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Kentucky Derby 134 field

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nd_iid.19208

PP Horse Jockey Trainer Owner Track Odds

1 Cool Coal Man Julien Leparoux Nick Zito Robert LaPenta 20-1

2 Tale of Ekati Eibar Coa Barclay Tagg
Charles Fipke 15-1

3 Anak Nakal Rafael Bejarano Nick Zito
Four Roses Thoroughbreds
30-1

4 Court Vision Garrett Gomez
Bill Mott WinStar Farm and IEAH Stables 20-1

5 Eight Belles Gabriel Saez J. Larry Jones
Fox Hill Farms 20-1

6 Z Fortune Robby Albarado
Steve Asmussen
Zayat Stables LLC 15-1

7 Big Truck Javier Castellano Barclay Tagg Eric Fein 50-1

8 Visionaire Jose Lezcano Michael Matz Team Valor Int’l. & Vision Racing 20-1

9 Pyro Shaun Bridgmohan
Steve Asmussen Winchell Thoroughbreds 6-1

10 Colonel John Corey Nakatani
Eoin G. Harty
WinStar Farm 4-1

11 Z Humor Rene Douglas William Mott Zayat Stables 30-1

12 Smooth Air Manoel Cruz Bennie Stutts, Jr. Mount Joy Stables Inc. 20-1

13 Bob Black Jack Richard Migliore
James Kasparoff
Jeff Harmon and Tim Kasparoff 20-1

14 Monba Ramon Dominguez Todd Pletcher Starlight, Lucarelli and Saylor 15-1

15 Adriano Edgar Prado Graham Motion Courtlandt Farm
30-1

16 Denis of Cork Calvin Borel
David Carroll
William and Suzanne Warren Jr. 20-1

17 Cowboy Cal John Velazquez
Todd Pletcher Stonerside Stable 20-1

18 Recapturetheglory E. T. Baird Louie J. Roussel, III Ronnie Lamarque
20-1

19 Gayego Mike Smith Paulo Lobo Cubanacan Stables 15-1

20 Big Brown Kent Desormeaux Rick Dutrow IEAH Stable and Paul Pompa 3-1

20-1

Cool Coal Man

Trainer: Nick Zito
Trainer: Julien Leparoux
Owner: Robert LaPenta
Breeder: Will Farish, E.J. Hudson Jr., and Irrevocable Trust

Fountain of Youth winner Cool Coal Man has emerged from the Zito pack to take a leading role, but he still has to take a backseat to his stablemate, champion War Pass. It took Cool Coal Man three tries to break his maiden, but he is undefeated in his first two starts in 2008 at a mile and an eighth. Like his sire, Mineshaft, Cool Coal Man should continue to improve with age and distance. Owner Robert LaPenta expected good things as the colt in the Blue Grass (gr. I), but got a surprise when his other entry, longshot Stevil, came home fourth, while Cool Coal Man faded badly in the stretch to finish ninth.

Auction History Year Sale Price 2006 Keeneland September Yearling Sale $200,000 Racing History Date Race Name Distance Finish Earnings 04/12/08 Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) 9f 9 $0 02/24/08 Fountain of Youth (gr. II) 9f 1 $210,000 01/26/08 Allowance 9f 1 $25,800 11/24/07 Kentucky Jockey Club (gr. II) 8.5f 7 $2,767 11/03/07 Allowance 8.5f 1 $31,264 10/10/07 MSW 1M70Y 1 $24,000 09/08/07 MSW 8f 2 $10,600 08/18/07 MSW 7f 4 $3,100

Record: 8 Starts, 4-1-0 | Total Earnings: $307,531

Cool Coal Man Mineshaft A. P. Indy Prospectors Delite Coral Sea Rubiano South Sea Dancer

15-1

Tale of Ekati

Trainer: Barclay Tagg
Jockey: Eibar Coa
Owner: Charles Fipke
Breeder: Charles Fipke

