Racing Dudes Top 20 Kentucky Derby Prospects #1

8. Mr. Z

Derby Points/Rank: 12 points – 6th

Race Record: (9) 1-4-2

Earnings: $514,726

Breeding: Malibu Moon – Stormy Bear

Owner: Zayat Stables

Trainer: D Wayne Lukas

Last Race: Oaklawn Park: Smarty Jones Stakes on 1/19/15, finished 3rd

Projected Next Race: Oaklawn Park: Grade 3 Southwest Stakes

Analysis: Everyone is down on him…but why?  Imagine if Mr. Z would have ran a straight stretch race in the Southwest…he would have won by five lengths and most likely would be on every list imaginable as a prime contender.  You have to have faith that Lukas will find a way to get him right, and when he does this one will be hard to beat.  It’s worth noting that he nearly beat Dortmund two races back…and Dortmund is the favorite to win the Kentucky Derby.