Racing Dudes Kentucky Derby Rankings 3/4/20: Ete Indien Makes Big Move

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!

Here is our fifth set of Kentucky Derby Rankings for the 2020 season:

1. Tiz the Law 

Derby Points/Rank: 22 – 5th

Race Record: (4) 3-0-1

Earnings: $498,900

Breeding: Constitution – Tizfiz (Tiznow)

Owner: Sackatoga Stable 

Trainer: Barcaly Tagg

Last Race: 1st, Holy Bull Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike 

Analysis: We’ll stick with him on top in our latest 2020 Kentucky Derby Rankings. His ultra-impressive Holy Bull Stakes (G3) win became even better after Ete Indien – a distant second that race – won the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2). He showed a quick burst of speed when needed in the Holy Bull, a must-have for a horse to win the Derby. He also has room for improvement off of that effort, making him dangerous moving forward in the Florida Derby (G1). 

2. Nadal

Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR

Race Record: (2) 2-0-0

Earnings: $153,000

Breeding: Blame – Ascending Angel (Pulpit)

Owner: George Bolton, Arthur Hoyeau, Barry Lipman, and Mark Mathiesen

Trainer: Bob Baffert 

Last Race: 1st, San Vicente Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Paul “Free Beers” Withrow 

Analysis: His San Vicente Stakes (G2) performance was impressive. He went fast early, was pressed while being on the inside, yet was still able to fend off all challengers. His distance pedigree will be put to the test next time out in the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park, but Baffert has been building his stamina in his recent workouts.

3. Authentic 

Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 23rd

Race Record: (2) 2-0-0

Earnings: $91,200

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, Sham Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman 

Analysis: His breeding might be questionable for the Derby and he was very green in the stretch of the Sham Stakes (G3), but the talent that he put on display in that race was hard to ignore. There is no doubt that he will need to mature a bit, but at this point in the season, many horses have the same issues. We’ll see what he does this weekend in the San Felipe Stakes (G2).

4. Ete Indien 

Derby Points/Rank: 54 – 1st 

Race Record: (5) 3-1-0

Earnings: $333,156

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: 1st, Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jared Welch  

Analysis: After a strong runner-up performance in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3), he backed up that form in a big way next out, dominating the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2). His high cruising speed is going to be dangerous no matter where he runs and his pedigree should be beneficial as the distances get longer. He’s stamped himself as a contender.  

5. Thousand Words

Derby Points/Rank: 20 – 7th 

Race Record: (3) 3-0-0

Earnings: $211,000

Breeding: Pioneerof the Nile – Pomeroys Pistol (Pomeroy)

Owner: Albaugh Family Stables LLC and Spendthrift Farm LLC

Trainer: Bob Baffert 

Last Race: 1st, Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Paul “Free Beers” Withrow 

Analysis: We haven’t seen a lot of flash from him, yet he has been nothing but solid in three straight efforts. He is more of a grinder who really seems to like getting into a fight and winning. He needs to progress from a speed figure standpoint, though. We’ll see if he can improve this weekend in the San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita. 

6. Sole Volante  

Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 18th 

Race Record: (4) 3-0-1

Earnings: $196,310

Breeding: Karakontie – Light Blow (Kingmambo)

Owner: Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Andie Biancone, and Limelight Stable Corp.

Trainer: Patrick Biancone 

Last Race: 1st, Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Real Dynasty 

Analysis: He burst onto the scene with an impressive win in the Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs. After watching a hot pace develop, he closed strongly for a multiple-length victory. He should love going longer, as well; his pedigree screams distance. We could see improvement this weekend in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2).

7. Enforceable 

Derby Points/Rank: 33 – 3rd

Race Record: (8) 2-2-2

Earnings: $347,150

Breeding: Tapit – Justwhistledixie (Dixie Union)

Owner: John Oxley 

Trainer: Mark Casse 

Last Race: 2nd, Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds 

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike

Analysis: The speed bias really hurt his chances in the Risen Star Stakes (G2); however, he was still able to get up for second in that spot. He has stamped himself as a legitimate Kentucky Derby contender after both of his 3-year-old efforts. The only issue might be his running style; it’s difficult to win the Derby as a closer.

8. Silver Prospector 

Derby Points/Rank: 21 – 6th

Race Record: (8) 3-0-2

Earnings: $713,051

Breeding: Declaration of War – Tap Softly (Tapit)

Owner: Ed Orr and Susie Orr

Trainer: Steve Asmussen  

Last Race: 1st, Southwest Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Brandon “B$” Bauer

Analysis: This colt arrived on the 3-year-old scene in a major way, winning the Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park. The way in which he sat patiently inside of horses was impressive and his turn of foot down the lane was eye-catching. He could be developing into a really nice colt. 

9. Maxfield 

Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 16th

Race Record: (2) 2-0-0

Earnings: $354,412

Breeding: Street Sense – Velvety (Bernardini) 

Owner: Godolphin, LLC

Trainer: Brendan Walsh 

Last Race: 1st, Breeders Futurity (G1) at Keeneland 

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jared Welch

Analysis: This colt was extremely solid as a 2-year-old, which made people excited about his chances in big races this year. Good news came on February 17 when the colt got back on the workout tab for the first time in 2020 and is continue to progress towards a start. We’ll have more on him once we hear where he’s pointing for his seasonal debut. 

10. Charlatan 

Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR

Race Record: (1) 1-0-0

Earnings: $33,000

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, Maiden Special Weight at Santa Anita 

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Mike “Saratoga Slim” Spector  

Analysis: His hype train is already insane, thanks to an ultra-impressive debut that earned him a 105 Beyer speed figure. His pedigree is questionable for the Kentucky Derby distance, though, and it’s really surprising that we hadn’t heard about him before his debut. That’s rare for Baffert, who usually tips his hand with his top runners. Still, there is no doubt that this horse is a very exciting prospect. 

