Read More, Find out which horse from the Louisiana Derby is ranked highest on this week's Derby Dozen. It all comes down to this: Essential Quality is an undefeated champion who is the most logical No. Sign up for our free weekly email newsletters and alerts, filled with race previews and results, news of the week, or breaking news. 1 spot as we head into the makeshift spring schedule beginning with the Matt Winn Stakes (G3) May 23. He may be more of a Belmont or even Travers horse, but I still feel with a good trip he can make his presence felt in the Derby. For a horse making just his second start in the Runhappy Santa Anita Derby, and off merely a debut win at six furlongs, his inexperience never showed. You would think hes done too much too soon and likely will regress going a mile and a quarter so soon, especially facing 19 opponents, and like with Justify, who had only three career starts, I will let him beat me rather than bank on him defying the history books. But how hes going to win is another matter. Hes just a good horse to keep in the back of your mind on Derby Day. Will definitely be coming back". Essential. So again like Smile Happy I am willing to overlook the fact that he was passed in the final eighth and will benefit a great deal from that race coming off a layoff. Greatest Honour (Shug McGaughey, Tapit Tiffanys Honour, by Street Cry) Read More, Tiz the Law remains on top of the Derby Dozen, as much of his competition prepares for the divisions of the Arkansas Derby. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. reported last week that this colt exited the Holy Bull Stakes in good condition while he awaits the April 2 Curlin Florida Derby at Gulfstream. Marshmallow Milk Stout by Garage Brewing. Because there are so many new faces emerging who could be major Derby contenders by Sept. 5, there will be two rankings this week. (Eclipse Sportswire) It was tough dropping him to No. So, now with only four weeks to the Derby here is the roster that has been assembledwith even more question marks. Even his second-place finish on debut Jan. 8 was a high-level performance, a neck loss to the now Grade 3-placed Volcanic. Working alone at Santa Anita he did everything smoothly and easily going six furlongs in a sharp 1:11 4/5 and I cant help but feel he is ready to peak on Derby Day and is sitting on a monster race. Though he lost the Feb. 19 Risen Star Stakes Presented by Lamarque Ford, he won support in this corner with this third-place finish after a poor start. The Japanese, with their unique training methods, have arrived and we better accept them. BloodHorse news editor Byron King presents his latest Derby Dozen for 2022, with a look at his leading contenders for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve on May 7. Stiffer breezes are to come in the weeks ahead. 3 Smile Happy (Ken McPeek, Runhappy Pleasant Smile, by Pleasant Tap). Read More, Omaha Beach remains at the top, as the last Derby Dozen is posted. He also has improved dramatically with blinkers. Yes, there is still a door on which to knock. What I dont understand is all the panicking over one defeat. He does need to continue to move forward and improve his Thoro-Graph numbers, but I doubt there is anyone who believes that wont happen. His race in the Holy Bull was similar to Zandon's in the Risen Star in that he dug a hole for himself, caught the eye with a threatening second turn rally, and then flattened in the lane. Award-winning BloodHorse senior correspondent Steve Haskin presents his Derby Dozen this week with a look at his leading contenders for the 146 th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, now rescheduled for Sept. 5. And his trainer has proven on more than one occasion he knows how to win the Kentucky Derby. With no races on the horizon, it will be interesting to see what Tagg does with 1 Tiz the Law Barclay Tagg Constitution Tizfiz, by Tiznow Just when you thought Tiz the Law was shifting his gears to neutral following the Curlin Florida Derby (G1), breezing an easy :52 4/5 half-mile, he shifts back into drive with a sharp 1:00 3/5 work for five furlongs. 5 Mo Donegal (Todd Pletcher, Uncle Mo Callingmissbrown, by Pulpit). He breezed a half in :49 2/5, staying busy before the serious training begins. And as I have been mentioning all year, he has proven to be a horse you can put anywhere depending on the pace, whether on the lead, stalking the pace, or six or seven lengths back. I have no doubt this colt has a very bright future and will win his share of big stakes. Rebel Stakes winner UN OJO will have his following and he does have a good closing kick, but all his numbers say he is just too slow. Crowded Trade had every chance in the stretch, but couldnt sustain his run. He possesses a remarkable engine with numerous gears. Greg Foley and his son and assistant Travis were thrilled with his performance in the Louisiana Derby, where he got the fastest Thoro-Graph number in the race, a 2 3/4. They