Owner: John Fanelli, Cash is King LLC, LC Racing and Paul Braverman

Trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr.

Jockey: Paco Lopez

Breeder: Brian Culnan

Sire: Cross Traffic

Dam: Maime Reilly, by Graeme Hall

Sales Record: $27,000 RNA at Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-year-old in training sale

Race Record: 2-3-2 from nine starts, $565,470

Major Races: G1 Haskell Stakes (2nd), G3 Matt Winn (2nd), G2 Louisiana Derby (2nd), G2 Risen Star (3rd)

Post Position 15, Morning Line 20-1

Progressive colt showed up in a big way in the Haskell, and looked like he'd handle the extra distance of the Kentucky Derby with ease. Ny Traffic has had a good deal of racing experience, and is taking a step forward with each race. He's tactical and gritty, so he should be able to make some noise on the first Saturday in September. 

• 'We Just Have To Be The Best On One Day': Ny Traffic Should Improve Off Haskell Performance
• Kentucky Derby Pedigree Corner: Tiz the Law, Authentic, Honor A. P., And Ny Traffic
• Ny Traffic Has 'Very Good Chance' After Successful Final Breeze
• 'It Doesn't Matter What Year You're In It': Joseph Looking Forward To Ny Traffic's Run In Kentucky Derby
• 'I Think We Have A Legit Chance': Joseph Pleased After Ny Traffic Works In Company With Math Wizard
• 'Another Jump Forward': Joseph Pleased With Ny Traffic's Haskell Performance
• Authentic Just Lasts In Desperate Haskell Finish; Baffert Wins For Ninth Time
• Ny Traffic Bound For Jersey's Haskell After Sharp Gulfstream Drill
• More here

Owner: John Oxley

Trainer: Mark Casse

Jockey: Adam Beschizza

Breeder: Clearsky Farms

Sire: Tapit

Dam: Justwhistledixie, by Dixie Union

Sales Record: $775,000 RNA at Keeneland September sale

Race Record: 2-2-2 from ten starts, $397,150

Major Races: G2 Blue Grass Stakes (4th), G2 Risen Star (2nd), G3 Lecomte (1st), G1 Breeders' Futurity (3rd)

Post Position 3, Morning Line 30-1

Distance should help this well-bred colt, and Casse seems happy with his recent workouts. Enforceable's late-running style might be a detriment in a race without an enormous amount of early speed, but the colt has been touting himself in a big way in the mornings at Churchill Downs. He'll also get an inside post, and Gaffalione may be able to work out a ground-saving inside trip that'll result in a big effort on Derby Day.

• Derby Notes: Final Works On Three Fronts; Shirl's Speight Out With Cough
• A Foggy Morning In Derby Town: Enforceable Breezes Six Furlongs
• Casse: Enforceable 'Has Grown Up A Lot,' But Will Need 'Plenty Of Pace' In Kentucky Derby
• Art Collector Breezes Half-Mile At Churchill In Ellis Park Derby Prep
• Enforceable Tabbed As Lukewarm Favorite In 14-Strong Louisiana Derby
• After Lecomte Win, Casse Hoping To Keep Triple Crown Prep Party Going In Smarty Jones
• More here

Owner/Breeder: Lloyd Madison

Trainer: Greg Foley

Jockey: James Graham

Sire: Hard Spun

Dam: Aristra, by Afleet Alex

Sales record: $200,000 yearling at Keeneland September sale

Race Record: 1-2-1 from six starts, $215,600

Major Races: G3 Indiana Derby (2nd), G2 Risen Star (2nd)

Post Position 5, Morning Line 50-1

He hasn't gotten that top-level win yet, but Major Fed has a dedicated team behind him dedicated to his success. He skipped the Ellis Park Derby and trained up to the Run for the Roses, and while he won't be lower than 20-1 on Derby day, the power of the home team may propel Major Fed beyond his race record.

