Jack's Derby Dozen list #5 2/2/10

OK -

It just goes to show you how fragile thoroughbreds are with Winslow Homer now off the Derby Trail. It only takes a few seconds and horses drop off the trail. Go figure it was another fragile offspring of Unbridled's Song. Karma Ernie?

If your interested in looking at other peoples Derby List's - click on the Equidaily link below. Seth Merrow does a fantastic job collecting racing articles and posting them there for your ease of reading. I read the lists all the time. The only person I respected above the rest was Dave Grening of the DRF. He was the only person to take a stand and name someone other that Lookin at Lucky #1. If you don't have your own opinion , what is there to write about ? Not you Rachel...

There are Derby prep races on both coasts this weekend which keeps the action exciting. The Whirlaway at Aqueduct and the Bob Lewis at Santa Anita. Facing a short field , Eightyfiveinafifty will be 2/5 for the Whirlaway while the Lewis will feature the return of American Lion. This long striding son of Tiznow will be out for a tune-up so his best effort is not expected.

So here we go Rachel , Derby Dozen list #5 -

1. Afleet Express - still holds the top spot for now. I need to see him stretch out in his next start which could be the Fountain of Youth but I don't think Jimmy Jerkins plan was two six furlong sprints and then the nine furlong FOY. He might hit the road to find a 1 1/16 mile race prior to coming north for the nine furlong Wood Memorial.

2. Buddy's Saint - looking forward to his 2010 debut.

3. American Lion - makes return Saturday , just looking for a good effort.

4. Eightyfiveinafifty - the freak should win by a pole Saturday , hope he stays healthy.

5. Uptowncharlybrown - Limestone colt on track for the Sam Davis , training and feeling very well according to Mr Hutt - a shareholder in Fantasy Line Stables , owners of Charly. Visit his blog -http://uptowncharlybrown.blogspot.com !!

6. Dublin - have all the faith in the world in this colt and D. Wayne Lucas. Had the throat surgery and is training swiftly over the deep Oaklawn surface. The Southwest is next for him.

7. Conveyance - the big colt will hit the road for his next start, Bullet Bob wants to flaunt his speed and thinks he will blossom on dirt.

8. Lookin at Lucky - I just don't think he has a chance at winning the Derby.

9. Jackson Bend - made first start for Zito who winds up his three yr olds like a grandfather clock - slow and steady. Should improve but want to see more.

10. Pulsion - scratched Sunday with a cough and is regrouping for the FOY.

11. William's Kitten - the Ramsey's best hope.

12. Ron the Greek - can't wait to see him run again - gotta love the deep closers.

13. Tiz Chrome - couldn't get by workmate the other morning and that is never a good sign for a horse reported to be special.

Expect a shake up soon as some horses will break free from the pack and other exposed as sprinters. Imagine only 12 weeks till Derby day.