Kentucky Derby Racing Dudes Kentucky Derby Rankings 6/24/20: Who Can Challenge Tiz the Law? June 24, 2020 Tiz the Law after winning the Belmont (Credit: NYRA / Chelsea Durand) Kentucky Derby Racing Dudes Kentucky Derby Rankings 6/24/20: Who Can Challenge Tiz the Law? June 24, 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! Though the Kentucky Derby 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 the Belmont Stakes (G1): ( Content Continues Below Ad ) 1. Tiz the Law Derby Points/Rank: 272 – 1st Race Record: (6) 5-0-1 Earnings: $1,480,300 Breeding: Constitution – Tizfiz (Tiznow) Owner: Sackatoga Stable Trainer: Barcaly Tagg Last Race: 1st, Belmont Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike Analysis: He left no doubts in his dominating Belmont Stakes (G1) performance, which has him on well on his way to being the favorite for the Kentucky Derby (G1). There doesn’t seem to be any horse pointing for the Travers Stakes (G1) who can beat him, so expect his hype to continue all the way up to the first Saturday in September. 2. Honor A. P. Derby Points/Rank: 120 – 2nd Race Record: (4) 2-2-0 Earnings: $362,200 Breeding: Honor Code – Hollywood Story (Wild Rush) Owner: C R K Stable LLC Trainer: John Shirreffs Last Race: 1st, Santa Anita Derby (G1) at Santa Anita Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White and Ryan Stillman Analysis: His Santa Anita Derby (G1) victory was ultra-impressive and made him the logical challenger to Tiz the Law for early favoritism in the Derby. He will continue to flourish as the distances get longer and his solid turn of foot will be tough to hold off on that long Churchill Downs stretch. Trainer John Shirreffs will have him ready to pop with a monster race when the big day is finally here. 3. Authentic Derby Points/Rank: 100 – 3rd Race Record: (4) 3-1-0 Earnings: $411,200 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: 2nd, Santa Anita Derby (G1) at Santa Anita Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman Analysis: He suffered the first defeat of his career in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), finishing second behind Honor A. P. He still was able to run a respectable race, though, and several top horses’ injuries have helped him remain highly-ranked. He still has some maturity issues he needs to get through but remains very much in the mix if he can do what so many have not been able to accomplish: stay healthy. Look for him next in the Haskell Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park on July 18. 4. King Guillermo Derby Points/Rank: 90 – 4th 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; however, it would be nice to see him in a race before the Kentucky Derby, which doesn’t seem to be the plan. 5. Cezanne Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR Race Record: (1) 1-0-0 Earnings: $30,000 Breeding: Curlin – Achieving (Bernardini) Owner: Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and St. Elias Stable Trainer: Bob Baffert Last Race: 1st, Maiden Special Weight at Santa Anita Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Paul “Free Beers” Withrow Analysis: This heavily-hyped colt finally made his debut at Santa Anita, where he impressive defeated his rivals sprinting. He should be even better when stretching out in distance, which is something that will happen next time out. It looks like he still has some catching up to do; however, with several of the top horses injured that task looks a little easier with each passing day. 6. Dr Post Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 8th Race Record: (4) 2-1-0 Earnings: $261,635 Breeding: Quality Road – Mary Delaney (Hennessy) Owner: St. Elias Stable Trainer: Todd Pletcher Last Race: 2nd, Belmont Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike Analysis: In many ways, he went into the Belmont Stakes (G1) with a lot to prove, but he exited the race as one of the top horses in the class. His runner-up effort was solid enough to get excited about his future, though he still has a ways to go before he can compete with Tiz the Law. Still, there is no doubt that he is Pletcher’s best Derby prospect. 7. Max Player Derby Points/Rank: 40 – 12th Race Record: (4) 2-1-1 Earnings: $273,500 Breeding: Honor Code – Fools in Love (Not For Love) Owner: George Hall Trainer: Linda Rice Last Race: 3rd, Belmont Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Dan “Wise Dan” Waite Analysis: It was nice to see him back from a long layoff after winning the Withers Stakes (G3) all the way back in February. He ran well to finish third in the Belmont Stakes (G1) and should improve next time out. 8. Basin Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 9th 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 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. 9. Uncle Chuck Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR Race Record: (1) 1-0-0 Earnings: $30,000 Breeding: Uncle Mo – Forest Music (Unbridled’s Song) Owner: Karl Watson, Michael Pegram, and Paul Weitman Trainer: Bob Baffert Last Race: 1st, Maiden Special Weight at Santa Anita Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman Analysis: It’s really amazing how loaded Bob Baffert is after losing two top 3-year-olds and then instantly replacing them with two different ones. Uncle Chuck is his latest contender after an impressive debut win at Santa Anita, winning in gate-to-wire fashion while going two turns. We’ll see if he can progress fast enough to make an impact along the Kentucky Derby Trail. 