Zenyatta John's Kentucky Derby Dozen #8

OK,

This will be the last update of ZJ's Derby Dozen. I may make final changes prior to the first Saturday in May, but as of now, this is how I see it. As the final days approach, horses will blossom before our eyes forcing good handicappers to rethink his prospects before final wagers are entered.

I made this list Sunday evening April 14th as I needed to get it in the mail, my Derby and Oaks Top 5 will again be published in the Kentucky Derby Digest. Thank you Tracy. So here we go....

1. ORB - colt came to hand nicely the last two months and continues to be on top of his game. He gives Shug his best chance at glory since running the big horse in 1989, Easy Goer. The colt has it all, a robust body, late speed to explode on the far turn, and will run all day into tomorrow. The real deal.

2. MYLUTE - this gigantic colt jumps in debuting as #2. I was thoroughly impressed with the Louisiana Derby as this rugged son of Midnight Lute was extremely game to the end. He posted his final serious workout yesterday that has the racing world talking. Now on Tuesday, Rosie Napravnik was added as his jockey. In the last 24 hours his Derby odds went from 15/1 to 6/1, but a serious colt nonetheless.

3. REVOLUTIONARY - Was staying under the radar as well until WinStar named Calvin Borel as his Derby jockey. I'm not a Calvin fan at all, but all of Kentucky is. His Derby day odds also just took a major hit. But, he is a extremely game colt who never stops running. He seems to be running best through the lane, runs through the wire, and gallops out miles in front. He has a big engine and may be a threat deep stretch.

4. NORMANDY INVASION - He has been my #1 prospect since November. Good news is he keeps his jockey Javier Castellano, bad news is Chad Brown may have turned the screws too tight in his training for the Wood. He has lost significant weight since, has shipped into Churchill Downs, we'll see if he recovers.

5. ITSMYLUCKYDAY - He is the forgotten horse who had two electric races in the winter at Gulfstream Park running tremendously fast. His race in the Florida Derby came off two months rest and he lost his edge. Eddie Plesa will sharpen his game and will enter the gate in Louisville in the same condition or better than when he won his preps in Florida. Lucky will have the lead off the turn and is the one to run down.

6. JAVA'S WAR - Has run two good prep races winning the Bluegrass Stakes last Saturday. He walked out of the gate, settled, and swooped the group for victory. He will have 19 horses to pass in the Derby and a perfect trip will most likely be necessary for him to wear the roses.

7. VERRAZANO - Remained unbeaten winning the Wood Memorial in rather unimpressive fashion. He also keeps Johnny Velasquez, recently hurt in a spill, which is never a good thing as you need a jockey with all his strength to win the toughest race of the year.

8. WILL TAKE CHARGE - This grand looking colt will be coming in fresh. He is a grinding type who lacks an explosive burst, but finds a gear and keeps on chugging. As long as it doesn't rain, has a chance to crash the board at a big price.

9. PALACE MALICE - This son of Curlin wheeled back into the Bluegrass on short rest only to be run down late by Java's War. Some horses respond to more racing on shorter rest, if he excels from that, may have a chance to grab a piece.

10. VYJACK - He lost his last prep breaking his unbeaten streak and now has lost his jockey. Garrett Gomez takes the call, if he can nurse him along and make an explosive late run, he'll pass a few.

11. OVERANALYZE - Was on my 1st Derby Dozen of the season and disappeared until now. He won the Arkansas Derby by open lengths and may be coming into his own. He will need to step it up bigtime as it was the slowest Arkansas Derby in 50 years. Ouch.

12. FRAC DADDY - After tearing off a chunk of his hoof early in the season, has finally come back to the races. He made a strong run for 2nd in the Arkansas Derby and has proven he likes the Churchill Downs surface.

With that, the Derby Prep season has ended. All that awaits is breaking from the gate on May 4th to see who the victor will be. The best of luck to all the connections, horses, and followers.