Kentucky Derby Racing Dudes 2018 Top 20 Kentucky Derby Rankings #10 April 11, 2018 Kentucky Derby Racing Dudes 2018 Top 20 Kentucky Derby Rankings #10 April 11, 2018 By: Aaron Halterman twitterfacebooklinkedinemail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article Welcome to the 2018 Kentucky Derby Rankings! Each week leading up to the race, we will provide our Top 20 Kentucky Derby Prospects, as well as updates with the latest news on each horse. You can also visit our Kentucky Derby page for loads of information including the latest news, rankings, prep race schedules, our Derby Trail Tracker, the Kentucky Derby point standings, and much more! 1. Justify Derby Points/Rank: 100 – 8th Race Record: (3) 3-0-0 Earnings: $666,000 Breeding: Scat Daddy – Stage Magic Owner: China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners, Starlight Racing, and WinStar Farm Trainer: Bob Baffert Last Race: Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita, Finished 1st Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jared Welch Analysis: It’s hard to believe that as recently as February, this horse hadn’t even made a start, and now, he’s the favorite to win the Kentucky Derby after easily defeating Bolt d’Oro in the Santa Anita Derby. There are still plenty of doubters, and rightfully so, as he’s trying to do something that hasn’t been done since 1882. While he may lack experience, he more than makes up for it with talent. He’ll be ready for the task on the first Saturday in May. 2. Audible Derby Points/Rank: 110 – 2nd Race Record: (5) 4-0-1 Earnings: $882,920 Breeding: Into Mischief – Blue Devil Bel Owner: WinStar Farm, China Horse Club International, and SF Racing Trainer: Todd Pletcher Last Race: Grade 1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, Finished 1st Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Mike “Saratoga Slim” Spector Analysis: You have to believe in him now after another great effort at Gulfstream Park in the Florida Derby. His running style is exactly what you need to win a race like the Kentucky Derby: he can sit close to the pace and pounce at the right time. He did look to be a little tired towards the end of the race, but at this point, it’s hard to knock him; he just keeps winning. 3. Bolt d’Oro Derby Points/Rank: 104 – 5th Race Record: (6) 4-1-1 Earnings: $1,016,000 Breeding: Medaglia d’Oro – Globe Trot Owner: Ruis Racing LLC Trainer: Mick Ruis Last Race: Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita, Finished 2nd Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Mike “Saratoga Slim” Spector Analysis: There’s nothing to be discouraged about after finishing a solid second to Justify in the Santa Anita Derby. He ran his race and earned a speed figure on par with how he’s been running for most of his career. His experience edge over Justify is his main advantage and will give him a shot to turn the tables in the Kentucky Derby. 4. Mendelssohn Derby Points/Rank: 100 – 7th Race Record: (7) 4-1-0 Earnings: $1,961,137 Breeding: Scat Daddy – Leslie’s Lady Owner: Michael Tabor, Mrs. John Magnier, and Derrick Smith Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Last Race: Group 1 UAE Derby at Meydan Race Course, Finished 1st Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Curtis “Magic” Kalleward Analysis: With a “wow” performance in the UAE Derby, this horse has become a serious player. He seems to relish the dirt and has the pedigree to run all day long. The big question mark will be his ability to buck the trend of UAE Derby winners not running well when coming to Kentucky, but this may be the best horse to win that race and then come to the United States for the Derby. Plus, he has shipped here before, so that could be another advantage. He should be a major player. 5. Good Magic Derby Points/Rank: 134 – 1st Race Record: (5) 2-2-1 Earnings: $1,855,000 Breeding: Curlin – Glinda the Good Owner: e Five Racing Thoroughbreds and Stonestreet Stables Trainer: Chad Brown Last Race: Grade 2 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, Finished 1st Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Curtis “Magic” Kalleward Analysis: The Champ is BACK! Good Magic disappointed in his 3-year-old debut but rebounded to win the Blue Grass in workman-like fashion. The win shows that he’s on a similar progression as his 2-year-old year when he put up his best effort in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. He’s back in the conversation and is one that you have to take seriously as we head into the Kentucky Derby. 