2023 Racing Dudes Fantasy League Update: Jerome, Sham Make 1st Big Weekend Of Early Kentucky Derby Prep Stakes

Each week, this important article will provide the standings, power rankings, and recent transactions for every league member. Not only will you see the latest claims in the league (which will show you what horses might be up-and-coming), but you will also get updates on the runners as they prepare for their next starts along the Kentucky Derby Trail. Let’s check out the latest update:

Current Standings

Recent Claims

– In a 7-way shake: Aaron Halterman CLAIMED Faustin and DROPPED Red Route One

– In a 2-way shake: Paul Withrow CLAIMED Banishing and DROPPED Gun Pilot

– Jon/Ryan CLAIMED Neural Network and DROPPED Echo Again

 – Jared Welch CLAIMED Tapit Trice and DROPPED Abstract

Power Rankings

The “Power Rankings” feature teams’ odds to win the contest, as well as an update on every horse on each team. Here we go:

1. The Magic Mike Show (7/2) 

• Cave Rock – He was all the rage heading into the Breeders’ Cup; however, he did not live up to the hype when running second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1).
• Arctic Arrogance – The runner-up of the Remsen Stakes (G2) was taken two rounds before the winner. Interesting. We will see if it pays off this weekend in the Jerome Stakes.
• Tapit Shoes – He looked solid at second asking for Brad Cox at Fair Grounds to kick off their meet.
• Rocket Can – The horse was recently second in an allowance race at Churchill Downs, losing by a micro-small half-length.
• Phileas Fogg – This impressive debut winner at Fair Grounds looks like he could have a pretty solid future ahead of him.

2. Jared Welch (4/1) 

• Extra Anejo – He has a world of talent; however, the injury is very concerning. Will he make it back in time?
• Corona Bolt – This one looks to have a bright future after a sharp win in the Sugar Bowl Stakes at Fair Grounds.
• Gandolfini – He’s working steadily at Santa Anita after running fourth in the American Pharoah Stakes (G1).
• Tapit Trice – The recent Aqueduct maiden winner might have a big future.
• Carmel Road – He picked up a decent second last time out in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2).

3. Kelby Von Hemel/Steve “Evil Steveil” Ronchetto (9/2) 

• Forte – The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner heads into 2023 as the Kentucky Derby favorite.
• Tapit’s Conquest – This Brad Cox runner looked solid winning in his second race at Churchill Downs.
• Fort Bragg – He disappointed in his last start, running third in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2).
• Gilmore – He broke his maiden at second asking for Bob Baffert at Los Alamitos.
• Mr. Ripple – This Saffie Joseph, Jr. trainee was sharp in a maiden special weight score at Gulfstream Park. We’ll see him this weekend in a tough allowance race.

4. Paul “Free Beers” Withrow (6/1)

• Arabian Knight – This Baffert runners looked like the real deal on debut at Keeneland.
• Litigate – He was impressive in his debut win at Aqueduct for Todd Pletcher. We’ll see this weekend in a tough Gulfstream Park allowance race.
• Spun Intended – After a solid second on debut, this horse came back to romp in a maiden special weight at Del Mar for Mark Glatt. He should start this weekend in the Sham Stakes.
• Kingsbarns – He is working well leading up to a likely debut at Gulfstream Park.
• Banishing – Look our for this new addition to the team who was ultra-impressive breaking his maiden at Fair Grounds.

5. Aaron Halterman (6/1)

• Arabian Lion – He was worse than awful in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2), finishing last.
• Victory Formation – He picked up a solid looking win to kick off the league in the Smarty Jones Stakes.
• Rudder’s Men – This Todd Pletcher runner was solid on debut when breaking his maiden against a few solid runners. We’ll see him this weekend in a Gulfstream Park allowance race.
• Reincarnate – It took awhile, but he finally broke his maiden last time out for Baffert at Del Mar. He could be progressing nicely heading into this 3-year-old year. He’s possible for this weeks Sham Stakes.
• Faustin – This recent maiden special weight winner could be a star once they stretch him out in distance.

6. Geist (8/1)

• Blazing Sevens – Geist loves Chad Brown, which explains why he drafted this horse, who was fourth last time out in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1)
• Instant Coffee – This Brad Cox runner was a solid winner of the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) in his last start.
• Gulfport – He was disappointing as a 2-year-old but could improve stretching out in distance.
• Curly Jack – He has been solid in a few of the toughest stakes races for 2-year-old’s.
• Derma Sotogake – Geist looks to strike gold with this Japan runner who recently won the local prep in that country.

7. Real Dynasty (10/1)

• Giant Mischief – He was second in the Remington Park Springboard Mile; however, he totally missed the break.
• Fort Warren – One of the many Baffert maiden special weight winners that will look to jump up in class to start 2023.
• Point Proven – It took three races, but this horse looked solid breaking his maiden last time out for Todd Pletcher.
• Dubyuhnell – The winner of the Remsen Stakes (G2) seems like value as a fourth round pick.
• Determinedly – He was not great in the Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds in his last start.

8. Shotty/Davey (12/1)

• National Treasure – We’ll see if this Bob Baffert trainee can progress as a 3-year-old after a solid 2022.
• Hoosier Philly – The filly has looked great against the females; however, she now must step up and face the boys.
• Verifying – This Brad Cox runner has a great pedigree, while he has also flashed some solid talent at times.
• Tshiebwe – He’s still a maiden; however, he improved greatly in his second start. More improvement should lead to a victory.
• Practical Move – Boom! Even though it didn’t count for points in the league, this horse got the new team off to a great start with a win in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2).

9. Jon White/Ryan Stillman (12/1) 

• Loggins – He has massive talent, but also is a massive question mark because of an injury.
• Neural Network – The newest member of the team will try to earn points this week in the Jerome Stakes.
• Hejazi – He is still a maiden; however, he has been defeated by some solid runners. Longer distances could help his chances, though.
• Classic Catch – The Todd Pletcher trainee looked sharp in victory at second asking at Aqueduct.
• Packs a Wahlop – This horse has been sharp on the turf, but is training on the dirt, and looking to make a move on the Derby Trail in 2023. We might see him this weekend in the Sham Stakes.

10. Dan Waite and Michael Myers (15/1) 

• Signator – This horse looked sharp breaking his maiden last time out at Aqueduct and has a pedigree that is extremely solid.
• Havnameltdown – Distance might be a question mark with this one, but he has solid talent, and should win some races for Baffert. He’s possible this weekend for the Sham Stakes.
• Continuar – This Japanese runner won the first local Kentucky Derby prep in Japan.
• Awesome Strong – Look for this Florida Bred to face open coming when returning from a minor injury.
• Major Dude – The team is hoping this solid turf runner can find success when moving over to the dirt in 2023.