Kentucky Derby Racing Dudes Kentucky Derby Rankings 5/27/20: Maxfield Stamps Himself as Prime Contender May 27, 2020 Maxfield winning the Matt Winn (Credit: Coady Photography) Kentucky Derby Racing Dudes Kentucky Derby Rankings 5/27/20: Maxfield Stamps Himself as Prime Contender May 27, 2020 By: Aaron Halterman twitterfacebooklinkedinemail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article Welcome to the 2020 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, the Kentucky Derby point standings, and much more! Obviously, things have changed, and will continue to change, with the Kentucky Derby now moved to Saturday, September 5. We’ll still come at you with updates along the way, as well as the latest news on the race. Here’s our latest Top 20 after a solid Matt Winn Stakes (G3): ( Content Continues Below Ad ) 1. Nadal Derby Points/Rank: 150 – 1st Race Record: (4) 4-0-0 Earnings: $1,053,000 Breeding: Blame – Ascending Angel (Pulpit) Owner: George Bolton, Arthur Hoyeau, Barry Lipman, and Mark Mathiesen Trainer: Bob Baffert Last Race: 1st, Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Paul “Free Beers” Withrow Analysis: We’ve got a new number one for the first time in a while after Nadal’s impressive win in Division 2 of the Arkansas Derby (G1). There is no doubt he drew into the tougher of the two races; however, that didn’t seem to matter. After showing he could relax in the early stages of the race for the first time, Nadal finished with much more punch than his previous races, which is exactly what he had do prove he could do. He’s the one to beat as of now, with his next start likely to be in the Belmont Stakes (G1). 2. Tiz the Law Derby Points/Rank: 122 – 2nd Race Record: (5) 4-0-1 Earnings: $945,300 Breeding: Constitution – Tizfiz (Tiznow) Owner: Sackatoga Stable Trainer: Barcaly Tagg Last Race: 1st, Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike Analysis: He turned the Florida Derby (G1) into a romp over one of the better fields of the season. His running style is perfect for the Kentucky Derby, while he’s shown his consistency this season. We also haven’t seen the best from him yet as he has won both of his races this season under wraps. He dropped to number two in our rankings, but that doesn’t mean he’s still not a prime-time contender. He should run next in the Belmont Stakes (G1). 3. Charlatan Derby Points/Rank: 100 – 4th Race Record: (3) 3-0-0 Earnings: $367,200 Breeding: Speightstown – Authenticity (Quiet American) Owner: SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Frederick Hertrich, John Fielding, and Golconda Stables Trainer: Bob Baffert Last Race: 1st, Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Mike “Saratoga Slim” Spector Analysis: There is no doubt he drew into the weaker of the two divisions of the Arkansas Derby (G1), which worked out perfectly for his first try against stakes company. Nobody could run with him early once again in this race, which saw him cruise to a wire to wire victory. This was his least impressive performance yet, though, while it’s still questionable that he wants to go the Kentucky Derby distance. Still, this horse has a tremendous amount of ability. Look for him next in the Belmont Stakes (G1); however, a positive test after the Arkansas Derby has his future in question. 4. Maxfield Derby Points/Rank: 60 – 9th Race Record: (3) 3-0-0 Earnings: $442,762 Breeding: Street Sense – Velvety (Bernardini) Owner: Godolphin, LLC Trainer: Brendan Walsh Last Race: 1st, Matt Winn Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jared Welch Analysis: This colt came back with a monster performance in his 3-year-old debut, winning the Matt Winn Stakes (G3) despite a horrible trip. There is no doubt this horse is now a prime contender after this showing. He deserves to be mentioned with the first tier of horses in the crop. The Belmont Stakes (G1) is now a likely possibility for him. 5. Authentic Derby Points/Rank: 60 – 10th Race Record: (3) 3-0-0 Earnings: $331,200 Breeding: Into Mischief – Flawless (Mr. Greeley) Owner: SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Frederick Hertrich, John Fielding, and Golconda Stabels Trainer: Bob Baffert Last Race: 1st, San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman Analysis: He backed up a his solid Sham Stakes (G3) win with another wire to wire victory in the San Felipe Stakes (G2). There is no doubt he is one of the most talented horses in the crop after these victories. The only question mark left with him is the distances getting longer. Can he carry his speed at a mile and 1/4? His pedigree suggests it could be a challenge. He recently worked a sizzling 6 furlongs at Santa Anita, suggesting that he’s ready to roll. 6. Honor A. P. Derby Points/Rank: 20 – 24th Race Record: (3) 1-2-0 Earnings: $122,200 Breeding: Honor Code – Hollywood Story (Wild Rush) Owner: C R K Stable LLC Trainer: John Shirreffs Last Race: 2nd, San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White and Ryan Stillman Analysis: We finally got to see him run in the San Felipe Stakes (G2), which was a solid second place effort. He has every right to improve off of that race as well, with it being his first in five months. This also looks like a horse that is going to love going the Kentucky Derby distance. Let’s hope he can stay healthy. He should run next in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). 