Tale of Ekati broke his maiden impressively at first asking last July at Belmont. He stamped his credentials further with a win the Futurity (gr. II), also at Belmont. After a wide trip in the Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I), where he wound up fourth, trainer Barclay Tagg took him to Florida for the winter. Training at Palm Meadows, Tale of Ekati returned this year in the Louisiana Derby (gr. II), finishing a non-threatening sixth after a poor break. Somewhat forgotten by the public after that performance, he came back to upset War Pass in the Wood Memorial (gr. I), strengthening Tagg's Derby hand. The veteran conditioner won the Derby with his first starter in the race, Funny Cide in 2003, and subsequentely saddled Showing Up (2006) and Nobiz Like Shobiz (2007) to off-the-board finishes.

Auction History Year Sale Price 2006 Keeneland September Yearling Sale $180,000 2007 Fasig-Tipton Florida Select 2-Year Olds $350,000 --> Racing History Date Race Name Distance Finish Earnings 04/05/08 Wood Memorial (gr. I) 9f 1 $450,000 03/08/08 Louisiana Derby (gr. II) 8.5f 6 $6,000 10/27/07 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) 8.5f 4 $102,000 09/15/07 Futurity Stakes (gr. II) 7f 1 $150,000 07/26/07 Sanford Stakes (gr. II) 6f 2 $30,000 07/07/07 MSW 5.5f 1 $31,200

Record: 6 Starts, 3-1-0 | Total Earnings: $769,200

Tale of Ekati

Tale of the Cat Storm Cat Yarn Silence Beauty (JPN) Sunday Silence Maplejinsky

30-1

Anak Nakal

Trainer: Nick Zito
Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
Owner: Four Roses Thoroughbreds
Breeder: Buckram Oak Farm

After a good 2-year-old season, when he won two of three starts, including the Kentucky Jockey Club (gr. II) at Churchill Downs, Anak Nakal has had a less than stellar campaign this year. In the Fountain of Youth (gr. II) and Rebel (gr. II), he didn't really fire at all. He fared a little better in the Wood (gr. I), but the race was overshadowed by all the press his stablemate, War Pass, was receiving. But after that one was injured, Anak Nakal has stepped into the Derby picture for Nick Zito, who also has Cool Coal Man prepping for Churchill Downs. Rafael Bejarano will be aboard the son of Victory Gallop for the Derby.

Racing History Date Race Name Distance Finish Earnings 04/12/08 Wood Memorial (gr.I) 9 f 5 $22,500 03/15/08 Rebel (gr.II) 8.5 f 7 $0 02/24/08 Fountain of Youth (gr. II) 9 f 8 $0 11/24/07 Kentucky Jockey Club (gr. II) 8.5 f 1 $168,156 10/28/07 Nashua (gr. III) 8 f 2 $21,560 09/28/07 Maiden @ Belmont 7 f 1 $31,200 Record: 6 Starts, 2-1-0 | Total Earnings: $243,416

Anak Nakal Victory Gallop Cryptoclearance Victorious Lil Misk Quiet American Perlee

20-1

Court Vision

Trainer: Bill Mott
Jockey: Garrett Gomez
Owner: WinStar Farm and IEAH Stables
Breeder: W. S. Farish & Kilroy Thoroughbred Partnership

Court Vision won three of four starts at two, including the Iroquois (gr. III) and Remsen (gr. II). He didn't make his first start until Sept. 7, which probably made a start in the Breeders' Cup a case of too much, too soon for conservative trainer Bill Mott. Mott took the colt to Payson Park in Florida to ready for his 3-year-old campaign. Court Vision began this year in the Fountain of Youth, finishing third after a wide trip. He had another third in the Wood Memorial (gr. I), closing from far back with yet another wide trip. Trainer Bill Mott has yet to hit the board with the four horses he has run in the Kentucky Derby. WinStar Farm was second in 2006 with Bluegrass Cat and 8th with Any Given Saturday last year. Co-owner IEAH also owns top Derby contender Big Brown.