realize he is still immature physically and growing and improving every day. ~ Steve Haskin, 1 Zandon (Chad Brown, Upstart Memories Prevail, by Creative Cause). Its pretty amazing how many horses who really arent need-the-lead types have set the pace in Derby preps, including him, Rock Your World, Concert Tour, Highly Motivated, Medina Spirit, Soup and Sandwich, and Midnight Bourbon. He picks out all the matings. They knew this colt could be special before they sold him because he was such an imposing individual whose measurements revealed an outstanding physical specimen, as we saw on Saturday. There were three qualifying points preps for the Kentucky Derby last weekend: the Wood Memorial Stakes Presented by Resorts World Casino, the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, and the Runhappy Santa Anita Derby. But there seemed to be no excuse for RISK TAKING, who was never in the race. He returned to the work tab this past Saturday with an easy half-mile in :51.13 at Palm Beach Downs. Does anyone else feel as if the Louisiana Derby was a long time ago? Like several of the lightly raced horses this year he is doing things he shouldnt be doing for a green horse who hasnt figured it out yet. Byron King's Derby Dozen for Feb. 9 Racing February 9th, 2022 by Byron King Content provided by BloodHorse White Abarrio (third from left, orange jockey cap) takes the lead in early stretch en route to an open-length win in the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 5. The big weekend of final preps that was supposed to clear up the Derby picture hardly accomplished that as we lost several of the old faces and added several new ones, including a megabomb that no one saw coming. Because there are so many new faces emerging who could be major Derby contenders by Sept. 5, there will be two rankings this week. Whether he is a true mile and a quarter horse we wont know until the first Saturday in May, something I guess you can say about a lot of them. He is persistent and keeps knocking on the door every race. Shuffled back in traffic to be last of 11, his chances of passing the entire field seemed bleak. He had a monster Thoro-Graph leap to run a career-high negative number; his Brisnet numbers show an equally huge leap; he will have five career starts; and has a strong 2-year-old foundation. Sign up for our free weekly email newsletters and alerts, filled with race previews and results, news of the week, or breaking news. And it looks as if those fractions are going to stay. Rock Your World (John Sadler, Candy Ride - Charm the Maker, by Empire Maker) In the 22 years I've been doing Derby Dozen and Derby Rankings I have never had a tougher time deciding who to put No. He was given a cue to switch leads by his rider and did so in a bullet five-furlong solo workout :58.62 at Gulfstream this past Saturday. Who knows who is going to set the pace in the Derby? (Coady Photography), Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, Wood Memorial Stakes Presented by Resorts World Casino, America's Best Racing's Triple Crown page, Curlin Florida Derby Presented by Hill 'n' Dale Farms at Xalapa, Wood Memorial Presented by Resorts World Casino, Churchill Downs final Kentucky Derby Future Wager pool. What did people search for similar to tamales by the dozen near Rowland Heights, CA? When a horse has been running Thoro-Graph numbers of 11 and makes a giant leap to a 3 1/2 there are several factors to consider. 1. 6. So his inclination was to not run in the Derby. 2022 Kentucky Derby Trail: Three Heating Up, Three Cooling Down for Jan. 12 Racing January 12th, 2022 by Mike Curry Simplification, with Javier Castellano up, won the Mucho Macho Stakes by four lengths at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 1. He has proven that was no fluke, and like Essential Quality he can beat you from anywhere on the track. It was a disastrous beginning for the Remsen Stakes runner-up, and yet he managed to rally wide to be a third behind Epicenter and Smile Happy , both of whom enjoyed better trips. He belongs with the others mentioned in the last five spots, but I have been saying for a while he has so much history to overcome with the eight-week layoff, having only one start at 3, and never having run farther than 1 1/16 miles He will be attempting something that has not been accomplished in over 100 years. I will analyze everything over the next few days, including post positions, and post my handicapping column on Thursday. This entry was posted Remember, all his previous starts had come in sprints so he should be stronger with that race under him. When they really let him open up in a work he went his half in an eye-catching :46 2/5, but was never being urged. This colt is 3-for-4 with his only defeat being a third-place finish in the Kentucky Jockey Club when he shipped for the first time and was surprisingly taken back to draft behind horses. Looking past the Arkansas Derby, he ran quickly in a Feb. 19 allowance optional claiming win at Fair Grounds. Get the latest insider news, analysis, entries and results on your phone or sent to your email! Both comments and pings are currently closed. 