10. Ny Traffic Derby Points/Rank: 70 – 7th 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: Mike “Saratoga Slim” Spector Analysis: Once again, this colt has proven to be a consistent performer. His solid runner-up effort in the Matt Winn Stakes (G3) was similar to his efforts at Fair Grounds over the winer. He has earned his way into the Kentucky Derby starting gate. ( Content Continues Below Ad ) 11. Enforceable Derby Points/Rank: 33 – 14th 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 too concerning, considering his rough trip, but his running style will always be a threat to his win chances. We’ll see him next in the Blue Grass Stakes (G2) at Keeneland on July 11. 12. Art Collector Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR Race Record: (7) 3-1-0 Earnings: $188,475 Breeding: Bernardini – Distorted Legacy (Distorted Humor) Owner: Bruce Lunsford Trainer: Tom Drury, Jr. Last Race: 1st, Allowance at Churchill Downs Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman Analysis: An allowance victory at Churchill Downs has him pointing towards the Blue Grass Stakes (G2) for his next start. He earned a 100 Beyer speed figure for the victory, which turned a lot of heads. We’ll see if he can repeat that sort of effort against tougher company. 13. Sole Volante Derby Points/Rank: 30 – 16th Race Record: (7) 4-1-1 Earnings: $323,310 Breeding: Karakontie – Light Blow (Kingmambo) Owner: Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Andie Biancone, and Limelight Stable Corp. Trainer: Patrick Biancone Last Race: 6th, Belmont Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Real Dynasty Analysis: His Belmont Stakes (G1) no-show is a total head scratcher; he had plenty of pace to run into and was entering the event in great form. We’ll give him a pass for now, but he has to run better in his next start. 14. Pneumatic Derby Points/Rank: 25 – 20th Race Record: (4) 2-0-1 Earnings: $166,850 Breeding: Uncle Mo – Teardrop (Tapit) Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC Trainer: Steve Asmussen Last Race: 4th, Belmont Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman Analysis: It’s clear that he has some talent, but he isn’t elite. Two races in a row, he’s looked like a winner at the top of the stretch, only to flatten out down the lane. He still has a solid shot to make his way into the Kentucky Derby, though, which is why he remains on the rankings. 15. Ete Indien Derby Points/Rank: 74 – 5th Race Record: (7) 3-1-1 Earnings: $407,406 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: 4th, Allowance Race at Gulfstream Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jared Welch Analysis: Nothing went his way in the Florida Derby (G1), but he still showed a lot of heart to finish third. Unfortunately, he was a no-show in a recent allowance race at Gulfstream Park, so he’ll need to show a big turnaround next time out to prove that he isn’t tailing off. 16. Shivaree Derby Points/Rank: 40 – 11th Race Record: (11) 3-3-2 Earnings: $344,005 Breeding: Awesome of Course – Garter Belt (Anasheed) Owner: Jacks or Better Farm, Inc. Trainer: Ralph Nicks Last Race: 3rd, Allowance Race at Gulfstream Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE Analysis: Three straight runner-up efforts against stakes company, including the Florida Derby (G1), earned him a spot in the rankings. The chances of him making a solid impact in the Kentucky Derby are slim, especially after his recent third-place allowance effort, but he has enough points to make the field. 17. Tap It to Win Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR Race Record: (7) 3-1-0 Earnings: $164,672 Breeding: Tapit – Onepointhreekarats (Medaglia d’Oro) Owner: Live Oak Plantation Trainer: Mark Casse Last Race: 5th, Belmont Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman Analysis: The Belmont Stakes (G1) could have been a little too much, too soon for him. His talent still looks to be pretty high, and his early speed is always dangerous. We’ll keep him on the list for now because it would not be surprising to see him win one of the lesser Derby preps and find his way into the field. 18. Modernist Derby Points/Rank: 70 – 6th Race Record: (6) 2-0-2 Earnings: $413,800 Breeding: Uncle Mo – Symbolic Gesture (Bernardini) Owner: Pam and Martin Wygood Trainer: Bill Mott Last Race: 7th, Belmont Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike Analysis: His seventh-place effort in the Belmont Stakes (G1) was a little disappointing, though it was clear going into the race that he wasn’t a strong win candidate. He seems to be a cut below the better horses in the crop and is running out of time to make up the gap. 19. Storm the Court Derby Points/Rank: 34 – 13th Race Record: (7) 2-0-2 Earnings: $1,235,451 Breeding: Court Vision – My Tejana Storm (Tejano Run) Owner: Davide A Bernsen LLC, Exline-Border Racing LLC, Dan Hudock, and Susanna Wilson Trainer: Peter Eurton Last Race: 6th, Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman Analysis: We’ll see if he can finally get back on track this weekend in the Ohio Derby (G3). From a talent standpoint, we do not believe he is in the top 20 of this division, but he has enough points to make the Kentucky Derby at this point. A win this weekend would lock him into the race. 20. Mischevious Alex Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 10th Race Record: (9) 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: This horse is a joke when it comes to the Kentucky Derby. He is a one-turn horse at best, and his latest effort in the Woody Stephens Stakes (G1) was pretty bad. However, he has enough points to easily make the field, so he has to be ranked – just not anywhere near the top.
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