – Unbridled’s Song – Collect Call By Meadowlake (Jan) ($800,000) Old Fashioned kicked off his three year old campaign in solid fashion in taking the Southwest Stakes (GIII) at Oaklawn on Presidents’ Day over a stubborn Silver City. Old Fashioned looked sharp in winning the one mile event, making it four wins in as many starts. He settled right behind the speedy Silver City and galloped along nicely through snappy fractions. He was relaxed, and never showed any signs of being rank. Old Fashioned took over entering the top of the stretch and drew clear for the win. The race was more than what connections could have hoped. He has shown that he is not a one dimensional speedball. His running style will serve him well if he makes it to the Kentucky Derby. Rebel next.
2)(2) Midshipman - Unbridled’s Song – Fleet Lady By Avenue Of Flags (Mar) The BC Juvenile (GI) winner has not been seen since winning that race. Godolphin purchased him shortly after the win and he was sent to Dubai. He is also out of Unbridled’s Song. The word from the desert is he coming along well. Horses that have trained in Dubai in preparation for the Kentucky Derby have done well, but they also were probably not good enough. Time will tell if Midshipman will move forward off his championship 2-year-old season. He has yet to try dirt, but it looks like he will soon.
3)(3) Pioneerof the Nile – Empire Maker – Star of Goshen By Lord at War (May) ($290,000) Bob Baffert is back with another Kentucky Derby candidate in Pioneerof The Nile. He is fresh off his Robert B. Lewis (GII) win, where he came off the pace late to snag the win over the Pro-Ride surface at Santa Anita. May foal has more time to develop as he moves forward into his 3 year old campaign. In fact he shares a birthday with Midshipman. Has 6 races under his belt, which gives him a slight experience edge over some others. Indicating further physical development. through the spring. Empire Maker has been off to hot start as a sire. We will see if this guy gets on dirt down the road. Baffert has sent his horses east in the past for the Wood Memorial.
4)(4) Friesan Fire – A.P. Indy – Bollinger (AUS) By Dehere (Apr) ($725,000) Larry Jones 2nd of two of Derby 12 horses. Surged in the middle of the track to take Saturdays Risen Star (GIII) at the Fair Grounds. He has won both his stakes starts at the Fair Grounds. Has been consistent in winning and will probably target the Louisiana Derby. Sired by A.P Indy, and his dam sire Dehere was a champion two year old. Jones has had the ability to keep his 3 year olds in good shape, and bring them up the Derby ready to go. Time will tell if will be a legitimate factor in May.
5)(5) Stardom Bound – Tapit – My White Corvette By Tarr Road (Apr) ($50,000) An original $50,000 purchase, was resold to IEAH for a whopping 5.7 million dollars. The big gray filly was the BC Juvenile (GI) winner. She was dominant as a 2 year old, she came back Sunday to win the Las Virgenes (GII) in her first start as a 3 year old. No secret that she is being pointed to the Kentucky Derby. She will target the Santa Anita Derby against colts. That race will give another indicator how good she is. Connections purchased Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown last year. Has yet to run on dirt, and that is always a key factor. She has done nothing wrong yet.
6)(7) The Pamplemousse – Kafwain – Comfort Zone By Rubiano (Apr) ($80,000) Moves up to #7. The Pamplemousse was an impressive front running winner over the highly touted Square Eddie in the San Rafael (GIII) in January. He looked sharp in winning and has been forwardly training in California for his next start, which could be in The Santa Anita Derby, but a prep before that is possible. He has yet to run a dirt track, and it looks like if he makes it to the Derby, it would be his first dirt start. Always a concern, working well.
7(8) Mr. Fantasy – E Dubai – Twice Forbidden By Spectacular Bid (May) ($135,000) Up a notch from last week. Mr. Fantasy is the undefeated New York bred owned by West Point Thoroughbreds. He has won both career starts in smashing style. His last was an imprsessive winner in an allowance race at Aqueduct where he won in a hand ride stretching out for the first time. ThoroughbredZone would have put him higher, but there is plenty of time for that if he continues to move forward. Mr. Fantasy also has some upside being a late May foal. He should develop along nicely as we get closer to May. The son of E. Dubai will likely target the Gotham Stakes (GIII) for next start, where he is likely to meet New York bred Haynesfield.
8)(9) Patena – Seeking The Gold – Handpainted By A.P. Indy (Feb) ($250,000) Up to number 8. Patena has only raced three times in his career, but his second place finish to Friesan Fire in Lecomte (GIII) was a nice race as he gained on Friesan Fire late. He was purchased after that race by IEAH who is not shy about going after good young horses. He is being pointed to the Louisiana Derby. We will see more of him down the road, and that will give us a better idea of what he is all about. His breeding certainly indicates a mile and quarter should be with in his grasp.
9)(9) Theregoesjojo – Brahms – Slewie Blues By Seattle Slew ($42,000) Theregoesjojo was an impressive allowance winner over highly impressive maiden Quality Road at Gulfstream Park. Ken McPeek has been the hottest trainer on the planet as of late and has some good 3 year olds. Theregoesjojo won that race coming off a layoff. He showed ability in surging to that allowance victory. He has yet to win a graded stakes, and that will be the next goal for this one. Fountain Of Youth Next
10)(10) Quality Road – Elusive Quality – Kobla By Strawberry Road (AUS) (Mar) (Home Bred) Quality Road was a smashing debut winner over Aqueducts inner track back in November. He received a big speed figure for the win and was visually impressive as he drew off. He has since been sent to Florida where he ran second in his second career start to Theregoesjojo at Gulfstream Park. He ran a solid race behind the winner as the odds on favorite. It looks like he will stretch out further in his next start. Horse has ability and solid breeding, turf is always possible down the road. Potential is still there. Fountain Of Youth next.
11)(12) Haynesfield – Speightstown – Nothing Special By Tejabo (May) ($100,000) The second of two New York breds to appear on ThoroughbredZone’s Kentucky Derby 12. Haynesfield won the NY State bred restricted Damon Runynan and the Count Fleet in impressive fashion, opening up when asked. He is being pointed to the Gotham (GIII) and a match up with that other fast NY Bred Mr. Fantasy. Haynesfield will see tougher down the road and will have to show he can improve, as the distances get longer. Haynesfield is another who is a May foal.
12)(-) Capt. Candy Man Can – Candy Ride – Stormy Way By Storm Creek (Jan) ($25,000) Debuts in the 12 spot. The winner of the Hutcheson Stakes (GII) at Gulfstream Park. Capt. Candyman Can is a three time graded stakes winner and is being pointed to the very competitive Fountain of Youth Stakes (GII) next weekend at Gulfstream Park. The Fountain of Youth will be a class test and a good indicator if he is going to continue to move forward.
Knocking On Door
Vineyard Haven - drops off the main 12 with a mediocre effort in the Gulf News UAE 2,000 Guineas (GIII), needs to show more, Desert Party - Winner of the Gulf News 2,000 UAE Guineas(GIII) Charitable Man – Undefeated Shadwell colt who has yet to run at 3, Taqarub - Speedy Shadwell colt will stretch out in the Fountain of Youth, This Ones For Phil - Huge win
Loading ...