Some contenders hold a noticeable advantage before they break from two gates. Others, however, must buck negative trends that go back decades.
For example, no horse with four or fewer career starts has smelled the roses since Exterminator in 1918. So, it does not look good for Showing Up who won the Lexington Stakes on April 22.
Since 1947, the only horse with two preps that won the Kentucky Derby was Sunny’s Halo in 1983. That is a bad omen for Private Vow and Sharp Humor.
Barbaro, Sharp Humor, and Flashy Bull, 1-2-7 in the Florida Derby, will attempt to become the first with a layoff of five weeks or more to score since Needles in 1956.
Runners in Gulfstream’s showcase race that train up to the Derby have not done well when it is staged in April. There are exceptions, but those Florida Derby winners later won at Louisville: Northern Dancer in 1964 following the Blue Grass and Tim Tam in 1958 after the Derby Trial.
No horse since Proud Clarion in 1967 won without a stakes victory in his or her career. Goodbye Flashy Bull, Jazil, Mister Triester, Steppenwolfer, and Storm Treasure.
An even tougher trend to overcome is finishing fifth or worse in the final prep. Iron Liege last performed the feat in 1957. Thus, the odds are stacked against Deputy Glitters, Flashy Bull, and Seaside Retreat.
A pedigree that combines stamina and speed is a big plus. Point Determined is one example. He is bred to love the 1 1/4 miles and is from the first crop of Point Given, winner of the 2001 sophomore races except The Derby, partly because he only had two preps. Bob and John and Jazil were sired by Seeking the Gold, winner of the 1991 Derby.
Other pluses include horses that won at a mile or longer as a juvenile, but it is not a make or break requirement: Deputy Glitters, Keyed Entry, Mr. Triester, Sinister Minister, Steppenwolfer, and Sweetnorthernsaint won without meeting it.
Many horses over the years have failed to handle the Churchill Downs surface. Therefore, arriving early at Louisville and working over the track is important.
Three workouts, with one marked handily, are ideal and indicate the horse should respond when asked to stretch out.
However, it really all comes down to who will put it all together and get a clean trip on May 6.
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