Racing Dudes Top 20 Kentucky Derby Prospects #3

3. Upstart

Derby Points/Rank: 16 points – 4th

Race Record: (5) 3-1-1

Earnings: $701,880

Breeding: Flatter – Party Silks

Owner: Ralph Evans

Trainer: Richard Violette Jr.

Last Race: Gulfstream Park: Grade 2 Holy Bull on 1/24/15, finished 1st

Projected Next Race: Gulfstream Park: Grade 2 Fountain of Youth

Analysis: This horse finished third in the Breeders Cup Juvenile to Texas Red, and in his first start since that race he dominated a decent field in the Grade 2 Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park. You have to like how that form has held strong, and you can even say that he’s taken a couple of steps forward since that race.  He’ll try to take his next step forward this weekend as the favorite in the Fountain of Youth.