6. Magnum Moon Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 12th Race Record: (3) 3-0-0 Earnings: $577,800 Breeding: Malibu Moon – Dazzling Song Owner: Robert and Lawana Low Trainer: Todd Pletcher Last Race: Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park, Finished 1st Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Curtis “Magic” Kalleward Analysis: He proved that he was for real with a dominating performance in the Rebel over a deep field. He’s progressing almost identically to that of Always Dreaming last year, and he’s yet to be close to losing a race. The waters will only get deeper from here, but so far, he’s passed every test with flying colors. He’s a legitimate contender and will look to pad his resume in this week’s Grade 1 Arkansas Derby. 7. Solomini Derby Points/Rank: 34 – 19th Race Record: (5) 1-3-1 Earnings: $652,000 Breeding: Curlin – Surf Song Owner: Zayat Stables Trainer: Bob Baffert Last Race: Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park, Finished 2nd Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jared Welch Analysis: He performed very well off of the bench in the Rebel, finishing second despite having a poor trip, especially on the turn heading for home. He’s a hard-trying horse that you can count on to give a solid effort each and every time. He’ll likely improve off of that effort in his next start this weekend, the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby. 8. Noble Indy Derby Points/Rank: 110 – 3rd Race Record: (4) 3-0-1 Earnings: $691,600 Breeding: Take Charge Indy – Noble Maz Owner: WinStar Farm and Repole Stable Trainer: Todd Pletcher Last Race: Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds, Finished 1st Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman Analysis: He looked to be completely defeated in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby, yet somehow re-rallied up the rail to win the race after being passed by Lone Sailor. Pletcher has described this horse as “still green,” but there does seem to be a lot of talent. He also should get better as the distances get longer, which will be to his advantage in the Triple Crown races. 9. Flameaway Derby Points/Rank: 70 – 9th Race Record: (9) 5-2-0 Earnings: $704,834 Breeding: Scat Daddy – Vulcan Rose Owner: John C. Oxley Trainer: Mark Casse Last Race: Grade 2 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, Finished 2nd Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman Analysis: This horse continues to prove useful, having won or hit the board in three straight Kentucky Derby prep races. No matter the surface, Flameaway shows up with a solid effort. He’s one that you’ll have to run down to win, and he won’t make it easy. He’s proven to be a very tough horse. 10. Vino Rosso Derby Points/Rank: 107 – 4th Race Record: (5) 3-0-1 Earnings: $620,500 Breeding: Curlin – Mythical Bride Owner: Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable Trainer: Todd Pletcher Last Race: Grade 2 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct, Finished 1st Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Dan “The Fan Man” Waite Analysis: This horse had been a work in progress all winter/spring long for Pletcher, and that work came to fruition with a win in the Wood Memorial. He should like as the distances get longer and the Curlin colt will improve with age. He’s a real sleeper at this point. 11. Combatant Derby Points/Rank: 22 – 24th Race Record: (6) 1-3-1 Earnings: $338,550 Breeding: Scat Daddy – Border Dispute Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC and Willis Horton Racing LLC Trainer: Steve Asmussen Last Race: Grade 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park, Finished 3rd Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman Analysis: The Lookin At Lee of 2018 continued on a similar path in the Rebel, finishing third. He’s hit the board in four straight Kentucky Derby prep races, but he just can’t seem to have things go his way enough to pick up a win. His Rebel effort was another positive start, though, and he should continue to make an impact along the Kentucky Derby trail, which continues this week in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby. 12. Enticed Derby Points/Rank: 103 – 6th Race Record: (6) 3-1-1 Earnings: $595,680 Breeding: Medaglia d’Oro – It’s Tricky Owner: Godolphin Racing, LLC Trainer: Kiaran McLaughlin Last Race: Grade 2 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct, Finished 2nd Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman Analysis: He’s proven himself to be a classy horse after solid back-to-back races in New York. His ability to sit off the lead could make him a factor in the Kentucky Derby, but it’s unlikely that he can actually win. This could be a nice horse to use underneath, though. 