7. Ete Indien Derby Points/Rank: 74 – 6th Race Record: (6) 3-1-1 Earnings: $405,156 Breeding: Summer Front – East India (Mizzen Mast) Owner: Linda Shanahan, Sanford Bacon, Dream With Me Stable Inc., Horse France America, D P Racing LLC (Deron Pearson) & Patrick L. Biancone Racing LLC Trainer: Patrick Biancone Last Race: 3rd, Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jared Welch Analysis: Nothing went his way in the Florida Derby (G1); however, he still showed a lot of heart to finish third. He drew wide, lost a shoe, and was cut during the race, but still didn’t quit. He may not be as talented as a horse like Tiz the Law, but he is always going to be difficult to beat. 8. King Guillermo Derby Points/Rank: 90 – 5th Race Record: (5) 2-1-1 Earnings: $340,350 Breeding: Uncle Mo – Slow Sand (Dixieland Band) Owner: Victoria’s Ranch Trainer: Juan Carlos Avila Last Race: 2nd, Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Austin and Evil Steveil Analysis: It’s funny that we were all skeptical of this horse after he won the Tampa Bay Derby (G2); however, now we all believe in him after losing division 2 of the Arkansas Derby (G1). His loss showed that he can repeat that top effort, though, when finishing a solid second to the powerful Nadal. We now know to take this horse very seriously moving forward to the next round of potential prep events. 9. Sole Volante Derby Points/Rank: 30 – 18th Race Record: (5) 3-1-1 Earnings: $266,310 Breeding: Karakontie – Light Blow (Kingmambo) Owner: Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Andie Biancone, and Limelight Stable Corp. Trainer: Patrick Biancone Last Race: 2nd, Tampa Bay Derby (G2) at Tampa Bay Downs Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Real Dynasty Analysis: He backed up his performance in the Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) with solid runner-up finish in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2). His running style is always going to leave him with a lot of work to do in the stretch, especially in a race like the Kentucky Derby. You can rely on him to come with a big run in the end, though, which makes him interesting in the underneath positions. He looks to be pointing towards the Belmont Stakes (G1) for his next start. 10. Enforceable Derby Points/Rank: 33 – 16th Race Record: (9) 2-2-2 Earnings: $367,150 Breeding: Tapit – Justwhistledixie (Dixie Union) Owner: John Oxley Trainer: Mark Casse Last Race: 5th, Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike Analysis: His off the board finish in the Louisiana Derby (G2) isn’t to concerning considering his rough trip. However, with his running style, he is always going to have a big chance for those problems. The Kentucky Derby will only maximize those issues. ( Content Continues Below Ad ) 11. Basin Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 12th Race Record: (6) 2-2-1 Earnings: $471,000 Breeding: Liam’s Map – Appenzel (Johannesberg) Owner: Jackpot Farm Trainer: Steve Asmussen Last Race: 2nd, Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White and Ryan Stillman Analysis: His Arkansas Derby (G1) runner up effort to Charlatan was exactly what he needed after a lackluster effort in the Oaklawn Stakes. We always thought this horse would be good enough to jump back into contention, so it’s nice to see him back on the list. He may end up proving to be Asmussen’s best 3-year-old. 12. Wells Bayou Derby Points/Rank: 100 – 3rd Race Record: (6) 3-1-0 Earnings: $860,293 Breeding: Lookin At Lucky – Whispering Angel (Hard Spun) Owner: Clint Gasaway, Lance Gasaway, Madaket Stables LLC, and Wonder Stables Trainer: Brad Cox Last Race: 5th, Arkansas Derby (G2) at Oaklawn Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Austin/Evil Steveil Analysis: He was given a tough chore in Division 2 of the Arkansas Derby (G1), being asked to set a hot pace, with the monster Nadal breathing down his neck. Wells Bayou was not able to stick around to hit the board; however, it’s a positive that he at least finished fifth. He is a useful horse who still has a shot to be successful throughout the rest of this season. 