As promised, here are thumbnails of all 20 Derby starters, gleaned from observation, conversation and
Perceived logic… by Tom Dawson - April 30th
Lookin At Lucky- Trained well. Rail draw has some jumping off wagon. Pressure is on Gomez to work out a trip.
Ice Box Zito hoping his drop back style gets a piece if race falls apart up front.
Noble’s Promise Two good races to Lucky, but had issues after Arkansas Derby. Connections were only 60-40 to run until entry day.
Super Saver Has been a race behind all spring. Ran super here in November and trained very well all week. Can he withstand abundance of Speed?
Line Of David Very fast. Terrible workout here Monday. Trained better since but would be concerned if it track gets off again
Stately Victor He’s an enigma. Great looker, pedigree for wet and closing style. Do you believe spectacular Blue Grass or 5 prior clunkers.
American Lion One of best gallopers here all week. Speed to stay in contact. Can he finish?
Dean’s Kitten Cannot embrace a horse that was beaten 33 lengths in his only dirt start.
Make Music For Me Would have fit nicely in American Turf on Friday
Paddy O’Prado All good races on synthetic or turf. But he has trained exceptionally well here this week and glided over slop.
Devil May Care Pletcher believes she’ll love distance. Trained much better with blinkers. Does she
have necessary mental makeup? A lot of discussion about her focus.
Conveyance Bet your dough, watch him go. Could he forget to stop?
Jackson Bend Twice second to Eskendereya. But average of 9 lengths back. Hard trying guy.
Mission Impazible Doesn’t have the figs but kept plugging to win at Fair Grounds. Trained nicely here.
Jock usually shows patience.
Discreetly Mine I put him behind Pletcher’s other three. I think he does, too.
Awesome Act Good in Gotham. Lost shoe in Wood. Trained OK at Churchill. Gives mixed signals
But has his fans.
Dublin Lukas talking him up big time. Can forgive early move defeat in Rebel but not
so sure about failure to get by them in Arkansas
Backtalk 2 for 2 at Churchill, 2 for 2 in slop, Daddy won the derby. That said, he might be
A late running sprinter.
Homeboykris Hasn’t started since Feb 27. If he wins, Dutrow should be handed the trainer Eclipse award
In the winner’s circle
Sidney’s Candy As many questions as Lucky. Might be able to get over from 20 post but pace figs
say he won’t be in front. If he turns out to be a stalker, he could have a say.