ZJ's Kentucky Derby Dozen #4

Yes,

It's number ZJ's #4 already. I made slight changes along the way as we lost a few horses and didn't do any write ups, but now I'm prepared for the new one.

I have four horses debuting today so that means I've had four horses drop off the list for one reason or another. New Years Day has been retired. Tap it Rich, who may have the most untapped potential of any of this class is also been dropped. After getting beat 52 lengths in his last race at Hollywood, Baffert needs to start from scratch with him after an extended vacation. Mexicoma and Smart Cover were also dropped for horses who have burst on the scene with unlimited potential and have the look to me of a Triple Crown horse.

Here we go - ZJ's Derby Dozen #4.

1. SHARED BELIEF - retains his status as top dog and from what I've read may only have two preps on his road to the Derby.

2. HONOR CODE - this router is prepping nicely in Florida for his return.

3. CAIRO PRINCE - this fellow is also spending his winter in Florida, had a nice move last week as he gets himself ready for new battles ahead.

4. WICKED STRONG - moves up a spot today with the retirement of New Years Day and his maiden breaker was flattered when a colt behind him broke his maiden impressively this week.

5. GOLD HAWK - this son of Empire Maker made his route debut Friday and passed that test impressively while getting three races worth of education out of it. He broke from the rail, was taken back to last, eased off the rail on the backstretch, moved 4 wide around the far turn, bumped with two rivals in the stretch, but was straightened out and drew off to win by 3. Big building blocks were achieved.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/FG/2013/12/27/9/race-9-aoc-at-fg-on-12-27-13

6. CANDY BOY - (new) - this son of Candy Ride makes his debut pretty high on the list as he did something you rarely see older horses do while losing to my #1 Shared Belief in the Hollywood Futurity on 12/14. He exploded down the backside passing the entire field, but sustained this powerful run, only to be overtaken by Shared Belief. If he continues to build on that and his jockey makes better decisions, he will be a force to be reckoned with.
 http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/BHP/2013/12/14/9/cashcall-futurity-gr-i

7. TAPITURE - stretching his legs while prepping for his first start as a 3 year old.

8. STRONG MANDATE - had a shockingly fast workout the other day, so he may be maturing into a fine 3 year old for Coach Lukas.

9. ALMOST FAMOUS - is in South Florida and will start ramping up his training soon.

10. COOL SAMURAI - (new) - this colt made his debut in Wicked Strong's maiden breaker and was shipped back from NY to California with the Jon Shirreffs stable. He returned 12/27 at Santa Anita with a powerful run to break his maiden around two turns. His conservative trainer may be his only downfall on the road to the roses.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/SA/2013/12/27/3/race-3-msw-at-sa-on-12-27-13

11. HAVANA - part of the Pletcher brigade who should make some noise at least until April.

12. UNCLE SIGH - (new) - a very nice horse with a ridiculous name made a splash in his debut and returned to break his maiden impressively around two turns stretching his legs with a gorgeous stride drawing off by 14 lengths. The son of Indian Charlie out of a mare who had a Brooklyn Stakes winner will prep in NY and the sky is the limit.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/AQU/2013/12/27/6/race-6-msw-at-aqu-on-12-27-13

13. UNKNOWN ROAD - (new) - this son of Bernardini makes his debut at #13 only because he has yet to go two turns. He make a spectacular run to finish 2nd to Coup de Grace at Aqueduct who went on to repeat recently at Gulfstream Park. Unknown Road was switched to Al Stall and shipped to the Fair Grounds where he came back running a hole in the wind to break his maiden. He is out of a distance mare Banshee Winds who already produced champion Banshee Breeze so the further the better for this colt.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/FG/2013/12/19/4/race-4-msw-at-fg-on-12-19-13

The bullpen is still deep, I may write another story just about the 'up and comers' - but that is for another day.

Today, simply enjoy ZJ's Derby Dozen #4.