Kentucky Derby Contenders Pedigree Analysis: Thousand Words

With the Kentucky Derby (G1) finally nearing, we continue analyzing the pedigrees of some of the top contenders.

This week’s subject: Thousand Words

Heading into 2020, Thousand Words was considered one of Bob Baffert’s multiple tickets to another Kentucky Derby win. After starting his career 3-for-3 including a pair of graded stakes, his train went off the tracks a bit. He bounced back in a huge way in the Shared Belief Stakes at Del Mar, which put him right back into the Kentucky Derby conversation.

Kentucky Derby Ranking

Thousand Words sits seventh in the Kentucky Derby point standings with 83 total points, 50 of those earned from winning the Shared Belief over the heavily-favored Honor A. P. Baffert’s armada earlier this year included the likes of Uncle Chuck, Charlatan, Nadal, Authentic, and Thousand Words, but less than a month from the Kentucky Derby, it’s whittled down to just those last two. Does Thousand Words have what it takes to win the Kentucky Derby?

Sire Profile

Pioneerof the Nile

Major career wins: 2008 CashCall Futurity (G1), 2009 Robert B. Lewis (G2), 2009 San Felipe Stakes (G2), 2009 Santa Anita Derby (G1)

Many forget just how dominant Pioneerof the Nile was leading up until the 2009 Kentucky Derby, where he was the co-second choice at 4/1 on the morning line. He drew post 16 in the Kentucky Derby and had a beautiful trip under the late Garrett Gomez, finding himself in front as the field straighten out for home but gave up the lead midway down the stretch as Mine That Bird flew up the rail to win. He never threatened the great Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness Stakes (G1), then retired with a career record of 10-5-1-1.

His greatest achievement was siring American Pharoah, who in 2015 became the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. Pioneerof the Nile’s progeny also include the seven-time graded stakes winner Midnight Storm and the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) champion Classic Empire.

With this bloodline, Thousand Words should have no issue getting the Kentucky Derby distance of 1 1/4 miles.

Dam Profile

Pomeroys Pistol

Major career wins: 2011 Forward Gal Stakes (G2), 2011 Gallant Bloom Handicap (G2), 2011 Sugar Swirl Stakes (G3)

Pomeroys Pistol was a very consistent sprinter, compiling a record of 14-5-3-2 with her wins ranging from 5 1/2 to 7 furlongs. As far as routing goes, however, her pedigree does not inspire much confidence.

Her sire, Pomeroy, was a multiple Grade 1-winning sprinter, and her dam was an unraced daughter of Point Given, who was phenomenal on the race track (winning 4 Grade 1 routes in 2001) but whose progeny have been hit-and-miss.

Pomeroys Pistol has had 3 foals make the races, including Thousand Words, but he’s the only one who’s had any notable success. The other two have combined for a 19-1-2-2 record with just $36,660 earned between them.

Thousand Words should be used no higher than underneath in Kentucky Derby exactas, trifectas, and superfectas. His running style combined with his pedigree do not give any indication that he can beat a horse like Tiz the Law, but his natural speed and pedigree should ensure that he can at least handle the 1 1/4-mile distance better than most in the field.

Let me know what you think!

Vinny Blond is a New York-based handicapper who is one half of Real Dynasty Picks. Follow him on Twitter @PicksByDynasty.