Auction History Year Sale Price 2006 Keeneland September Yearling Sale $180,000 2007 Fasig-Tipton Florida Select 2-Year Olds $350,000 Racing History Date Race Name Distance Finish Earnings 04/05/08 Wood Memorial (gr. I) 9f 3 $75,000 02/24/08 Fountain of Youth (gr. II) 9f 3 $35,000 11/24/07 Remsen (gr. II) 9f 1 $120,000 10/28/07 Iroquois (gr. III) 8f 1 $101,872 10/06/07 MSW 8.5f 1 $31,270 09/07/07 MSW 6f 2 $4,400 Record: 6 Starts, 3-1-2 | Total Earnings: $367,542

Court Vision

Gulch Mr. Prospector Jameela Weekend Storm Storm Bird Weekend Surprise

15-1

Eight Belles

Trainer: J. Larry Jones
Jockey: Gabriel Saez
Owner: Fox Hill Farms
Breeder: Robert N. Clay & Serengeti Stable

Eight Belles will attempted to become the fourth filly in to win the Derby, and the first since Winning Colors won twenty years ago. She is certainly coming into the race the right way, riding a four-race winning streak. Her winning margins have decreased as the competition has gotten tougher, but she was well in hand in both the Honeybee (gr. III) and the Fantasy (gr. II). Her speed figures have been comparable to the colts, which went a long way in prompting her connections to try the Derby instead of the Oaks. Trainer Larry Jones also has the top-class filly Proud Spell, meaning he could pull off an Oaks-Derby double, a feat that hasn't been accomplished since Ben Jones did it in 1952.

Auction History Year Sale Price 2006 Keeneland September Yearling Sale $375,000 Racing History Date Race Name Distance Finish Earnings 04/06/08 Fantasy (gr. II) 8.5 f 1 $150,000 03/16/08 Honeybee (gr. III) 8.5 f 1 $60,000 02/17/08 Martha Washington 8 f 1 $30,000 01/21/08 Allowance @ Fair Grounds 8 f 40 yds 1 $24,000 12/23/07 Allowance @ Fair Grounds 8.5 f 2 $8,000 11/30/07 Allowance @ Fair Grounds 8 f 7 $250 10/30/07 Maiden @ Delaware 8 f 70 yds 1 $24,000 10/15/07 Maiden @ Delaware 8.5 f 3 $4,400 09/16/07 Maiden @ Delaware 5.5 f 2 $8,000 Record: 9 Starts, 5-2-1 | Total Earnings: $308,650

Eight Belles

Unbridled's Song Unbridled Trolley Song Away Dixieland Band Be a Prospector

15-1

Z Fortune

Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Robby Albarado
Owner: Zayat Stables LLC
Breeder: Delahanty Stock Farm

Z Fortune was favored at 3-5 in the Rebel Stakes, but could do no better than 5th. The New York bred Z Fortune started off his career in modest fashion, easily winning a state-bred maiden and entry level allowance late last year. A switch to open company in the January 12 LeComte (gr. III) yielded another win. The first blemish on his record came when second in the Risen Star (gr. III) to stablemate Pyro, certainly no disgrace as that one has gone on to distinguish himself with a win in the Louisiana Derby (gr. II). And after finishing fifth in the Rebel (gr. II), trainer Steve Asmussen was at a loss to explain the poor performance. Z Fortune bounced back in the Arkansas Derby (gr. II), with a solid second after a wide trip.

Auction History Year Sale Price 2006 Fasig-Tipton July Selected Yearling Sale $80,000 Racing History Date Race Name Distance Finish Earnings 04/12/08 Arkansas Derby (gr. II) 9f 2 $200,000 03/15/08 Rebel Stakes (gr. II) 8.5f 5 $9,000 02/09/08 Risen Star (gr. III) 8.5f 2 $60,000 01/12/08 LeComte (gr. III) 8f 1 $60,000 12/07/07 New York bred Allowance 1 M 70 yds 1 $30,000 10/20/07 New York bred Maiden 7f 1 $27,600 Record: 6 Starts, 3-2-0 | Total Earnings: $386,600