• 'It's 2020, Anything Can Happen': Derby Contenders Keeping A Close Eye On Mother Nature
• Major Fed Team Decides To Skip Ellis Park Derby, Train Up To Kentucky Derby
• Art Collector Breezes Half-Mile At Churchill In Ellis Park Derby Prep
• 'Unlucky The Last Two Races,' Major Fed Tries To Get Back In Gear In Indiana Derby
• Matt Winn Stakes: Major Fed 'A Step Above' For Team Foley
• More here

Owner: George Hall and SportBLX Thoroughbreds Corp.

Trainer: Steve Asmussen

Jockey: Ricardo Santana, Jr.

Breeder: K & G Stables

Sire: Honor Code

Dam: Fools in Love, by Not For Love

Sales Record: $150,000 RNA at Keeneland September yearling sale

Race Record: 2-1-3 from five starts, $373,500

Major Races: G1 Travers (3rd), G1 Belmont Stakes (3rd), G3 Withers (1st)

Post Position 2, Morning Line 30-1

He ran willingly enough in the Belmont, and all reports from the colt's camp were positive leading up to his third in the Travers. The switch to Asmussen's barn doesn't seem to have affected his workout style; Asmussen tends to work his horses slower, but Max Player went sub-1:00 in his five furlong workout on Monday. The barn switch would typically move him up in my eyes, but if Asmussen isn't changing what the colt has been doing, I'll leave him in the same place on my list as when he was in Linda Rice's barn.

• Derby Notes: Asmussen 'Extremely Excited' About Max Player After Final Breeze
• Max Player Works 'Really Well,' Covers Swift Five Furlongs In Company At Churchill Downs
• Travers Third Max Player Moved To Hall Of Famer Asmussen's Barn
• On To The Derby For Travers Runner-Up Caracaro; Rice Keeping Max Player's Options Open
• Rice Hoping Rosario Keeps Max Player Closer To The Pace In Travers
• 'Level-Headed' Max Player Puts In Final Work For Saturday's Travers
• How Much Was That Horse Worth? Max Player Valued At Seven Figures After Withers Score
• 'Everything Is Going Smoothly' With Travers Contender Max Player
• More here

Owner: Spendthrift Farm, MyRacehorse Stable, Madaket Stables LLC, and Starlight Racing

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Jockey: John Velazquez

Breeder: Peter E. Blum Thoroughbreds, LLC

Sire: Into Mischief

Dam: Flawless, by Mr. Greeley

Sales Record: $350,000 yearling at Keeneland September sale

Race Record: 4-1-0 from five starts, $1,011,200

Major Races: G1 Haskell Stakes (1st), G1 Santa Anita Derby (2nd), G2 San Felipe (1st), G3 Sham Stakes (1st)

Post Position 18, Morning Line 8-1

I sincerely doubt this colt wants a mile and a quarter, but I doubted him in the Haskell over nine furlongs too. He's got heart, and he's got the tactical speed to be dangerous, but I can't seem him winning the Kentucky Derby. He'll likely affect the outcome, however, as he can be expected to be on or just off the early pace.

• Tiz The Law Draws 17; Top Three Choices To Break From Outside Posts In Rescheduled Kentucky Derby
• Kentucky Derby Pedigree Corner: Tiz the Law, Authentic, Honor A. P., And Ny Traffic
• Derby Notes: Attachment Rate, Authentic Turn In Final Breezes
• 'Forgotten Horse' Authentic Completes Penultimate Workout For Kentucky Derby
• Authentic Pulled Up Mid-Workout To Avoid Stricken Horse; Breeze Rescheduled For Tuesday
• Baffert Breezes Derby Candidates Uncle Chuck, Authentic
• Bloodlines: Authentic's Haskell Win Brings Latest Success For Into Mischief, MyRacehorse
• Baffert: Haskell Winner Authentic 'Still Has A Lot Of Improving To Do'
• More here

Owner: Robert LaPenta and Bortolazzo Stable

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: Javier Castellano

Breeder: Whitehall Lane Farm

Sire: Candy Ride

Dam: Citizen Advocate, by Proud Citizen

Sales Record: $975,000 2-year-old at OBS April sale

Race Record: 2-1-0 from three starts, $67,400

Major Races: 

Post Position 7, Morning Line 30-1

An interesting late move by Todd Pletcher to enter this colt in the Derby fray, but the lightly-raced Money Moves is certainly talented. His second-place finish in allowance company last out can be forgiven as he was facing older horses, and walking over to the paddock out of Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas' barn may just be enough to spring the upset in the Run for the Roses.

