Kentucky Derby Kentucky Derby Top 20 Rankings 4/14/21 April 14, 2021 Essential Quality winning the Blue Grass (Credit: Keeneland Photo) Kentucky Derby Kentucky Derby Top 20 Rankings 4/14/21 April 14, 2021 By: Aaron Halterman twitterfacebooklinkedinemail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article Welcome to the 2021 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 (G1) page for loads of information, including the latest news, rankings, prep race schedules, the Kentucky Derby point standings, and much more!1. Essential QualityPros: Trainer Brad Cox; distance pedigree; class of the crop; undefeated Cons: Paddling running motion seems to be getting worseOutlook: He’ll go into the Kentucky Derby (G1) as an undefeated champion and the post time favorite. This horse has done nothing wrong in any of his starts. Kentucky Derby Contenders Pedigree Analysis: Essential Quality 2. Rock Your WorldPros: Highest speed figure among active contenders; defeated a strong field; running style suited for the DerbyCons: Only 1 start on dirtOutlook: There is no doubt his Santa Anita Derby (G1) victory was very impressive, and if he can repeat that type of performance, he’ll have a big shot. Can this horse continue to improve/prove his form on the dirt? Kentucky Derby Contenders Pedigree Analysis: Rock Your World 3. Hot Rod CharliePros: Proven class; Doug O’Neill; win going 1 3/16 miles; high Beyer Speed FigureCons: Multiple losses on the resume Outlook: The son of Oxbow (standing at Calumet Farm) kicked it up a notch with an impressive win in the Louisiana Derby (G2) and earned a 99 Beyer Speed Figure that’s now the second-highest among active Derby contenders. Kentucky Derby Contenders Pedigree Analysis: Hot Rod Charlie 4. Highly MotivatedPros: Strong effort first time going two-turns; progressing at the right timeCons: Distance limitations are possible Outlook: This guy showed a lot in the Blue Grass Stakes (G2), nearly pulling off the upset. He should be ready to run his biggest race yet; however, will the distance of the Derby be to his liking? That’s the major question mark. 5. Known Agenda Pros: Developing at the right time; distance pedigreeCons: Just a step slower than his main rivals; multiple losses on his resume Outlook: Todd Pletcher deserves credit for getting the horse to pop at the perfect time. His Florida Derby (G1) win was solid and his pedigree will give him a chance in Kentucky. Kentucky Derby Contenders Pedigree Analysis: Known Agenda 6. Medina SpiritPros: Multiple great 2021 efforts; early speed; Bob BaffertCons: Multiple second place efforts by several lengths Outlook: He’s shown heart and toughness in his last four starts; however, he seems to be a bit below the top horses in the crop.7. Midnight Bourbon Pros: Consistent; proven class; Derby-friendly running style; “Big Money Mike” Smith will rideCons: Multiple losses on resumeOutlook: He leaves Louisiana as the most consistent horse from that circuit. His toughness and running style should help him in Kentucky. 8. Concert TourPros: Trainer Bob BaffertCons: Horrific performance in the Arkansas Derby (G1)Outlook: This horse was on the cusp of becoming the Kentucky Derby favorite before running a bad third in the Arkansas Derby (G1). He’ll have to rebound in a big way. Kentucky Derby Contenders Pedigree Analysis: Concert Tour 9. MandalounPros: Brad Cox; enough points (52) to make the Derby gate; running style suited for DerbyCons: Absolute no-show in the Louisiana Derby (G2)Outlook: You can’t be confident in him now after his non-effort in the Louisiana Derby (G2). He was in the perfect position to win; however, he was empty in the stretch. Kentucky Derby Contenders Pedigree Analysis: Mandaloun 10. Super StockPros: Improving with each race; solid running styleCons: Low speed figures; several losses on his resumeOutlook: His Arkansas Derby (G1) victory is a feel good story, while he does seem to be improving with each start. Even he can take another step forward he can be a player. Kentucky Derby Contenders Pedigree Analysis: Super Stock 11. Soup and SandwichPros: Solid running style; rapidly improving with each startCons: Horrific name; still lacks experience; speed figures a tad lowOutlook: This guy could be interesting at a big number. He’s trending in the right direction, getting better with each race, and his front-end speed should help him on the first Saturday in May. Midnight Bourbon, Soup and Sandwich Work at Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby 12. Caddo RiverPros: Improved in last effort; solid running styleCons: Low speed figures; inconsistentOutlook: It was nice to see him rebound with a nice effort in the Arkansas Derby (G1). At worst, he’ll be a pace play if he runs in the Kentucky Derby. 13. HeliumPros: Undefeated horse; should improve next outCons: Very low Beyer Speed Figures; defeated a weak field; training up to the DerbyOutlook: It was impressive that this horse could win the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) off a layoff, plus it was his first start on dirt. This will be his only race before the Kentucky Derby, though, which is not ideal. Kentucky Derby Contenders Helium, Mandaloun Work at Churchill Downs 14. Like the King Pros: He has the points to make the gateCons: Everything elseOutlook: He fought hard to win the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), which is admirable. The test at Churchill Downs will be much tougher for him, though. 15. Bourbonic Pros: Recent win shows he’s improving Cons: Still very slow compared to the rest of the field. Outlook: The 72/1 upset Wood Memorial (G2) winner earned his way into the field, but he must take another giant step forward in the Derby to have a shot. 16. Dynamic OnePros: Solid distance pedigreeCons: Slow numbers; only one victory on his resume. Outlook: This Todd Pletcher trainee nearly pulled off an upset in the Wood Memorial (G2), only to be beaten late by his stablemate. Like his stablemate, he’ll need to show improvement to have a shot on the first Saturday in May.17. SainthoodPros: Solid distance pedigreeCons: Slow numbers; pedigree leans towards turf Outlook: He’s slow, but he seems to be getting better with each start, so that’s a positive. He might be a good horse down the line; however, the Derby seems like a stretch. 18. Crowded TradePros: Consistent racesCons: No stakes victories; lack of experience Outlook: This horse has progressed nicely this year; however, he’s still a little below the better horse in this crop.19. RombauerPros: Consistent runner; nice distance pedigreeCons: Lacks quality dirt win; slow figuresOutlook: If he runs in the race, which is still questionable, he might be able to pick off tired horses down the lane. That is probably his ceiling. 20. Panadol Pros: NoneCons: ManyOutlook: UAE Derby (G2) shippers never do well in the Kentucky Derby. It should be more of the same with this entry. World Of Opportunities Await UAE Derby Winner Rebel’s Romance
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