13. Hofburg Derby Points/Rank: 40 – 17th Race Record: (3) 1-1-0 Earnings: $223,800 Breeding: Tapit – Soothing Touch Owner: Juddmonte Farms, Inc. Trainer: Bill Mott Last Race: Grade 1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, Finished 2nd Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE Analysis: He earned a ton of respect for finishing second in a Grade 1 despite just breaking his maiden a few weeks prior. His lack of experience will be an issue in Kentucky, but this could be a horse to keep an eye on later in the season. 14. Quip Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 14th Race Record: (4) 3-0-0 Earnings: $282,800 Breeding: Distorted Humor – Princess Ash Owner: WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, and SF Racing Trainer: Rodolphe Brisset Last Race: Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs, Finished 1st Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE Analysis: This son of Distorted Humor is officially into the Kentucky Derby after a shocking upset in the Tampa Bay Derby. The good news is that he should get better in his next start, as his Tampa effort came off of a fairly long layoff. He could move up the rankings if he does indeed improve this weekend in the Arkansas Derby. 15. Free Drop Billy Derby Points/Rank: 44 – 15th Race Record: (8) 2-3-2 Earnings: $625,220 Breeding: Union Rags – Trensa Owner: Albaugh Family Stables LLC Trainer: Dale Romans Last Race: Grade 2 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, Finished 3rd Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman Analysis: “He’s just sort of there” is how Dan Keener described him after his third-place effort in the Blue Grass, and that statement is so accurate. The horse, while consistent, has been fairly underwhelming as a 3-year-old. There’s no doubt that he’ll have to step up his game in order to have a shot in the Derby. 16. Lone Sailor Derby Points/Rank: 42 – 16th Race Record: (8) 1-3-1 Earnings: $334,237 Breeding: Majestic Warrior – Ambitious Owner: G M B Racing Trainer: Tom Amoss Last Race: Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds, Finished 2nd Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE Analysis: There were many people who hyped Lone Sailor in the Louisiana Derby, and he somehow lived up to it, finishing second by only a head. That finish might have earned him a spot in the starting gate for the Kentucky Derby, but it’s unlikely that he makes much of an impact. 17. Runaway Ghost Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 13th Race Record: (7) 4-2-0 Earnings: $563,510 Breeding: Ghostzapper – Rose’s Desert Owner: Joe Peacock Trainer: Todd Fincher Last Race: Grade 3 Sunland Derby at Sunland Park, Finished 1st Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE Analysis: The local hero rose to the occasion to win the Sunland Derby and solidify his spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate. He’s proven to be a very nice horse, but it remains to be seen if he can match up with the crop’s top-class horses. 18. Promises Fulfilled Derby Points/Rank: 52 – 11th Race Record: (5) 3-0-1 Earnings: $337,280 Breeding: Shackleford – Marquee Delivery Owner: Robert J. Baron Trainer: Dale Romans Last Race: Grade 1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, Finished 9th Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE Analysis: After engaging in a wicked pace duel with Strike Power in the Florida Derby, he basically had no chance, and both horses faded to finish last and second to last. The horse will play a factor in every race that he enters due to his early speed, but he must learn to control it. 19. Bravazo Derby Points/Rank: 54 – 10th Race Record: (8) 3-1-1 Earnings: $436,528 Breeding: Awesome Again – Tiz o’ Gold Owner: Calumet Farm Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas Last Race: Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds, Finished 8th Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman Analysis: The Louisiana Derby was a complete disaster for Bravazo. He tried to lug out the entire race, and you could tell that he was never comfortable. The good news is that he was sound afterward and looks to still be moving forward to the Kentucky Derby. Draw a line through that last effort. 20. Gronkowski Derby Points/Rank: European Qualifier Race Record: (6) 4-1-0 Earnings: $135,644 Breeding: Lonhro – Four Sugars Owner: Phoenix Thoroughbred Limited Trainer: Jeremy Noseda Last Race: Burradon Stakes at Newcastle, Finished 1st Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE Analysis: He has qualified for the Kentucky Derby by means of a rule that needs to be changed. He doesn’t look like he belongs, but he may take a lot of money on Kentucky Derby day because of his name, which is good for serious players who know that he’s a toss.
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