Though the list is out and the top 20 Derby starters have almost already been chosen based on their graded stakes earnings and odds released by the bookmakers but on the Derby trail, there are a number of starters who have been taken off it due to fatigue, injury or simply a different strategy. Of these, the Derby starters need to watch out for some specially the potential contenders for the Kentucky Derby who will now target the Preakness.
Battle Hardened, by Giant’s Causeway has shown both control and no rally for the distance of mile and one sixteenth with a victory at the Grade 3 San Davis Stakes and the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby, both hosted at the Tampa Bay Racetrack. While he won the former, the chestnut colt offered no rally to race leaders and continued to stalk without any fuel to finish sixth in the latter. Looking at his pedigree, distance should come naturally to this colt with absolute no issues with 9.5 furlongs of the Preakness Stakes, especially now when the colt if off the Derby list. Also, he lacks the Beyer to make it to the fresh lot at Kentucky (his best Beyer being 82), a slower field with comparatively worn off racers at Preakness may give him his shot at the trophy.
The Empire Maker colt, Empire Way, out of Delta Princess by A.P.Indy is probably yet to reach his most impressive form that would take him up the winning graph among the better 3yos. Empire Way, as his pedigree suggests should be able to take up the Belmont Stakes distance or any mile and one sixteenth easily without needing much push. However, the colt has failed consistently in all the graded stakes he has been projected into up till now keeping him winless since his maiden break. If age was the criteria for the colt, trainer Mike Harrington is probably planning it right by keeping him off the Derby pressure and bringing him back to the circuit once he is ready. His inheritance boasts of a champion.
Discreet Dancer is another colt to look out for in the future legs of the Triple Crown as there would be a possibility the colt would be in for a solid run as he has proven his comfort with graded stakes and dirt in his three starts. His last race was the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth where he finished third behind Union Rags and News Pending by almost 8 lengths behind the race lead. Trained by Todd Pletcher, this Discreet Cat colt is currently resting and may be very much in form once he is back to the circuit.
With some fine to be thoroughbreds off the Derby trail, it is quite possible there will be an adventurous kick off once the Preakness Stakes contenders list is out. The race will be held 19th May, the third Saturday of the month. To learn more about the race and its traditions, click here.
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