4/5/21 by Max

Our leader board is taking final shape, with only two remaining prep races to go. The G3 Coolmore Lexington at Keenland on 4/10, with 20/8/4/2 points available. As well, the big prize, the G1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park on 4/10, with 100/40/20/10 available.

After carefully looking through the point standings, as of today, we find that two trainers have 5 each qualified for the derby. They are Dan of MB Stables and Dave of AER Stables. Quite an accomplishment for both trainers. They’ve been dealt the enviable task of deciding which ones run and which ones don’t.

After searching through the standings, we have noticed that most of the possible Derby contenders on the list have run in the past two weeks. But here is what we found in regards to the possible horses trying to capture those final couple of spot left. Pocantico trained by Smokey, last ran the G3 Gotham on 3/6. He is currently 17^th on the list with 31 points. We assume he is being entered at Oaklawn Park in the G1 Arkansas Derby. We also have War Chant trained by AER. He sits at 20^th on the points list with 24 points and last ran 2^nd in the G2 Rebel at Oaklawn Park, on 3/14. We also believe he will be entered at OP. Also expected at Oaklawn is the very lightly raced, but immensely talented Grayte Cruise trained by GDP Inc. Undefeated in three starts and winner of the G3 Southwest Stakes on 2/15 at OP, he has been freshened up for this. He currently sits at 33^rd on the Derby list with 10 points. The winner and the runner up in the G1 Arkansas Derby will gain a spot in the Kentucky Derby. And depending on who runs 3^rd and 4^th , they could also garner a trip to Churchill Downs. The Coolmore placings could provide Derby entrants as well.

Here is the list Derby Dozen contenders:                   Derby Points            Best SRF #

1)   Howl Of The Hounds    Mb Stables                           160                       95

2)   Evergreen                     MB Stables                           160                      94

3)   Cheesy                         Keikowin Racing                   165                      97

4)   TKO                              Fractious                               150                      96

5)   Locamotive                   AER Stable                           119                      96

6)   Sports Page                 John Henry                            113                     95

7)   Added Value                 Alabarda Stable                    100                     96

8)   Hint Of Sugar               Aridel                                      60                      96

9)   Proud Crown                MB Stables                            60                      95

10) Viral Breakdown           AER Stable                            75                      96

11)  Invade The Storm        Saratoga Stud                       50                      94

12) Smokin Luka                MB Stables                            64                      97

Best of luck to all the trainers that have horses entered this weekend.

It will be interesting to see if any trainers run back on very short rest, to chase their Derby dreams.

Categories: TC 2021-2023