Racing Dudes 2019 Top 20 Kentucky Derby Rankings #8

Welcome to the 2019 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! Here is our eighth set of Kentucky Derby Rankings for the 2019 season:

1. Game Winner

Derby Points/Rank: 45 – 8th

Race Record: (5) 4-1-0

Earnings: $1,646,000

Breeding: Candy Ride – Indyan Giving

Owner: Gary and Mary West

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Last Race: Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park, Finished 2nd

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Paul “Free Beers” Withrow

Analysis: It was good to see the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner back in action in the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park. Even though he lost, he was still valiant in defeat, finishing second by a nose to Omaha Beach. At the top of the stretch, it looked as though Omaha Beach would easily win; however, Game Winner dug down deep to make it extremely close. He will move forward off of this effort, which should make him tough to beat moving forward.

2. Omaha Beach

Derby Points/Rank: 37.5 – 10th

Race Record: (6) 2-3-1

Earnings: $521,800

Breeding: War Front – Charming

Owner: Fox Hill Farms, INC.

Trainer: Richard Mandella

Last Race: Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park, Finished 1st

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman

Analysis: This horse ran huge in the Rebel Stakes (G2), proving to be a high class animal that we must take serious moving forward. Coming into the race, it was reasonable to question his ability; however, there is no reason to question it now. His pedigree should be a benefit to him moving forward, and his running style will suit the Kentucky Derby very well.

3. Long Range Toddy

Derby Points/Rank: 53.5 – 4th

Race Record: (7) 4-1-1

Earnings: $851,125

Breeding: Take Charge Indy – Pleasant Song

Owner: Willis Horton Racing LLC

Trainer: Steve Asmussen

Last Race: Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park, Finished 1st

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman

Analysis: He became a serious contender in the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park, where he ran down our previous #1 ranked horse to win the race by a nose in the final stages. He has progressively gotten better with each start, while possessing a pedigree that should only see him get better as the distances get longer. This is now a serious player heading into the last round of prep races.

4. Improbable

Derby Points/Rank: 25 – 15th

Race Record: (4) 3-1-0

Earnings: $419,520

Breeding: City Zip – Rare Event

Owner: China Horse Club, Starlight Racing, and WinStar Farm

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Last Race: Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park, Finished 2nd

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman

Analysis: After getting hung wide on both turns in the Rebel Stakes (G2), he just couldn’t hold on for the win, getting passed late by Long Range Toddy to lose by a nose. The loss was disappointing; however, he should have gotten a lot out of the effort from a fitness standpoint. He should be ready to fire a big one when he returns for the Arkansas Derby (G1).

5. Code of Honor

Derby Points/Rank: 54 – 3rd

Race Record: (4) 2-1-0

Earnings: $384,820

Breeding: Noble Mission – Reunited

Owner: W.S. Farish

Trainer: Shug McGaughey

Last Race: Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park, Finished 1st

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Patrick “Mad Dog” Meagher

Analysis: A big bounce back win in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) has this horse locked into the Kentucky Derby starting gate. There is no doubt he took advantage of a hot pace in that race; however, at least he showed the talent needed to win at the higher levels. He will play a factor in the Florida Derby (G1) this weekend and perhaps on the first Saturday in May as well.

6. Bourbon War

Derby Points/Rank: 21 – 17th

Race Record: (4) 2-1-0

Earnings: $155,100

Breeding: Tapit – My Conquestadory

Owner: Bourbon Lane and Stable and Lake Star Stable

Trainer: Mark Hennig

Last Race: Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park, Finished 2nd

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Dan “Wise Dan” Waite

Analysis: He closed like a freight train to finish a fast closing second in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2). That’s the type of performance that will catch a lot of eyes, while also seemingly meaning he will enjoy the distances getting longer. He proved he belongs from a class standpoint. We’ll see if he can keep it rolling this weekend in the Florida Derby (G1).

