Kentucky Derby 147

 The best day on the racing calendar is here as we look in on the Twin Spires in Ol' Kentucky.

Churchill Downs Race 12 {Kentucky Derby~G1~1 1/4 mile~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

With one scratch yesterday, a field of nineteen will enter the the twenty hole gate.

Past Performances used:  DRF Classic.

There is enough speed to carry a strong and honest pace, Beyer speed figs are all fairly close with a number in here showing nice progressions. Focused and superb workouts have been turned in by a good number in this field. There is certainly parity in this three year-old crop. This should be the best race of the year. Good luck to all.

#14 Essential Quality (L. Saez / B. Cox) is the deserved favorite as he has done nothing wrong and should remain undefeated. The third highest last out speed number and two quality workouts make him the top pick. A handsome son of Tapit, he holds an 100% win rate from five career starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#10 Midnight Bourbon (Smith / Asmussen) Will challenge with the fourth highest last out speed number and four super powered workouts. He exits a second place finish in the Louisiana Derby last out at the Fair Grounds. This son of Tiznow, is 100% in the money from seven career starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#9 Hot Rod Charlie (Prat / O'Neill) should contend with the second highest last out speed number and four dynamic workouts. This guy was the winner in the Louisiana Derby in his last race. Look for him to stay close to the pace-setters. A son of Oxbow, he is 72% in the money from seven career starts.

$2 SHOW(

Others that could hit the board

#8 Medina Spirit (J. Velazquez / Baffert) is a consistent sort with three excellent last out speed figs and four workmanlike works. This guy should be forwardly placed ready for battle. A son of Protonico, he is 100% in the money from five career starts.

#7 Mandaloun (Geroux / B. Cox) should make a dramatic improvement from his Louisiana Derby performance, especially with a brilliant workout tab of four including two bullets. This guy should run mid-pack looking for racing room. A son of Into Mischief, he is 80% in the money from five career starts.

#17 Highly Motivated (Castellano / C. Brown) is heading into the third race of his form cycle after battling the KD 147 favorite last out in the Bluegrass Stakes. He should strategically run mid-pack and strike in the stretch. Another son of Into Mischief, he is also 100% in the money from five career starts.

#1 Known Agenda (I. Ortiz / Pletcher) has shown good improvement along the Derby trail, The Florida Derby winner will be tracking the pace. He has put in three solid workouts in preparation for the big race. A son of Curlin, he is 83% in the money from six career starts.

#20 Bourbonic (Carmouche / Pletcher) will be flying from the clouds when the pack turns for home. His speed figures have improved in each of his last three races. He has put in two good works prepping for the race. A son of Bernardini, he is 66% in the money from six career starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel

#14 Essential Quality  //  #10,  #9,  #8,  #7,  #17,  #1,  #20.