• 'He's A Remarkable Man': Pletcher Grateful For Hall Of Fame Assistance With Derby Contender Money Moves
• Pletcher Trainee 'Taking A Shot': Allowance Winner Money Moves Confirmed For Kentucky Derby
• Pletcher Waiting For Friday Workouts Before Finalizing Plans For 3-Year-Old Trio
• More here

Owner: Rey Hernandez and Arnaldo Monge

Trainer: Rey Hernandez

Jockey: Martin Garcia

Breeder: Paige Jillian Blu Sky Stables

Sire: Dialed In

Dam: Southern Classic, by Southern Image

Race Record: 2-1-2 from nine starts, $191,290

Major Races: G1 Arkansas Derby (3rd), G3 Lecomte Stakes (4th), G2 Kentucky Jockey Club (2nd)

Post Position 1, Morning Line 50-1

The one-eyed Finnick the Fierce will draw plenty of fan-favoritism, though his credentials may not match his price. He's a cool colt who's run well intermittently, and a good performance could put him in the mix on Derby day. Martin Garcia will be back aboard, which moved the colt up this list, as did his inside post position.

• Finnick The Fierce, Man In The Can Breeze In Advance Of Blue Grass
• Jeff Ruby Steaks: One-Eyed Finnick The Fierce 'Seems To Have Taken To The Polytrack'
• More here

Owner: Raymond Daniels and Wayne Scherr

Trainer: Chris Hartman

Jockey: Miguel Mena

Breeder: Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC

Sire: Hard Spun

Dam: Jenny's Rocket, by Mr. Greeley

Sales Record: $250,000 yearling at Keeneland September

Race Record: 2-0-3 from 10 starts, $199,730

Major Races: Ellis Park Derby (3rd), G3 Indiana Derby (3rd)

Post Position 11, Morning Line 50-1

A step below the best, but the Derby is for dreamers and mid-level trainer Chris Hartman has continued to show that he can work with the best when given the chance. Miguel Mena has had a pretty hot hand all summer at Ellis, so that could move him up, and the colt's owners have a really timely cause that could provide extra luck this year.

• Breeders' Cup Presents Connections: Harbut Carries Dual Legacy, Extra Emotion Into This Year's Derby
• Ellis Park Derby's Attachment Rate, Necker Island Hope To Run For Roses
• $100,000 Claim Necker Island Jumps Into Indiana Derby For New Trainer Chris Hartman
• More here

Owner: Jim Bakke and Gerald Isbister

Trainer: Dale Romans

Jockey: Joe Talamo

Breeder: Mr. and Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin III

Sire: Uncle Mo

Dam: Symbolic Gesture, by Bernardini

Race Record: 1-3-1 from eight starts, $143,732

Major Races: Ellis Park Derby (2nd), G3 Gotham (3rd)

Post Position 13, Morning Line 50-1

Clearly second-best to Art Collector in the Ellis Park Derby, but Romans plans to point this son of Hard Spun to the Run for the Roses. And why not? It's his home track, and the Virginia-bred is improving a bit this year. 