7. Hidden Scroll

Derby Points/Rank: 5 – 38th

Race Record: (2) 1-0-0

Earnings: $50,600

Breeding: Hard Spun – Sheba Queen

Owner: Juddmonte Farms, INC.

Trainer: Bill Mott

Last Race: Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park, Finished 4th

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman

Analysis: There is no question in my mind that Hidden Scroll was the best horse in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2). However, if he does not learn to rate his early speed, he will have a tough time winning major stakes races. On the other hand, if he can learn to sit off horses, he is a prime Kentucky Derby candidate. His start this weekend in the Florida Derby (G1) will make or break him.

8. War of Will

Derby Points/Rank: 60 – 2nd

Race Record: (8) 3-1-1

Earnings: $501,569

Breeding: War Front – Visions of Clarity

Owner: Gary Barber

Trainer: Mark Casse

Last Race: Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds, Finished 9th

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman

Analysis: The Louisiana Derby (G2) turned into a complete disaster for him after he took a couple of bad steps right out of the gate. At first it sounded like he had injured himself in a serious way; however, he is doing much better now. He will still likely run in the Kentucky Derby where he could still be dangerous.

9. Vekoma

Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 27th

Race Record: (3) 2-0-1

Earnings: $188,850

Breeding: Candy Ride – Mona De Momma

Owner: R. A. Hill Stable and Gatsas Stables

Trainer: George Weaver

Last Race: Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park, Finished 3rd

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: The Fans

Analysis: The Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) showed us enough to think this horse deserves a shot at another prep race for his next start. He may not be a special colt; however, he has every right to improve off of this effort. This is not one to close the book on just yet.

10. Anothertwistafate

Derby Points/Rank: 30 – 12th

Race Record: (5) 3-1-0

Earnings: $263,505

Breeding: Scat Daddy – Imperfection

Owner: Peter Redekop B. C., Ltd.

Trainer: Blaine D. Wright

Last Race: Sunland Derby (G3) at Sunland Park, Finished 2nd

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Paul “Free Beers” Withrow

Analysis: There is no doubt he looked like the best horse in the Sunland Derby (G3) even though he came up a neck short. With a better trip he would have gotten there; however, the most important factor for him was proving he could run on the dirt. That mission was accomplished, which makes him a very interesting prospect heading into the first Saturday in May.

11. Tacitus

Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 7th

Race Record: (3) 2-0-0

Earnings:$253,000

Breeding: Tapit – Close Hatches

Owner: Juddmonte Farms, LLC

Trainer: Bill Mott

Last Race: Tampa Bay Derby (G2) at Oaklawn Park, Finished 1st

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Brandon “B$” Bauer

Analysis: How loaded is Bill Mott for this Kentucky Derby? He now has three horses in the top 11 after Tacitus rolled home late to win the Tampa Bay Derby (G2). It was a perfect set-up for him; however, he still had to take advantage of it with a solid move. His breeding should allow him to excel when the distances get longer.

12. Galilean

Derby Points/Rank: 7.5 – 31st

Race Record: (5) 3-1-1

Earnings: $336,000

Breeding: Uncle Mo – Freisa

Owner: West Point Thoroughbreds, Barker, Denise and Sandbrook, William

Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer

Last Race: Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park, Finished 3rd

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Brandon “B$” Bauer

Analysis: He ran well enough in the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park to stay on the Kentucky Derby Trail. While he wasn’t a threat to beat the top 2 finishers, he still was able to run a fast enough race to be competitive. With more improvement, he could still be a factor.

13. Cutting Humor

Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 5th

Race Record: (6) 2-2-1

Earnings: $516,967

Breeding: First Samurai – Pun

Owner: Starlight Racing

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Last Race: Sunland Park (G3) at Sunland Park, Finished 1st

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE

Analysis: Todd Pletcher has a couple of Kentucky Derby hopefuls after all, with Cutting Humor definitely being one of them. After a disastrous start in the Southwest Stakes (G3), he bounced back with an excellent win in the Sunland Derby (G3). The Kentucky Derby will be a big ask for him; however, he has earned the right to give it a shot.