Z Fortune

Siphon (BRZ) Itajara (BRZ) Ebrea Fortunate Faith Fortuante Prospect Keep the Faith

50-1

- Big Truck

Trainer: Barclay Tagg
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Owner: Eric Fein
Breeder: A. Lakin and Sons

Big Truck hails from the Barclay Tagg barn, the same conditioner who brought another New York bred, Funny Cide, to the Kentucky Derby winner's circle five years ago. And just like Funny Cide, Tagg started Big Truck off in state bred races, easily winning a maiden and the Bongard Stakes before going down to the another highly regarded Empire State horse, Giant Moon, in the Sleepy Hollow. Being a soon of the sprinter Hook and Ladder, it looked as though Big Truck would have trouble going a route of ground, but he is out of a mare by 1994 Derby winner Go for Gin, which should add some stamina. Lately, he has taken well to the Tampa Bay Downs surface, scoring a big win with a strong closing move, in the Tampa Bay Derby (gr. III). All signs were pointing to a big effort in the Toyota Blue Grass (gr. I), but Big Truck didn't run anywhere near his earlier performances, coming in last of eleven.

Auction History Year Sale Price 2007 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds Sale $90,000 Racing History Date Race Name Distance Finish Earnings 04/12/08 Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) 9 f 11 $0 03/15/08 Tampa Bay Derby (gr. III) 8.5 f 1 $180,000 02/16/08 Sam F. Davis 8.5 f 2 $35,000 01/05/08 Hutcheson (gr. II) 7 f 5 $4,500 11/24/07 Remsen (gr. II) 9 f 4 $10,000 10/20/07 Sleepy Hollow 8 f 3 $10,000 09/23/07 Bertram Bongard 7 f 1 $63,780 08/23/07 Maiden 6 f 1 $33,600 Record: 8 Starts, 3-1-1 | Total Earnings: $336,880

Big Truck

Hook and Ladder Dixieland Band Tianna Just a Ginny Go for Gin Evangelic

20-1

Visionaire

Trainer: Michael Matz
Jockey: Jose Lezcano
Owner: Team Valor Int’l. & Vision Racing
Breeder: Reiley Mcdonald

Trained by Michael Matz, as was Barbaro, Visionaire began his career in the mid-Atlantic, much like the 2006 Derby winner. Visioniare beat the highly regarded Elysium Fields in his maiden win. After an easy allowance win at Gulfstream Park in early January, he ran a respectable third behind Pyro in the Risen Star (gr. III) at Fair Grounds. Making his fifth start in as many tracks in the March 8 Gotham, he closed from last to just get up in time for the win. Visionaire had his final Derby prep in the Toyota Blue Grass (gr. I) April 12 at Keeneland. Breaking from post 11, he was far back early, caught behind a slow pace. He was one of the few horses to make up ground in the late stages, which could be a big benefit come the first Saturday in May.

Auction History Year Sale Price 2006 Fasig-Tipton August Yearling Sale $300,000 2007 Fasig-Tipton Florida February Two-Year-Old Sale $90,000 2007 Ocala Breeders' June Two-Year-Old Sale $220,000 Racing History Date Race Name Distance Finish Earnings 04/12/08 Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) 9f 5 $22,500 03/08/08 Gotham (gr. III) 8.5 f 1 $150,000 02/09/08 Risen Star (gr. III) 8.5 f 3 $30,000 01/04/08 ALW 8 f 1 $24,300 10/23/07 MDN 8 f 1 $15,960 10/07/07 MDN 6 f 2 $8,000 Record: 6 Starts, 3-1-1 | Total Earnings: $250,760

Visionaire

Grand Slam Gone West Bright Candles Scarlet Tango French Deputy Silver Tango

6-1

Pyro

Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds
Breeder: Winchell Thoroughbreds

Even though he won just one of four starts, Pyro had a strong 2-year-old campaign. He finished behind 2007 Eclipse champion War Pass all three times he faced him, including a second in the Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I). Now stabled at Fair Grounds with trainer Steve Asmussen, Pyro will take the Louisiana road to the Derby. After wins in both the Risen Star (gr. III) and the Louisiana Derby (gr. II), the April 12 Toyota Blue Grass (gr. I) served as his final Kentucky Derby (gr. I) prep. Things certainly went awry for the potential Kentucky Derby favorite, as he managed to beat only one horse at Keeneland. The connections feel it was a dislike for the synthetic track, and are drawing a line through the race and expecting a big effort at Churchill Downs.