• Kentucky Derby Pedigree Corner: Storm The Court, Attachment Rate, And Sole Volante
• Ellis Park Derby's Attachment Rate, Necker Island Hope To Run For Roses
• Art Collector Records Front-Running Win In Runhappy Ellis Park Derby
• 'Later Developing' Attachment Rate Gives Romans A Shot In Matt Winn
• More here

Owner: Victor Avila (Victoria's Ranch)

Trainer: Juan Carlos Avila

Jockey: Samy Camacho

Breeder: Carhue Investments, Grouseridge Ltd. & Marengo Investments

Sire: Uncle Mo

Dam: Slow Sand, by Dixieland Band

Sales Record: $150,000 at the OBS April sale

Race Record: 2-1-1 from five starts, $340,350

Major Races: G1 Arkansas Derby (2nd), G2 Tampa Bay Derby (1st)

Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5

It was unclear how talented this colt might be after his Tampa Bay Derby victory, but his second-place finish to Nadal in the Arkansas Derby was impressive. The long layoff from May to September could be a concern, but he's a lightly-made animal so there's no reason to think it wouldn't benefit him. King Guillermo is already at Churchill Downs getting used to the surface, and I'll keep a close eye on his works, but as of right now it looks like he'll be a major contender.

• Straight Sets: Nadal Takes Second Division Of Arkansas Derby For Baffert Sweep
• Arkansas Derby: King Guillermo Gets Feel For Oaklawn Surface
• Breeders' Cup Presents Connections: Jockey Camacho Stays Humble Heading To The 'Big Time'
• Named For Martinez' Late Father, King Guillermo A Longshot Dream Come True
• More here

Owner: Global Thoroughbred and Top Racing, LLC

Trainer: Gustavo Delgado

Jockey: Javier Castellano

Breeder: SF Bloodstock

Sire: Uncle Mo

Dam: Peace Time, by War Front

Sales Record: $95,000 weanling at Keeneland November

Race Record: 1-3-0 from four starts, $238,800

Major Races: G1 Travers Stakes (2nd), G3 Peter Pan Stakes (2nd)

Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5

This lightly-raced colt ran a big race in the Peter Pan, especially first time against winners, and took another big step forward in the Travers. He's got all the reason in the world to move up again in the Derby, his third start off the layoff. Caracaro may have been soundly defeated by Tiz the Law, but the late-developing colt ran a solid race and earned his spot in the Run for the Roses.

• On To The Derby For Travers Runner-Up Caracaro; Rice Keeping Max Player's Options Open
• Caracaro 'In Another Category' Than Delgado's Other Derby Starters
• 'Really? I Did That?' Castellano Hoping To Add To Record Six Travers Wins
• Country Grammer Shows Long-Distance Chops Winning Peter Pan
• More here

Owner: John Fanelli, Cash is King LLC, LC Racing and Paul Braverman

Trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr.

Jockey: Paco Lopez

Breeder: Brian Culnan

Sire: Cross Traffic

Dam: Maime Reilly, by Graeme Hall

Sales Record: $27,000 RNA at Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-year-old in training sale

Race Record: 2-3-2 from nine starts, $565,470

Major Races: G1 Haskell Stakes (2nd), G3 Matt Winn (2nd), G2 Louisiana Derby (2nd), G2 Risen Star (3rd)

Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5

Progressive colt showed up in a big way in the Haskell, and looked like he'd handle the extra distance of the Kentucky Derby with ease. Ny Traffic has had a good deal of racing experience, and is taking a step forward with each race. He's tactical and gritty, so he should be able to make some noise on the first Saturday in September. 

• 'Another Jump Forward': Joseph Pleased With Ny Traffic's Haskell Performance
• Authentic Just Lasts In Desperate Haskell Finish; Baffert Wins For Ninth Time
• Ny Traffic Bound For Jersey's Haskell After Sharp Gulfstream Drill
• More here

Owner: Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and Andie Biancone

Trainer: Patrick Biancone

Jockey: Luca Panici

Breeder: Flaxman Holdings Limited

Sire: Karakontie

Dam: Light Blow, by Kingmambo

Sales Record: $20,000 2-year-old at OBS April sale

Race Record: 4-1-1 from seven starts, $323,310

Major Races: G2 Tampa Bay Derby (2nd), G3 Sam Davis (1st)

Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5

He'll need the right trip to win the Derby, but his late-closing style could be especially dangerous when there appears to be plenty of speed signing on for the first Saturday in September. Biancone admitted that he rushed Sole Volante to the Belmont 10 days after winning an allowance race, and that he runs better fresh, so I won't hold the Belmont sixth against him.