1 Tiz the Law Barclay Tagg Constitution Tizfiz, by Tiznow Despite the Derby Day assault by the Baffert Brigade, he holds on to the No. This colt took a leap forward when stretched out to two turns, whipping first-level allowance optional claiming foes Jan. 14, and plenty of spacing leaves him poised for another peak performance. He is another horse who I believe doesnt need the lead, but coming off one-turn races and with no pace at all it was the right move. Physically, he is a beast and hes doing things ordinary horses just dont do. Find out who else made the list. Whether its in his races or in his works he always seems to be in the right place, indicating a horse who will do exactly what you want him to do and be wherever you want him to be. All rights reserved internationally. Xbtv.com video shows both horses being noticeably warm in the South Florida weather. That should help set him up foruh, nothing. Thats correct, none. 9. For new announcements, merchandise updates and other excitement here at Secretariat.com, please enter your email address in the popup window. He has just three starts under his girth, two in maiden races and one in a stakes race. SUMMER IS TOMORROW looked like a sure winner in the UAE Derby before Crown Pride corralled him in the final furlong and he should be a pace presence for quite a long way. Social Media Policy. 2. MANDALOUN Despite his dull effort in the Louisiana Derby, he is at Churchill Downs and worked a half in :49 4/5 for the Kentucky Derby. If this colt only had one more start I would rank him higher based on all the positives I saw in his first two starts and the way hes been training at Churchill Downs. Merely seeing him back in action two weeks after his third in the Holy Bull is a promising sign, irrespective of the slow time. But all the credit goes to my man. As a juvenile, he wasn't quite on par with Rattle N Roll and Smile Happy, both of whom beat him in graded stakes, though much can change from ages 2 to 3. I hope everyone has enjoyed it and now it is time for the nitty gritty. Although there is still the Lexington Stakes with enough points to possibly get him in the Derby, they have decided to sit pat, with the worst case scenario being a start in the Pat Day Mile on Derby Day as one of the favorites. Medina Spirit (Bob Baffert, Protonico Mongolian Changa, by Brilliant Speed) Time aside, he produced a sustained run to go after the leader down the backstretch, an early move that could have knocked out less talented runners. As you will see, I am not taking the conventional path when it comes to who reigns atop the Rankings. His namesake, hockey great Mark Messier, was one of the most clutch players in NHL history, and this colt might also be the type to save his best for the big moments. Dont ask me what to make of this horse or this race, but one thing is certain and that is he has an amazing pedigree with a ton of class and stamina, and his sire and broodmare sire are remembered for scoring two of the most impressive Preakness victories weve seen in a long time. The first Derby Dozen for 2020 finds Dennis' Moment on top. The last horse to run in the Derby with only two starts was China Visit, who finished sixth in 2000. However, Mendelssohn became seriously agitated in the walk over from the stable area . 1 Tiz the Law Barclay Tagg Constitution Tizfiz, by Tiznow Despite the Derby Day assault by the Baffert Brigade, he holds on to the No. Working inside stablemate Pioneer of Medina in his final Derby drill he was doing everything well within himself and was just gliding over the ground. Four horses definitely in the Derby if their connections wish to go are REBELS ROMANCE and PANADOL, one-two in the UAE Derby, and LIKE THE KING and SAINTHOOD, one-two in the Jeff Ruby Steaks. I am fully aware it is sacrilegious to have him ranked No. www.mallscenters.com/brands/99-ranch-market/california/99-ranch-market-rowland-heights-mandarin-plaza-1015-91748--rowland-heights--city, Get directions to 99 Ranch Market Rowland Heights - Mandarin Plaza 1015, S Nogales St, Rowland Heights, CA 91748, 99 Ranch Market (Special Offer - MD & VA) week ad, 99 Ranch Market (Special Offer - NJ) week ad, 99 Ranch Market (Special Offer - WEST) week ad, 99 Ranch Market (Special Offer - TX) week ad, 99 Ranch Market (Special Offer - NV) week ad, Mandarin Plaza 1015, S Nogales St, Rowland Heights, CA 91748. But its in his blood and keeps him young. Brands on May 6. Soup and Sandwich (Casse, Into Mischief Souper Scoop, by Tapit) One of these hes going to squeeze his way in, but I would think it will be against lesser company in a smaller field. He was dismissed at 32-1 odds in Churchill Downs final Kentucky Derby Future Wager pool, perhaps an indication he could similarly fall out of betting favor on Derby Day. But he has earned his way into the big race and deserves a shot at it, especially considering he has never finished out of the money and has proven he is a fighter on the lead. 12. 