ZJ's Derby Dozen 2011 - #1

Well,

I'll be the first to put out my list of Derby Dozen 2011 prospects with a large also eligible list. I think last year I started out with 20 horses - why not, they put 20 in the gate. So everyone from 13-20 will be considered an AE.

Now that all the races with value have been run except a few upcoming races mid-December - it's time to see my ZJ's Derby Dozen #1 -

1. TO HONOR AND SERVE - I think this colt has such tremendous upside, already has enough $$ to ensure he'll get in, and is still a big green baby. I can't imagine the monster he will develop into.

2. ROGUE ROMANCE - this Smarty Jones colt has shown explosive late kick and will run all day long, ran 3rd in the BC Juvenile running 1st time on dirt to fast winner , may develop into a very strong player for Mr McPeek.

3. UNCLE MO - ran freaky fast races including a 1 1/4 on Ragozins that was faster that Zenyatta and Blame got in the Classic. He also ran a freakishly fast Champagne Stakes - most 2 yr old who run this fast this early never live up to their 'hype' as 3yr olds from previous season . They can't sustain or develop any further and regress forever. We'll see, everyone is anointing him the 'Next One' - time will tell ...

4. DANCINGINHERDREAMS - this filly is a total freak. Mr Ward is working backward from the Oaks, so her schedule would be exactly the same. She might be the best horse of the crop regardless of sex.

5. J.B.'S THUNDER -  Little Al has a good one here, ran 4th in the BC Juvenile , has the pedigree to run  all day long. I think he will develop into a top prospect, we'll see how he winters , but he will be a good one.

6. WINE POLICE - was the 2nd most impressive 2 yr old winner at Saratoga last summer to Uncle Mo, can't wait to see if he develops into a explosive 3 yr old.

7. ECONOMIC SUMMIT - broke maiden in style with plenty left , will winter in Florida.

8. TWINSPIRED - ultra impressive maiden breaker, eased up last 1/8 , amazing.

9. MUCHO MACHO MAN - has already run multiple impressive races around two turns, further development would put this one square in the picture the first Saturday in May.

10. DIALED IN - couldn't have encountered more trouble in his debut and won regardless.

11. JAYCITO - switched to Bullet Bob Baffert after BC Juvenile debacle , will run all day but will need to mature mentally over the winter.

12. SHADOW WARRIOR - a sleeper with tons of pedigree , hope this one comes around by spring.

That's it for now- I have another 10-15 horses on the list but without much to separate them, I'll keep them under wraps for now and give you time to let ZJ's Derby Dozen #1 sink in for a while.