Zenyatta John's 2013 Kentucky Derby Dozen #1

It's back!

ZJ's 2013 Kentucky Derby Dozen #1 has made its return. I admit, it might be flawed from the start as I have three Todd Pletcher horses in the Top 12. Mr Pletcher is only 1/31 since 2000 with his Derby starters, but goodness gracious, he has two million horses to point for the race and he has to get lucky and get another winner sometime right?

As with most Derby Dozens, this is my list of how I project these horses running on the First Saturday in May. It is not a list of the best two year olds and how they preformed. It's a list of horses who I've seen the potential to make a splash in the 2013 Kentucky Derby.

In past years, I have had a Double Dozen of 24 horses, but new this year with be bullpen of Honorable Mentions who I've seen talent in, but need to do something greater to jump onto the Derby Dozen.

As of today, November 28th, the best race of the year has been The Remsen Stakes at 9 furlongs last weekend. Once of the weakest races was the Breeders Cup Juvenile. I have already come out on my Twitter (@pick4win) saying the winner of that race Shanghai Bobby has absolutely NO CHANCE to win the 2013 Kentucky Derby. It was a horribly slow race and he would be better suited aiming for the 7 furlong Swale, the 1 mile Derby Trail, then the Grade 1 King's Bishop as he may excel at sprints and will get lost running in distance races.

So here we go, ZJ's Kentucky Derby Dozen #1 ~

#1 NORMANDY INVASION - this son of Tapit was super impressive running 2nd in the Remsen stakes. He came from far back with an electric run eating dirt to the face every step of the way. He has shown tremendous ability in his three races and can't wait to see his development into 2013 for Chad Brown.

#2 FRAC DADDY - son of Scat Daddy was gallant in defeat in the Kentucky Jockey Club last weekend losing to a runner with much more experience. While he was the loser that day, he may have more room for development as the winner was starting for the 8th time compared to his 3rd lifetime start.

#3 UNCAPTURED - son of Lion Heart won the KJC defeating Frac Daddy in his last showing tremendous heart as he was pinned on the rail, bumped, and fought on to victory. He is the current Future Book favorite in Las Vegas and has been since August. He is scheduled to have a three race prep schedule for 2013.

#4 VIOLENCE - son of Medaglia d'Oro is 2/2 with workmanlike victories. Prior to his first start, my friend and Clocker told me he didn't know who was better, Violence or his workmate. His workmate debuted at Saratoga with more hype than any horse in 20 years. That colt, Archwarrior won his debut but failed in his first stakes sojourn leaving the distinct impression he was way over-hyped. This colt has big lumbering strides and still has a lot of growing up to do. He could be the real deal.

#5 OVERANALYZE - Pletcher's 2nd entry hung in to win the Remsen after being with the pace most of the race. The son of Dixie Union won stakes at 6 furlongs and 9 furlongs, on the pace and off, so with some development he could be a factor in 2013.

#6 LITTLE DISTORTED - this son of Distorted Humor recored the fastest Beyer Speed Figure for any 2 year old of the 2012 season. While it was in a sprint, he has the breeding and style to stretch out. Time will tell if he develops as a 3 year old.

#7 DELHOMME - Pletcher's 3rd entry set the pace in The Remsen stakes while weakening to 3rd getting beat approximately one length. Another son of Dixie Union is bred for speed and distance on both sides and has a chance to be a good one in 2013.

#8 OXBOW - I was very impressed with this colt last weekend breaking his maiden at 7 furlongs at Churchill Downs for D. Wayne Lucas. The good looking son of Awesome Again got better with every start as a baby, showed very good speed in last, but more importantly, has the 'stride' I look for when projecting a Derby Future Book wager and horse.

#9 NORUMBEGA - was one of the first colts to win at 9 furlongs in 2012 as this son of Tiznow blitzed his field at Saratoga in August for Shug McGaughey easily winning at the two turn distance. He had sore shins after that race, but is currently in Florida prepping for his 3 year old season.

#10 POWER BROKER - this son of Pulpit was up the track in the BC Juvenile but still might be Bob Bafferts best hope for the 2013 Derby. He showed tremendous ability in his final prep for the BC, but may not have enjoyed the quirky track they were faced with during the BC.

#11 GOLDENCENTS - son of Into Mischief won the Delta Jackpot in his latest and was 2nd in the Champagne stakes showing good speed in both races. He might have already out run his pedigree, but trainer won the 2012 Derby and this colt is his best chance in 2013.

#12 DEWEY SQUARE - son of Bernardini was impressive winning 2 of his 3 races. The bloodlines on his dam-side might be his downfall, but trainer got the most of Forestry blood in Shackleford and thinks very highly about this colt  saying "he has more talent than two year old I've had".

The Bullpen so far includes ~ He Had Enough, Palace Malice, Tizracer, Orb, Sky Lantern, Long River, Res Judicata, Purple Egg, Tesseron, Linchpin, and War Academy.

That's it, ZJ's 2013 Kentucky Derby Dozen #1 11/28/12 .