1Forte (Todd Pletcher, Violence - Queen Caroline, by Blame) Finally makes his 3-year-old debut in the Fountain of Youth Stakes. Think of him as Antares, one of the four white Arabians in the movie Ben Hur. Triple Crown Winners, 2023 Kentucky Derby Trail: Three Heating Up, Three Cooling Down for March 1, Mike Repole Chats Racing Friends Becoming Family, Champion Forte's Return, Winning Belmont Stakes, From Barbershop to Backstretch: Real Players Sharing Unique Horse Racing Stories. I love finding longshots to play in the Derby, but after the top 12 I cannot separate the rest, and while anyone can find their way into the exotics Im just not seeing any of the others as win candidates. He has been moving with great authority, especially in his six-furlong work in 1:12 1/5 in company, in which drew clear from his workmate and then galloped out another eighth in :12 2/5 to complete the seven furlongs in a sprightly 1:24 3/5. He kept Taiba at bay before yielding to him in the final furlong. He has a tremendous pedigree, but its just a question of whether he is fast enough now to win the Derby. In fact you can blame him for his work in company with Smile Happy going awry, as he was so keyed up early he basically sprinted clear of his workmate who was supposed to be right up there with him. As I mentioned his speed figures have been through the roof and he could be a freakishly talented colt who can overcome all handicapping logic. It was no surprise to see a brilliant but lightly raced and untested PREVALENCE struggle on that deep track in the Wood. The final race in the Road to the Kentucky Derby prep series the Stonestreet Lexington Stakes is set for Saturday, April 16. But for now I wouldnt discourage anyone who wants to include him in their exotics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. I believe part of it is that many of the leading contenders were spinning their wheels on that deep track and never fired, resulting in a :39 1/5 final three-eighths, the slowest mile and an eighth stakes on the card, which earned him a slow 89 Beyer speed figure. Stars of Yesterday: Looking Back at Best San Felipe Stakes Winners, Stars of Yesterday: Looking Back at Best Fountain of Youth Stakes Winners, Triple Crown Turning Point: The Right Rider for Gallant Fox, SLIDESHOW: U.S. By Byron King April 13, 2021 1. After traveling from Japan to Dubai and now to Kentucky in late March, having around five weeks to train over the Churchill surface should give him ample recovery time. Was it due to the addition of Lasix? I have seen so many horses who cannot catch anyone in the stretch, but are hard to pass once on the lead. Here is a Hall of Fame trainer who had the legendary John Henry 40 years ago and is approaching his 90th birthday with a leading Kentucky Derby contender that he bred thanks to his breeding right to the brilliant Candy Ride, who he saddled to a track record-breaking performance in the Pacific Classic. Read More, 1 Tiz the Law Barclay Tagg Constitution Tizfiz, by Tiznow Just when you thought Tiz the Law was shifting his gears to neutral following the Curlin Florida Derby (G1), breezing an easy :52 4/5 half-mile, he shifts back into drive with a sharp 1:00 3/5 work for five furlongs. 1 spot as we head into the makeshift spring schedule beginning with the Matt Winn Stakes (G3) May 23. And he is one of few Derby horses who works by himself. I mentioned last week he had run at least one race in every month since September, including a mile and eighth race last fall over a deep tiring track, and this year ran too fast, too good, too early. His lone defeat in five starts came at Churchill when third in last fall's Kentucky Jockey Club, but horseplayers shouldn't harbor concerns about him not liking the surface. Its been a fun ride with lots of twists and turns and interesting back stories. A class test awaits in stakes company for his next start, likely in the Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes March 5 at Gulfstream Park. Though he won the Feb. 12 Sam F. Davis Stakes with style to begin his 3-year-old year, the race didn't draw the apparent quality of the Risen Star hence his placement behind the leading half dozen. Who is going to set the pace in the race have seen so many horses who not! His inclination was to not run in the weeks ahead TAKING, who was never in the race schedule... Horse from the Louisiana Derby was a long time ago which to knock Steve. Announcements, merchandise updates and other excitement here at Secretariat.com, please enter your email to who reigns atop Rankings. 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His run been assembledwith even More question marks insider news, analysis, entries and results on your phone sent. Who was never in the South Florida weather the track him up foruh,....