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Owner/Trainer: Repole Stable/Todd Pletcher
Breeder: Repole Stable (KY)
Pulling off the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile - Gr.1 Kentucky Derby double is a challenging feat, accomplished only by Street Sense and Nyquist among 39 others with the opportunity. Fierceness, the likely 2YO male champion of 2023, boasts impressive credentials, including blazing-fast speed figures and a proven two-turn Gr.1 ability, as he heads towards the 3dr Feb Gr.3 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher.
Locked
Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
His third-place finish in the 3rd Nov Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita Park was commendable, overcoming a position farther from the early pace than anticipated and finishing just a half-length behind the runner-up Muth and 6 3/4 lengths behind stablemate Fierceness in a 1 1/16-mile race clocked at 1:41.90. With two victories last year, including the Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland, Locked establishes himself as a formidable Derby contender, and while Fierceness focuses on the Holy Bull, Locked is set to return in the Gr.3 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs on 10th Feb.
Dornoch
Owner: West Paces Racing, R. A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding, Two Eight Racing, and Pine Racing Stables
Trainer: Danny Gargan
With evident talent showcased on the racetrack, winning two of four starts last year, including the Gr.2 Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack by a nose, this colt possesses the bloodlines for potential Derby success as a full brother to Mage, the previous year's Run for the Roses winner. While the odds are astronomical for full brothers winning the Derby, the prospect remains within reach, especially as he commenced his workout regimen with an easy half-mile session timed at :51.95 on 22nd Jan, and trainer Danny Gargan targets his return in the 2nd March Fountain of Gr.2 Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park.
Track Phantom
Owner: L and N Racing, Clark Brewster, Jerry Caroom, and Breeze Easy
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Securing two stakes victories on the Road to the Kentucky Derby at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, this contender holds the second spot on the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard with 30 qualifying points for the May 4 classic. Despite his wins in the Gun Runner Stakes and Lecomte Stakes being just below the highest stakes levels, he convincingly defeated strong competition, extending his three-race win streak for the accomplished trainer Steve Asmussen, who is pursuing his first Derby triumph after going 0-2-2 with 25 starters.
Sierra Leone
Owner: Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg, Rocket Ship Racing, and Peter Brant
Trainer: Chad Brown
Echoing the early-season successes of Zandon, Chad Brown's third-place finisher in the 2022 Kentucky Derby, this colt, also trained by Brown, mirrors his predecessor's trajectory by finishing second in the Remsen Stakes after a debut victory. Following a similar 3YO schedule, the colt is set to make his 2024 debut in the 17th Feb Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds, potentially encountering rivals like Track Phantom. Zandon previously secured a victory in the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland before heading to Churchill Downs for the first Saturday in May.
Forever Young
Owned by Susumu Fujita
trained by Yoshito Yahagi
Undefeated in three dirt starts in Japan, Forever Young leads the Road to the Kentucky Derby in Japan. Trainer Yoshito Yahagi, known for Breeders' Cup victories, is enthusiastic about the prospect of bringing the colt to Kentucky after his dominant win in the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun on 13th Dec.
Timberlake
Owned by Siena Farm and WinStar Farm, trained by Brad Cox
The winner of last year's Champagne Stakes and fourth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Timberlake resumed training with a breeze at Fair Grounds on 20th Jan. Trainer Brad Cox eyes the Feb. 24 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park for his 2024 debut over 1 1/16 miles.
Nash
Owned by Godolphin, trained by Brad Cox
Nash, consistently in the mix, faced tough competition from Track Phantom at Fair Grounds, where he placed third in the Gun Runner Stakes and second in the Lecomte. His effective front-running style is noted, but closing the gap on Track Phantom remains a challenge.
Honor Marie
Owned by Ribble Farms, trained by Whit Beckman
A bargain buy at US$40,000, Honor Marie has proved a valuable investment, earning US$318,175 by winning two of three starts, including the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. Trainer Whit Beckman, a former assistant to top trainers, has guided Honor Marie to success, and the colt is set for the Risen Star.
Catching Freedom
Owned by Albaugh Family Stables, trained by Brad Cox
Echoing traits of Angel of Empire, last year's Arkansas Derby winner, Catching Freedom shows promise as a developing type. With a win in the Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn, he demonstrated an ability to close and could excel with added distance if a hot pace develops.
Hall of Fame
Owned by Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg, Gandharvi, and Rocket Ship Racing
trained by Steve Asmussen
A US$1.4 million yearling purchase, Hall of Fame impressed with a debut second at Churchill Downs and a commanding 10 1/4-length maiden win at Fair Grounds on Jan. 20. Trained by Steve Asmussen, he possesses the qualities for success and continues the legacy of Gun Runner's progeny.
Born Noble
Owned by St. Elias Stable and West Point Thoroughbreds.
Trained by Todd Pletcher
Sharp in his debut, Born Noble won by 5 1/2 lengths at Gulfstream and draws parallels to Always Dreaming, Pletcher's second Derby winner. With a need for seasoning, Pletcher may opt for an allowance race over stakes next.