14. Haikal

Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 6th

Race Record: (4) 3-1-0

Earnings: $298,900

Breeding: Daaher – Sablah

Owner: Shadwell Stable

Trainer: Kiaran McLaughlin

Last Race: Grade 3 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct, Finished 1st

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Brandon “B$” Bauer

Analysis: A big win in the Gotham Stakes (G3) puts this horse on the radar. However, he did get a perfect set up in that race, which won’t be as likely to happen as the races get tougher. Also, there are really question marks surrounding how far this horse wants to run. We’ll find out more in the Wood Memorial (G2).

15. Win Win Win

Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 28th

Race Record: (5) 3-1-1

Earnings:$167,300

Breeding: Hat Trick – Miss Smarty Pants

Owner: Live Oak Plantation

Trainer: Michael J. Trombetta

Last Race: Tampa Bay Derby (G2) at Tampa Bay Downs, Finished 3rd

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Dan “Wise Dan” Waite

Analysis: The Tampa Bay Derby (G2) was a pretty solid race for him. It was disappointing to see him get third; however, a very wide trip hurt his chances dramatically. He’s still a fringe contender at this point.

16. By My Standards

Derby Points/Rank: 100 – 1st

Race Record: (5) 2-2-1

Earnings: $653,710

Breeding: Goldencents – A Jealous Woman

Owner: Allied Racing Stable, LLC

Trainer: Bret Calhoun

Last Race: Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds, Finished 1st

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE

Analysis: After a shocking victory in the Louisiana Derby (G2) this horse now sits atop the Kentucky Derby Points Standings heading into this week. He is light in the experience department, which puts him in a difficult start, but has a running style that suits the Kentucky Derby.

17. Mucho Gusto

Derby Points/Rank: 24 – 16th

Race Record: (5) 3-1-1

Earnings: $310,800

Breeding: Mucho Macho Man – Itsagiantcauseway

Owner: Michael Lund Peterson

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Last Race: Sunland Derby (G3) at Sunland Park, Finished 3rd

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman

Analysis: A fast pace killed him in the Sunland Derby (G3), which now has him squarely on the bubble in terms of the Kentucky Derby. He might have to run again to make it into the gate; however, there has been no comment yet from trainer Bob Baffert on his plans with this horse.

18. Spinoff

Derby Points/Rank: 40 – 9th

Race Record: (4) 2-1-1

Earnings: $260,000

Breeding: Hard Spun – Zaftig

Owner: Wertheimer and Frere

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Last Race: Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds, Finished 1st

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jared Welch

Analysis: The good news is his second place effort in the Louisiana Derby (G2) has earned him a spot in the starting get for the Kentucky Derby. The bad news is there is no way he should have lost that race if he was a serious prospect after looking like he was home free. He’ll have to improve to make an impact.

19. Sueno

Derby Points/Rank: 28 – 14th

Race Record: (6) 2-2-2

Earnings: $290,440

Breeding: Atreides – Class Above

Owner: Silverton Hill LLC

Trainer: Keith Desourmeaux

Last Race: Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds., Finished 3rd

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: The Fans

Analysis: He did what was expected of him in the Louisiana Derby (G2), hitting the board, while not threatening to win. That is the kind of horse he is, which will get him into the gate on the first Saturday in May.

20. Country House

Derby Points/Rank: 30 – 13th

Race Record: (5) 1-2-0

Earnings: $160,175

Breeding: Lookin At Lucky – Quake Lake

Owner:  Shields, Jr., Mrs. J. V. and McFadden, Jr., E. J. M.

Trainer: Bill Mott

Last Race: Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds, Finished 4th

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jared Welch

Analysis: His performance in the Louisiana Derby (G2) was extremely disappointing; however, he probably did enough to at least make the starting gate. The talent is there with this horse, he just looks to be a bit of a head case at this point.