• Sole Volante Breezes On Grass In Advance Of Kentucky Derby
• Sole Volante To Train Up To Kentucky Derby; Ete Indien Suffers Setback
• Luca Panici Feeling 'Confident' In Long-Time Partnership With Sole Volante
• Sole Volante To Wheel Back In 10 Days For Belmont Stakes
• More here

Owner: George Hall and SportBLX Thoroughbreds Corp.

Trainer: Linda Rice

Jockey: Joel Rosario

Breeder: K & G Stables

Sire: Honor Code

Dam: Fools in Love, by Not For Love

Sales Record: $150,000 RNA at Keeneland September yearling sale

Race Record: 2-1-3 from five starts, $373,500

Major Races: G1 Travers (3rd), G1 Belmont Stakes (3rd), G3 Withers (1st)

Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5

He ran willingly enough in the Belmont, and all reports from the colt's camp were positive leading up to his third in the Travers. Rice hasn't determined whether he'll point to the Derby yet, but Max Player's late-running style should put him in contention if he does.

• On To The Derby For Travers Runner-Up Caracaro; Rice Keeping Max Player's Options Open
• Rice Hoping Rosario Keeps Max Player Closer To The Pace In Travers
• 'Level-Headed' Max Player Puts In Final Work For Saturday's Travers
• How Much Was That Horse Worth? Max Player Valued At Seven Figures After Withers Score
• 'Everything Is Going Smoothly' With Travers Contender Max Player
• More here

Owner: St. Elias Stable

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: Joe Bravo

Breeder: Cloyce Clark

Sire: Quality Road

Dam: Mary Delaney, by Hennessy 

Sales Record: $400,000 yearling at Keeneland September

Race Record: 2-0-1 from three starts, $188,850

Major Races: G1 Haskell (3rd), G1 Belmont (2nd)

possible for Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5

Unimpressive performance in the Haskell, and Dr Post appears to be more of a one-paced grinder than the kind of horse who can win the Kentucky Derby. Down the road, he ought to try some marathon distances, because he looks like the type to run all day long.

However, should the colt's racing tactics change, he might be worth a second look.

• Dr Post, Authentic Top Probables For 'Win And You're In' Haskell Stakes
• Aftermath: Pletcher, Rice Ponder Next Starts For Belmont's Second- And Third-Place Finishers
• Vincent Viola: 'The Belmont Is Absolutely The Race That I Covet The Most'
• More here

Owner: Jim Bakke and Gerald Isbister

Trainer: Dale Romans

Jockey: Joe Talamo

Breeder: Mr. and Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin III

Sire: Uncle Mo

Dam: Symbolic Gesture, by Bernardini

Race Record: 1-3-1 from eight starts, $143,732

Major Races: Ellis Park Derby (2nd), G3 Gotham (3rd)

Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5

Clearly second-best to Art Collector in the Ellis Park Derby, but Romans plans to point this son of Hard Spun to the Run for the Roses. And why not? It's his home track, and the Virginia-bred is improving a bit this year. 

• Art Collector Records Front-Running Win In Runhappy Ellis Park Derby
• 'Later Developing' Attachment Rate Gives Romans A Shot In Matt Winn
• More here

Owner.Breeder: Godolphin

Trainer: Brad Cox

Jockey: Florent Geroux

Sire: Street Sense

Dam: Collective, by Bernardini

Race Record: 3-2-0 from nine starts, $327,745

Major Races: G3 Indiana Derby (1st)

possible for Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5

Big run at Indiana Grand, and his pedigree says he should love every inch of a mile and a quarter. He improved late in the Ellis Park Derby, so another furlong might be to his liking at Churchill Downs. Shared Sense will need a couple of defections, but it appears likely he'll get them.

