Zenyatta John's Kentucky 2013 Derby Dozen #5

Here we go again, round #5.

With the two major preps run last weekend at Gulfstream Park and The Fair Grounds, the Road to the Roses is now in full swing.

We saw a big upset in the Risen Star at The Fair Grounds as I've Struck a Nerve scored in a blanket finish. Normandy Invasion broke in a tangle and was well behind for most of the race. He raced under a drive for the last four furlongs and was only beaten a length and a half. The Wood Memorial at Aqueduct will be his final prep for the Derby. He needs the points or he won't be going to the big dance.

The Fountain of Youth was a completely different race. It was run over the typical souped up Gulfstream Park strip. The pace was hot. Violence, who was my number two, made a premature move chasing the fast pace but still held on gamely for second. The winner rallying from way off the pace was Orb. Orb comes from the white hot Shug McGaughey barn owned by his longtime clients - the Phippses and the Janneys. The colt debuted last summer at Saratoga very impressively. He broke slow while racing at 7 furlongs. He shifted gears and closed like a wild horse to get a close third that day to the winner - Violence. That was his 3rd straight win with the last already coming at 9 furlongs. The Florida Derby should be his final prep. Needless to say, he will debut pretty high in the Derby Dozen.

Unfortunately, Violence was injured during the running and most likely will be retired. Already today, there was a hash tag on Twitter #ViolenceFoalNames which is why Twitter is so much fun. I submitted "Anywhere in Jersey", "Driving through Brooklyn", "Cityofangelsmyass", "Electric Chair", and the best was "Soprano Justice". Love Twitter.

Without further ado, ZJ's Derby Dozen #5.

#1 NORMANDY INVASION - retains the top spot as I understand that the Risen Star was only a prep race. After watching it over a few times, I was impressed he was actually able to be that close at the end. He will improve significantly in the Wood Memorial.

2. REVOLUTIONARY - finally got back to work after shipping to Florida. It takes time for horses to adjust to the Florida weather especially coming down from NY. He earned 10 races worth of experience in his last race, but having only one more prep might prove too much to overcome. I'm hoping the foundation he has with all his races proves otherwise.

3. ORB - (new) - This son of Malibu Moon out of Lady Liberty, by Unbridled is bred to run all day long. He has an incredibly strong fluid stride which I enjoyed watching over and over winning the Fountain of Youth. He has already won at 9 furlongs, so the Florida Derby will only serve as adding to his experience without the distance test.

4. ITSMYLUCKYDAY - This explosive son of Lawyer Ron is back to work prepping for the Florida Derby. Looking forward to seeing him run again.

5. TIZ THE TRUTH - This son of Tiznow should be returning to the races for Bob Baffert in the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park. His giant powerful strides made me a believer.

6. FLASHBACK  - Bob Baffert is finally turning the screws on this colt. He worked 6 furlongs today going in 1:10.92, his fastest and furthest workout yet. Baffert said he's been babying him up until that work. He returns this weekend in the San Felipe.

7. OVERANALYIZE - This Repole owned runner finally makes his return to the races this weekend in the Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct. We'll see if he has grown and developed for his 3 year old campaign.

8.  VERRAZANO - This impressive Pletcher runner who has beat nothing in his first two starts is scheduled to run over the quirky Tampa surface n the Tampa Bay Derby. But with Violence out, the Florida Derby might be the place he makes his last prep.

9. TREASURY BILL - (new) - This son of Travers Stakes and Belmont Stakes winner Lemon Drop Kid made a fabulous impression in the San Vicente stakes at Santa Anita. This colt rallied wide on the turn and closed into fast fractions beaten a length for everything. Stretching out should only help this good looking horse.

10. OXBOW - If this horse could ever get consecutive good trips he might be scary. He suffered a bad trip  racing wide again in the Risen Star, but still had the lead off the turn before weakening in the stretch late. Still have faith he can be a top notch colt.

11. ALWAYS IN A TIZ - he came out of his last race with a lung infection. He remained in Oaklawn and he should be ready to go for his next prep.

12. BOLD DANCE - I am still hoping to see him on dirt but it looks like he may go to the Palm Beach on turf then the Blue Grass on the Poly at Keeneland and if all goes well he may crash the board at a huge price Derby Day.

I don't expect too much movement even though there are two preps this weekend. But time will tell. Another ZJ Derby Dozen is in the books.