11. Gouverneur Morris

Derby Points/Rank: 4 – 34th 

Race Record: (3) 2-1-0

Earnings: $161,500

Breeding: Constitution – Addison Run (Unbridled’s Song)

Owner: Team Valor International and WinStar Farm LLC

Trainer: Todd Pletcher 

Last Race: 1st, Allowance Race at Tampa Bay Downs  

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Dan “Wise Dan” Waite

Analysis: This horse has always had a lot of hype, which he backed up with a nice win at Tampa Bay Downs against allowance company. He’ll head for a stakes race next (most likely the Gotham [G3]), where we will get a true read on his talents.

12. Independence Hall

Derby Points/Rank: 14 – 11th 

Race Record: (4) 3-1-0

Earnings: $250,000

Breeding: Constitution – Kalahari Cat (Cape Town)

Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Twin Creeks Racing Stables LLC, Kathleen Verratti, and Robert Verratti

Trainer: Michael Trombetta 

Last Race: 2nd, Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Aaron Halterman 

Analysis: His Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) effort was not terrible. He drafted right behind a very fast early pace, then got passed late by Sole Volante. It’s important to note that he was well-clear of third in that race. He’s a solid horse, though perhaps that race raised some distance concerns. He’s reportedly going to train up to the Florida Derby (G1).

13. Honor A. P.

Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR

Race Record: (2) 1-1-0

Earnings: $42,200

Breeding: Honor Code – Hollywood Story (Wild Rush)

Owner: C R K Stable LLC

Trainer: John Shirreffs 

Last Race: 1st, Maiden Special Weight at Santa Anita Park

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White and Ryan Stillman

Analysis: As far as talent goes, this horse has a right to be ranked extremely high, but injuries keep setting him back. He’s slated to make his 2020 debut in the San Felipe Stakes (G2). It’s time to finally see what this horse is all about. 

14. Basin

Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR

Race Record: (3) 2-1-0

Earnings: $261,000

Breeding: Liam’s Map – Appenzell (Johannesburg)

Owner: Jackpot Farm

Trainer: Steve Asmussen 

Last Race: 1st, Hopeful Stakes (G1) at Saratoga 

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White and Ryan Stillman 

Analysis: He was impressive as a 2-year-old, winning the Hopeful Stakes (G1) at Saratoga, but an injury cost him the rest of the season. He’s back working and has the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park as his first goal.   

15. Storm the Court

Derby Points/Rank: 22 – 4th

Race Record: (5) 2-0-1

Earnings: $1,184,951

Breeding: Court Vision – My Tejana Storm (Tejano Run)

Owner: Exline-Border Racing LLC, David Bernsen, Susanna Wilson, and Dan Hudock

Trainer: Peter Eurton 

Last Race: 4th, San Vicente Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White and Ryan Stillman 

Analysis: Most people were not surprised by his dull effort in the San Vicente Stakes (G2), as it was meant more about just getting him started in 2020. Expect him to be better this weekend in the San Felipe Stakes (G2), though we still have major questions about his talent level. 

16. Max Player 

Derby Points/Rank: 10 – 21st

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.

17. Modernist 

Derby Points/Rank: 50 – 2nd 

Race Record: (4) 2-0-1

Earnings: $288,800

Breeding: Uncle Mo – Symbolic Gesture (Bernardini) 

Owner: Pam and Martin Wygood 

Trainer: Bill Mott

Last Race: 1st, Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Magic Mike

Analysis: The upset winner of Division 2 of the Risen Star Stakes (G2) stamped himself a ticket to the Kentucky Derby with that victory. However, the speed figure came back extremely low, so he still has plenty of improving to do next time out. 

18. Three Technique 

Derby Points/Rank: 4 – 37th 

Race Record: (5) 2-3-0

Earnings: $154,750

Breeding: Mr Speaker – Nite in Rome (Harlan’s Holiday)

Owner: August Dawn Farm

Trainer: Jeremiah Englehart 

Last Race: 2nd, Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Mike “Saratoga Slim” Spector 

Analysis: He was really up against it in the Smarty Jones Stakes, having no pace to run into and with a short Oaklawn Park stretch. It’ll be interesting to see how he runs in longer races with different pace dynamics. The Rebel Stakes (G2) should be his next start.

19. Chance It 

Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR

Race Record: (6) 4-2-0

Earnings: $444,910

Breeding: Currency Swap – Vagabon Diva (Pleasantly Perfect)

Owner: Shooting Star Thoroughbreds, LLC

Trainer: Saffie Jospeh Jr. 

Last Race: 1st, Mucho Macho Man Stakes at Gulfstream Park 

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: Jon White/Ryan Stillman 

Analysis: After scratching out of the Fountain on Youth Stakes (G2), he’ll now run this weekend in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2). There is no doubt that his talent level is high; however, his pedigree going long is a major question mark. Saturday’s race will be a crucial test. 

20. Cafe Pharoah  

Derby Points/Rank: 0 – NR (30 via Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby – 1st)

Race Record: (2) 2-0-0

Earnings: $237,059

Breeding: American Pharoah – Mary’s Follies (More Than Ready)

Owner: Koichi Nishikawa  

Trainer: N. Hori 

Last Race: 1st, Hyacinth Stakes at Tokyo Racecourse

Racing Dudes Fantasy League Owner: NONE

Analysis: We might as well add a little Japanese flavor to the mix, especially since this is a son of American Pharoah. This is most likely Japan’s best dirt horse, so if he want to come over for this race, then he should be able to qualify via that series.