• Shared Sense Completes Trainer Brad Cox's Indiana Derby, Oaks Double
• Trainer Brad Cox Has 'Two Live Shots' With Indiana Derby, Oaks Starters
• More here

Owner/Breeder: Winchell Thoroughbreds

Trainer: Steve Asmussen

Jockey: Joe Bravo

Sire: Uncle Mo

Dam: Teardrop, by Tapit

Race Record: 2-0-1 from four starts, $166,850

Major Races: G1 Belmont Stakes (4th), G3 Matt Winn Stakes (3rd)

Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth Park on Aug. 15

Expected to make it into the main body of the field even without points earned in this weekend's Pegasus Stakes, the lightly-raced Pneumatic has a lot of upside for Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen. He'll need to step forward to compete with the best on this list, but Saturday's performance should answer some questions.

• Matt Winn Third Pneumatic Nominated To Triple Crown; Belmont, Haskell Among Options For Next Start
• Equibase Analysis: Pneumatic Might Just Drill Foes In Matt Winn
• More here

Owner: Rey Hernandez and Arnaldo Monge

Trainer: Rey Hernandez

Jockey: Jose Ortiz

Breeder: Paige Jillian Blu Sky Stables

Sire: Dialed In

Dam: Southern Classic, by Southern Image

Race Record: 2-1-2 from nine starts, $191,290

Major Races: G1 Arkansas Derby (3rd), G3 Lecomte Stakes (4th), G2 Kentucky Jockey Club (2nd)

Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5

Expected to make the main field via defections, the one-eyed Finnick the Fierce will draw plenty of fan-favoritism. He's a cool colt who's run well intermittently, and a good performance could put him in the mix on Derby day.

• Finnick The Fierce, Man In The Can Breeze In Advance Of Blue Grass
• Jeff Ruby Steaks: One-Eyed Finnick The Fierce 'Seems To Have Taken To The Polytrack'
• More here

Owner: Victor Avila (Victoria's Ranch)

Trainer: Juan Carlos Avila

Jockey: Samy Camacho

Breeder: Carhue Investments, Grouseridge Ltd. & Marengo Investments

Sire: Uncle Mo

Dam: Slow Sand, by Dixieland Band

Sales Record: $150,000 at the OBS April sale

Race Record: 2-1-1 from five starts, $340,350

Major Races: G1 Arkansas Derby (2nd), G2 Tampa Bay Derby (1st)

Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5

It was unclear how talented this colt might be after his Tampa Bay Derby victory, but his second-place finish to Nadal in the Arkansas Derby was impressive. The long layoff from May to September could be a concern, but he's a lightly-made animal so there's no reason to think it wouldn't benefit him. King Guillermo is already at Churchill Downs getting used to the surface, and I'll keep a close eye on his works, but as of right now it looks like he'll be a major contender.

• Straight Sets: Nadal Takes Second Division Of Arkansas Derby For Baffert Sweep
• Arkansas Derby: King Guillermo Gets Feel For Oaklawn Surface
• Breeders' Cup Presents Connections: Jockey Camacho Stays Humble Heading To The 'Big Time'
• Named For Martinez' Late Father, King Guillermo A Longshot Dream Come True
• More here

Owner: Karl Watson, Mike Pegram, and Paul Weitman

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Jockey: Luis Saez

Breeder: Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC

Sire: Uncle Mo

Dam: Forest Music, by Unbridled's Song

Sales Record: $250,000 yearling at Keeneland September

Race Record: 2-0-0 from two starts, $120,000

Major Races: Los Alamitos Derby (1st)

G1 Travers at Saratoga on Aug. 8

Baffert has compared this colt to Arrogate, at least in terms of his stride length. It remains to be seen whether Uncle Chuck has the talent to back up that comparison, but Saturday's Travers matchup with Tiz the Law should answer a lot of questions. 

