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| Staff Writer |
The Road to the Kentucky Derby is complete, with a full field of 20 ready to contest the 151st running of America's most prestigious race at Churchill Downs on 3 May. This year's renewal promises another challenging handicapping puzzle as the best 3YOs compete to become the 14th Triple Crown champion.
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Journalism heads the market as the deserving morning-line favourite. The Michael McCarthy-trained colt has been almost flawless, suffering defeat only in his debut before stringing together an impressive sequence. His courage was on full display in the Gr.1 Santa Anita Derby, where he overcame traffic trouble along the inside rail before powering home to victory.
"He received a great education at that start, which should pay off on the first Saturday in May," connections noted.
Not far behind in performance is Sovereignty, a consistent performer who rallied for second in the Gr.1 Florida Derby after claiming the Gr.2 Fountain of Youth. Trained by the accomplished Bill Mott, he seems primed for another strong showing.
Sandman has hit top form at precisely the right moment, announcing himself with a strong closing victory in the Gr.1 Arkansas Derby. The Mark Casse trainee will need a clean trip from post 17 but could make his presence felt down the stretch.
Following Forever Young's narrow defeat in last year's race, Japan fields two promising contenders. Luxor Cafe arrives with impressive credentials, having won his last four starts in Japan. The Noriyuki Hori-trained colt was among the favourites in his most recent outing and merits serious consideration.
His compatriot Admire Daytona secured his Derby berth with a nose victory in the Gr.2 United Arab Emirates Derby, though he previously finished fourth behind Luxor Cafe. Trained by Yukihiro Kato, he offers each-way value for those fancying the Japanese challenge.
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Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert sends a formidable pair in search of another Kentucky Derby triumph. Last year's champion 2YO Citizen Bull drew the rail, which could prove problematic. Baffert believes the colt was slightly underprepared for the Santa Anita Derby but reports he has been training sharply since.
His stablemate Rodriguez delivered on his potential with a front-running victory in the Gr.2 Wood Memorial . By Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup Classic Winner Authentic, the 1¼-mile distance should be within his scope, though much depends on the early pace scenario.
Neoequos, trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., settled for third in the Florida Derby but may struggle with the distance based on his pedigree. Final Gambit represents Brad Cox after winning the Jeff Ruby Steaks on an all-weather surface, while Flying Mohawk from D. Whitworth Beckman's yard was second in that same race.
Several runners drawn mid-pack could make their presence felt. Burnham Square bounced back from a fourth in the Fountain of Youth to claim the Gr.1 Blue Grass Stakes with a powerful late surge. His jockey, Brian Hernandez Jr., won this race last year with a masterful rail ride, though navigating traffic in a 20-runner field presents a different challenge. His trainer Ian Wilkes will be hoping for a clean trip.
East Avenue, trained by Brendan Walsh, nearly went gate-to-wire in the Blue Grass Stakes and could be tough to catch if left alone on the lead. Meanwhile, maiden Publisher comes in off a game second in the Arkansas Derby for trainer Steve Asmussen, who also saddles Tiztastic, winner of the Gr.2 Louisiana Derby.
Grande from the powerful Todd Pletcher yard continues to improve, having finished second in the Wood Memorial. Perhaps the most intriguing outsider is American Promise, trained by 89-year-young D. Wayne Lukas. The progressive colt romped in the Virginia Derby and given how Lukas captured the Gr.1 Preakness Stakes last year, he deserves consideration for the frame.
Those drawn wide face additional challenges. Render Judgment from Ken McPeek's stable and Coal Battle, trained by Lonnie Briley, will need to overcome both their post positions and form concerns. Chunk of Gold, representing Ethan West, adds intrigue after placings in the Louisiana Derby and Gr.2 Risen Star. Owen Almighty, trained by Brian Lynch, rounds out the field from the widest gate after struggling in the Blue Grass.
Should a withdrawal occur, Baeza waits as the sole also eligible for trainer John Shirreffs. The colt enhanced his reputation with a strong second in the Santa Anita Derby and boasts impeccable breeding, coming from a dam who has produced both Kentucky Derby and Gr.1 Belmont Stakes winners.
For these twenty contenders, years of breeding decisions, months of preparation and weeks of speculation culminate in two minutes that could change their connections' lives forever. When the gates open on Saturday, the next chapter in Kentucky Derby history begins.