Jack's Derby Dozen list #4

K-

The preps were in full swing now that they started in Gulfstream and the Fair Grounds this past Saturday.

The Holy Bull was a great comeback race for Winslow Homer.He looks just like his daddy - Unbridled's Song (without the egg bar shoes - of course) - neither wanted to reach out for a whole lotta ground but a very efficient stride nonetheless ... I believe he was only about 70% for that race and will be cranked up for a fast test ride in the Fountain of Youth.

I really wasn't impressed with Jackson Bend. He still has the chance to get better for sure, but i downgraded him on my list a few pegs.

I was impressed with Ron the Greek who won the Lecomte at the Fair Grounds with astounding ease. Going in i liked Citrus Kid who looked to have a speed advantage and boxed him with both Ron the Greek and Maximus Ruler who ran one - two and the 'Kid' was nowhere to be seen.

Ron the Greek give me the impression that he'll run all day and it wasn't a fluke winning the race. I could see him stretching his legs and lengthening his stride in the stretch and was screaming at the TV since the race caller didn't even see him till he was already in front! I hope he continues to develop.

So here it is - list #4 - Jack's Derby Dozen -

1. Afleet Express - can't wait to see more from this ultra talented colt training in Fla for Mr Contessa. He showed gameness and 'the stride' that wins the Derby when he was laying it down the last quarter mile in his debut win - that's after falling on his head and getting left three lengths. I was hoping for an allowance but he may wind up in the FOY as well.

2. Buddy's Saint - Mr Levine is afraid to put him on the track after losing The Mallet to a training accident earlier in the week. May ship to NY - up in the air right now ....

3. American Lion - this Tiznow colt has a humongous stride and may well end up to be Cal's most talented 3 yr old. Mr Harty is fine tuning him for his return.

4. Winslow Homer - show his dad's stride as he kicked away in the Holy Bull at Gulfstream, feel he was short and has the potential to develop into a beast. The FOY should be a trot around the bases.

5. Eightyfiveinafifty - the fastest 3 yr old in training and continues to burn up the track with a 58 bullet the other morning - lightning in a bottle?

6. Uptowncharlybrown - can't wait to see him go long in the Sam Davis, he has such a powerful way of finishing - Currently two for two and I think he's the real deal.

7. Jackson Bend - made an OK return, figured Zito would have has him wound a bit tighter but he still has three races till 5/1/2010.

8. Dublin - have high hopes for this son of Afleet Alex, looking forward to him getting around the two turns soon, maybe the Southwest at Oaklawn.

9. Lookin at Lucky - don't feel 1 1/4 miles is what he's lookin for.

10. Pulsion - training in Fla for Cobra Venom Biancone - should show up in the FOY.

11. Conveyance - was green but showed plenty of talent winning the San Rafael for the loaded Bob Baffert. Has plenty of room to grow.

12. William's Kitten - showed enough in Holy Bull to move forward to the FOY in very good shape. Might need at least 9 furlongs to get going on the dirt.

13. Ron the Greek - aaah, gotta love the deep closer - this bad boy showed a solid run down the stretch and was in a completely another gear than the rest, has a huge motor , he's the real deal and will make his presence felt in the future for sure.

14. Tiz Chrome - now that Bullet Bob lost Take Control from the Triple Crown trail - this colt will step in with a breakout effort next out.


I did have to drop some horses like Take Control and Super Saver who has yet to work since winning at Churchill late in the fall. Its almost too late to get started now and be perfect come Derby day. I also dropped Connamera who faileld to impress chasing the lone speed in the Cal derby. Mr Pletcher will have one of his colts step up soon.

That's it - how I see it as of Sunday 1/24.