• Baffert Breezes Derby Candidates Uncle Chuck, Authentic
• Uncle Chuck Breezes Bullet Six Furlongs At Del Mar
• Baffert 1-2 In Los Alamitos Derby As Uncle Chuck Defeats Thousand Words
• More here

Owner: John Fanelli, Cash is King LLC, LC Racing and Paul Braverman

Trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr.

Jockey: Paco Lopez

Breeder: Brian Culnan

Sire: Cross Traffic

Dam: Maime Reilly, by Graeme Hall

Sales Record: $27,000 RNA at Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-year-old in training sale

Race Record: 2-3-2 from nine starts, $565,470

Major Races: G1 Haskell Stakes (2nd), G3 Matt Winn (2nd), G2 Louisiana Derby (2nd), G2 Risen Star (3rd)

Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5

Progressive colt showed up in a big way in the Haskell, and looked like he'd handle the extra distance of the Kentucky Derby with ease. Ny Traffic has had a good deal of racing experience, and is taking a step forward with each race. He's tactical and gritty, so he should be able to make some noise on the first Saturday in September. 

• 'Another Jump Forward': Joseph Pleased With Ny Traffic's Haskell Performance
• Authentic Just Lasts In Desperate Haskell Finish; Baffert Wins For Ninth Time
• Ny Traffic Bound For Jersey's Haskell After Sharp Gulfstream Drill
• More here

Owner: Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and Andie Biancone

Trainer: Patrick Biancone

Jockey: Luca Panici

Breeder: Flaxman Holdings Limited

Sire: Karakontie

Dam: Light Blow, by Kingmambo

Sales Record: $20,000 2-year-old at OBS April sale

Race Record: 4-1-1 from seven starts, $323,310

Major Races: G2 Tampa Bay Derby (2nd), G3 Sam Davis (1st)

Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5

He'll need the right trip to win the Derby, but his late-closing style could be especially dangerous when there appears to be plenty of speed signing on for the first Saturday in September. Biancone admitted that he rushed Sole Volante to the Belmont 10 days after winning an allowance race, and that he runs better fresh, so I won't hold the Belmont sixth against him.

• Sole Volante To Train Up To Kentucky Derby; Ete Indien Suffers Setback
• Luca Panici Feeling 'Confident' In Long-Time Partnership With Sole Volante
• Sole Volante To Wheel Back In 10 Days For Belmont Stakes
• More here

Owner: Paul Pompa, Jr.

Trainer: Chad Brown

Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.

Breeder: Scott Pierce and Debbie Pierce

Sire: Tonalist

Dam: Arabian Song, by Forestry

Sales Record: $450,000 2-year-old at OBS April sale

Race Record: 2-0-1 from five starts, $117,320

Major Races: G3 Peter Pan Stakes (1st)

G1 Travers at Saratoga on Aug. 8

A high spot on the list for a colt who ran 5th in the Fountain of Youth, but the distance of the Travers should be advantageous for this Chad Brown trainee. I'll be watching him in the mornings, hoping to see a bit more from him, but he didn't look overly taxed winning the Peter Pan.

• Travers 'The Logical Spot' For Peter Pan Winner Country Grammer
• Country Grammer Shows Long-Distance Chops Winning Peter Pan
• More here

Owner: George Hall and SportBLX Thoroughbreds Corp.

Trainer: Linda Rice

Jockey: Joel Rosario

Breeder: K & G Stables

Sire: Honor Code

Dam: Fools in Love, by Not For Love

Sales Record: $150,000 RNA at Keeneland September yearling sale

Race Record: 2-1-1 from four starts, $273,500

Major Races: G1 Belmont Stakes (3rd), G3 Withers (1st)

G1 Travers at Saratoga on Aug. 8

He ran willingly enough in the Belmont, and all reports from the colt's camp have been positive leading up to the Travers. Still, he's more playable underneath the heavier favorites.