13. Modernist Derby Points/Rank: 70 – 7th Race Record: (5) 2-0-2 Earnings: $388,800 Breeding: Uncle Mo – Symbolic Gesture (Bernardini) Owner: Pam and Martin Wygood Trainer: Bill Mott Last Race: 3rd, Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike Analysis: This horse ran pretty well to finish 3rd in the Louisiana Derby (G2), especially since he broke from the far outside 14-post. He may benefit from the extra time for the Kentucky Derby, considering he still seems to be developing. 14. Ny Traffic Derby Points/Rank: 70 – 8th Race Record: (8) 2-2-2 Earnings: $365,470 Breeding: Cross Traffic – Mamie Reilly (Graeme Hall) Owner: John Fanelli, Cash is King LLC, LC Racing, and Paul Braverman Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr. Last Race: 2nd, Matt Winn Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE Analysis: Once again, this colt has proven to be a consistent performer. His runner-up effort in the Matt Winn Stakes (G3) was solid, which was similar to his efforts at Fair Grounds over the winer. He has earned his way into the Kentucky Derby starting gate. 15. Gouverneur Morris Derby Points/Rank: 34 – 15th Race Record: (5) 2-1-1 Earnings: $247,500 Breeding: Constitution – Addison Run (Unbridled’s Song) Owner: Team Valor International and WinStar Farm LLC Trainer: Todd Pletcher Last Race: 3rd, Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Dan “Wise Dan” Waite Analysis: This horse continues to show his class in big races. He ran decent once again in the division 1 of the Arkansas Derby (G1), finishing third to Charlatan. However, it seems like he could have some distance issues, after making big moves on the turn twice only to flatten out in the stretch. He is still one that can make some noise as we head into the summer. We might see him next in the Belmont Stakes (G1). 16. Shivaree Derby Points/Rank: 40 – 14th Race Record: (10) 3-3-1 Earnings: $338,055 Breeding: Awesome of Course – Garter Belt (Anasheed) Owner: Jacks or Better Farm, Inc. Trainer: Ralph Nicks Last Race: 2nd, Florida Derby (G2) at Gulfstream Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE Analysis: Three straight runner-up efforts against stakes company, including the Florida Derby (G1) last time out, has earned this horse a spot in the rankings. The chances of him making a solid impact in the Kentucky Derby are slim, he should at least make the race, depending on what the new points system looks like moving forward. 17. Mischevious Alex Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 13th Race Record: (7) 4-1-1 Earnings: $344.230 Breeding: Into Mischief – White Pants Night (Speightstown) Owner: Cash is King LLC and LC Racing Trainer: John C. Servis Last Race: 1st, Gotham Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Austin/Evil Steveil Analysis: At one turn, this horse is pretty impressive, but his two-turn form is yet to be seen. It’s highly questionable if he can get the Kentucky Derby distance, which is why we have him ranked this low. The Woody Stephens (G1) looks like his next start. 18. Max Player Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 38th Race Record: (3) 2-1-0 Earnings: $173,500 Breeding: Honor Code – Fools in Love (Not For Love) Owner: George Hall Trainer: Linda Rice Last Race: 1st, Withers Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Dan “Wise Dan” Waite Analysis: The Withers Stakes (G3) winner is now on the Kentucky Derby scene, even though the race wasn’t all that fast. Still, his pedigree is solid, and he did show a nice closing kick. He’s probable to start in the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 20. 19. Dr Post Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR Race Record: (3) 2-0-0 Earnings: $76,635 Breeding: Quality Road – Mary Delaney (Hennessy) Owner: St. Elias Stable Trainer: Todd Pletcher Last Race: 1st, Unbridled Stakes at Gulfstream Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike Analysis: He makes his rankings debut this week after two solid victories in a row. The Unbridled Stakes was impressive considering his trip was less than ideal. He has a shot to develop into a nice horse as we progress towards the summer. 20. Pneumatic Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 40th Race Record: (3) 2-0-1 Earnings: $101,850 Breeding: Uncle Mo – Teardrop (Tapit) Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC Trainer: Steve Asmussen Last Race: 3rd, Matt Winn Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman Analysis: His Matt Winn Stakes (G3) effort was pretty solid considering it was his first start against stakes company. He still has a little ways to go before he can compete against the top group in the class; however, he has a shot to improve with more racing.
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