2020 Kentucky Derby Notable Nine

 

Kentucky Derby 146 Notable Nine

These unusual times we are in make for interesting conversation when thoughts turn to the Kentucky Derby. This year it will be held on the first Saturday in September, only nine days away. There is a talented crop of three-years well prepared for their “run for the roses”. The stand-out is of course, Tiz the Law, who should be on everyone’s ticket. It is his race to win. We present this year’s Notable Nine for your consideration when laying out your Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, and Pentafecta tickets.

#1        Tiz the Law.  Trained by Barclay Tagg and to ridden by Manny Franco, this son of Constitution has already won at the Derby distance in the Travers in impressive fashion. He has also won the Belmont Stakes. He will be the overwhelming favorite. Ranked number one in KD 146 points (372), an experienced handicapper will want to key him in all the exotics.

#2        Art Collector. He will be one of the main competitors having won his last five races including the Ellis Park Derby and the Bluegrass Stakes at Keeneland. Trained by Thomas Drury, Jr. and set to be ridden by Brian Hernandez, he should be among the first pack heading for home. A son of Bernardini, this guy is ranked number three in KD 146 points (150).

#3        Authentic.  Is another that will challenge the favorite. Trained by Hall of Fame trainer, Bob Baffert and scheduled to be ridden by John Velazquez, he will be a force to be reckoned with in this year’s KD 146. He continues to improve with a last out win in the Haskell at Monmouth Park and a 2^nd place finish in the Santa Anita Derby. This son of Into Mischief, ranks second in Derby points with 200.

#4        Caracaro. Is coming into his own with a 2^nd place finish in the Travers at Saratoga and a 2^nd place finish in the Peter Pan at Saratoga. Trained by Gustavo Delgado and with Javier Castellano on top, this guy is sure to be in the hunt. He ranks number ten in the Derby points scheme with 60. A son of Uncle Mo, expect him to secure good position and hit the board.

#5        Honor AP. This guy will be running for top connections under the tutelage of trainer, John Shirreffs, and world renowned jockey, Mike Smith. He come in 2^nd in the Shared Belief at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and won (1^st) in the Santa Anita Derby. A son of Honor Code, he will be in good company coming into the stretch. He ranks number four in KD 146 points (140).

#6        Enforceable. Despite his 4^th place finish in the Bluegrass and his 5^th place finish in the Louisiana Derby at the Fair Grounds, this son of Tapit has the ability to make some hay in KD 146. Solid connections of trainer Mark Casse and up and coming Jockey Adam Beschizza will make it so. This guy has a stellar chance to make it into the exotics. This lad holds the number eleven ranking in KD 146 points (43)

#7        Winning Impression. Don’t let his 7^th place finish in the Ellis Park Derby and 7^th place finish in the Indiana Derby fool you. Trainer, Dallas Stewart, has the steadfast ability to bring his charges to peak performance for the big events. Jockey Joe Rocco is expected to get the call. A son of Paynter, he comes in at number eighteen (20 pts.) on the KD 146 points scale. This gelding is being entered by well experienced ownership and could make a splash.

#8        Max Player. This guy took 3^rd in the Travers and 3^rd in the Belmont and will be a player in KD 146. Ranking number nine on the KD 146 scale, having accumulated 60 points, he should be a chief challenger to the placing’s underneath the winner. Trained by Steve Asmussen with Ricardo Santana up this guy should give a good accord of himself. Another son of Honor Code, he should relish the distance.

#9        Storm the Court. This lad is just beginning to get it going in his three year-old season. He was the winner of the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile last season. In his last he hit the board in 3^rd in the Ohio Derby at Thistledown. He ranks fourteenth (36 pts.) on the KD 146 points chart. Trained by Peter Eurton, he is scheduled to be ridden by Julien Leparoux. A son of Court Vision, he has the opportunity to show his talent.

 

Without fans in the stands this year’s Kentucky Derby may not be the adrenaline producing event of past years, but it will be just as exciting. And our Notable Nine will all be in contention.