• 'Level-Headed' Max Player Puts In Final Work For Saturday's Travers
• How Much Was That Horse Worth? Max Player Valued At Seven Figures After Withers Score
• 'Everything Is Going Smoothly' With Travers Contender Max Player
• More here

Owner: St. Elias Stable

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: Joe Bravo

Breeder: Cloyce Clark

Sire: Quality Road

Dam: Mary Delaney, by Hennessy 

Sales Record: $400,000 yearling at Keeneland September

Race Record: 2-0-1 from three starts, $188,850

Major Races: G1 Haskell (3rd), G1 Belmont (2nd)

Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5

Unimpressive performance in the Haskell, and Dr Post appears to be more of a one-paced grinder than the kind of horse who can win the Kentucky Derby. Down the road, he ought to try some marathon distances, because he looks like the type to run all day long.

However, should the colt's racing tactics change, he might be worth a second look.

• Dr Post, Authentic Top Probables For 'Win And You're In' Haskell Stakes
• Aftermath: Pletcher, Rice Ponder Next Starts For Belmont's Second- And Third-Place Finishers
• Vincent Viola: 'The Belmont Is Absolutely The Race That I Covet The Most'
• More here

Owner: John Oxley

Trainer: Mark Casse

Jockey: Joel Rosario

Breeder: Clearsky Farms

Sire: Tapit

Dam: Justwhistledixie, by Dixie Union

Sales Record: $775,000 RNA at Keeneland September sale

Race Record: 2-2-2 from ten starts, $397,150

Major Races: G2 Blue Grass Stakes (4th), G2 Risen Star (2nd), G3 Lecomte (1st), G1 Breeders' Futurity (3rd)

Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5

Distance should help this well-bred colt, and Casse seems happy with his recent workouts. Enforceable's late-running style might be a detriment, but with the right draw and the right trip, anything is possible.

• Art Collector Breezes Half-Mile At Churchill In Ellis Park Derby Prep
• Enforceable Tabbed As Lukewarm Favorite In 14-Strong Louisiana Derby
• After Lecomte Win, Casse Hoping To Keep Triple Crown Prep Party Going In Smarty Jones
• More here

Owner/Breeder: Pam and Martin Wygod

Trainer: Bill Mott

Jockey: Junior Alvarado

Sire: Uncle Mo

Dam: Symbolic Gesture, by Bernardini

Race Record: 2-0-2 from seven starts, $417,800

Major Races: G2 Louisiana Derby (3rd), G2 Risen Star (1st)

Kentucky Derby on Sept. 5

Another grind-it-out type, but he was unimpressive in the Peter Pan in his most recent start. Modernist is well bred and ran well earlier in the year, but his last two starts Mott hasn't had him in the right place.

• Mott: 'Owner Conversation' To Determine Status Of Modernist After 'Nice And Smooth' Breeze
• Bloodlines Presented By Mill Ridge Farm: Modernist Shows Traits Of Classic Profile
• Fourth Time's The Charm? Alvarado Derby Dreaming With Modernist
• More here

Owner: Linda Shanahan, Sanford Bacon, Dream With Me Stable, Inc., Horse France America, D P Racing LLC and Patrick L. Biancone Racing LLC

Trainer: Patrick Biancone

Jockey: Luca Panici

Breeder: Robert B. Tillyer & Eric Buckley

Sire: Summer Front

Dam: East India, by Mizzen Mast

Race Record: 3-1-1 from seven starts, $407,406

Major Races: G1 Florida Derby (3rd), G2 Fountain of Youth (1st), G3 Holy Bull (2nd)

possible for Kentucky Derby

He makes this list because he's got so many Derby points, but Ete Indien suffered a setback a couple weeks ago and Biancone said he might not make it to the September race. If he does, his speed and size could make him a threat, so he has potential to move up this list with positive reports and workouts.

• Sole Volante To Train Up To Kentucky Derby; Ete Indien Suffers Setback
• Ete Indien's Florida Derby Performance Was Hindered By Cuts To Hind Leg, Lost Shoe
• More here