The Kentucky Derby prep season has come to an end and the cream has risen to the top. Team Magic holds a solid lead with three prime Derby contenders as we head into the three most important races of the year. You can’t forget about Team Slim and Welch, though, as both have solid chances to catch Magic right at the wire. Let’s take a look at the Current Standings and the outlook of each team as we head into the Triple Crown season:
Current Standings
| Ranking | Team | Score | Current Team Members |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jared Welch | 1,390 | Solomini, Greyvitos, Justify, Sporting Chance, New York Central |
| 2 | Curtis "Magic" Kalleward | 270 | Good Magic, Mendelssohn, Marconi, My Boy Jack, Magnum Moon |
| 3 | Aaron Halterman | 256 | Principe Guilherme, Instilled Regard, Noble Indy, Bravazo, Combatant |
| 4 | Mike "Saratoga Slim" Spector | 175 | Bolt d’Oro, Audible, Hofburg, Restoring Hope, Navistar |
| 5 | Ryan Stillman/Jon White | 146 | Mask, Flameaway, Untamed Domain, Enticed, Quip |
| 6 | Dan "The Fan Man" Waite | 31 | Catholic Boy, Nero, Lone Sailor, Vino Rosso, Free Drop Billy |
Power Rankings
1. Curtis “Magic” Kalleward:
Horses in the Derby: Good Magic, Mendelssohn, and Magnum Moon
Non-Derby Starters That Could Still Run in Triple Crown Races: Marconi
Horses That Are Out: Curlin’s Honor
Bottom Line: This is the team to beat as the first Saturday in May draws near. Good Magic, Mendelssohn, and Magnum Moon are all prime candidates to win the Kentucky Derby.
2. Mike “Saratoga Slim” Spector:
Horses in the Derby: Audible and Bolt d’Oro
Non-Derby Starters That Could Still Run in Triple Crown Races: Restoring Hope
Horses That Are Out: Avery Island and Navistar
Bottom Line: Bolt d’Oro and Audible give him a solid 1-2 punch in the Kentucky Derby. If they can outrun Magic’s big three, then this team could make a serious run at the top spot.
3. Jared Welch:
Horses in the Derby: Justify and Solomini
Non-Derby Starters That Could Still Run in Triple Crown Races: Sporting Chance and Greyvitos
Horses That Are Out: New York Central
Bottom Line: It all hinges on Justify. If the big horse wins two of the three Triple Crown races, then this team will likely win, though it still wouldn’t be a lock even with he did. Outside of Justify, the rest of this team has disappointed.
4. Jon White/Ryan Stillman:
Horses in the Derby: Enticed, Flameaway, and Free Drop Billy
Non-Derby Starters That Could Still Run in Triple Crown Races: None
Horses That Are Out: Untamed Domain and McKinzie
Bottom Line: McKinzie’s injury ruined their chances of winning. Not only do they have to hope that one of their three Kentucky Derby longshots can hit the board, but they also have to hope that they can impact the Preakness and the Belmont, too.
5. Aaron Halterman:
Horses in the Derby: Noble Indy and Bravazo
Non-Derby Starters That Could Still Run in Triple Crown Races: Combatant and Instilled Regard
Horses That Are Out: Principe Guilherme
Bottom Line: A star horse never developed for this team that will be a long shot to win despite leading the contest in points for most of the year.
6. Dan “The Fan Man” Waite:
Horses in the Derby: Vino Rosso
Non-Derby Starters That Could Still Run in Triple Crown Races: None
Horses That Are Out: Nero, Catholic Boy, Storm Runner, and Gold Town
Bottom Line: This team needs a miracle. Dan “The Fan Man” will be busy during the claiming period and needs some solid success to keep from finishing last.