Auction History Year Sale Price 2006 Fasig-Tipton New York Saratoga Select Yearling Sale $200,000 --> Racing History Date Race Name Distance Finish Earnings 04/12/08 Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) 9f 10 $0 03/08/08 Louisiana Derby (gr. II) 8.5f 1 $360,000 02/09/08 Risen Star (gr. III) 8.5f 1 $180,000 10/27/07 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) 8.5f 2 $400,000 10/06/07 Champagne (gr. I) 8f 2 $80,000 08/26/07 Allowance/Optional Claiming 6f 3 $6,700 07/07/07 MSW 6f 1 $30,018 Record: 7 Starts, 3-2-1 | Total Earnings: $1,056,718

Pyro

Pulpit A. P. Indy Preach Wild Vision Wild Again Carol's Wonder

4-1

Colonel John

Trainer: Eoin G. Harty
Jockey: Corey Nakatani
Owner: WinStar Farm
Breeder: WinStar Farm

California based Colonel John would be trainer Eoin Harty's first Kentucky Derby starter. The former Bob Baffert assistant saddled Colonel John to a win in the Real Quiet Stakes at Hollywood last November, and then followed that up with a second as the favorite in the CashCall Futurity (gr. I) a month later at the same track. Given a bit of a break by Harty, the son of Tiznow returned in the March 1 Sham Stakes (gr. III), besting the previously undefeated El Gato Malo. In his final race before the Kentucky Derby, he turned in a powerhouse race to take the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I). This will be trainer Eoin Harty's first starter in the Kentucky Derby, while owner WinStar farm finished second in 2006 with Bluegrass Cat and 8th last year with Any Given Saturday.

Auction History Year Sale Price 2006 Keeneland September Yearling Sale $180,000 --> Racing History Date Race Name Distance Finish Earnings 04/05/08 Santa Anita Derby(gr. I) 9f 1 $450,000 03/01/08 Sham Stakes (gr. III) 9f 1 $120,000 12/22/07 CashCall Futurity (gr. I) 8.5f 2 $150,000 11/18/07 Real Quiet Stakes 8.5f 1 $65,900 10/07/07 MSW 7f 1 $25,800 08/19/07 MSW 6f 2 $13,600 Record: 6 Starts, 4-2-0 | Total Earnings: $925,300

Colonel John

Tiznow Cee's Tizzy Cee's Song Sweet Damsel Turkoman Grande Dame

30-1

Z Humor

Trainer: William Mott
Jockey: Rene Douglas
Owner: Zayat Stables
Breeder: Jayeff "B"Stables

With his earnings from the win in the $1 million Delta Jackpot (gr. III) last December, where he dead-heated with Turf War, Z Humor guaranteed himself a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate. His main knock is that he's been fairly inconsistent. Last year, he was third in both the Sapling (gr. III) and Champagne (gr. I), but was soundly defeated in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I). This year hasn't measured up either, with two more off the board finishes. He checked in third in a strangely run Illinois Derby (gr. II) on April 5, but it remains to be seen if he will continue on the road to Louisville.

Auction History Year Sale Price 2006 Keeneland September Yearling Sale $240,000 Racing History Date Race Name Distance Finish Earnings 04/05/08 Illinois Derby (gr. II) 9 f 3 $55,000 02/24/08 Fountain of Youth (gr. II) 9 f 4 $17,500 02/16/08 Sam F. Davis 8.5 f 5 $5,250 12/07/07 Delta Jackpot (gr. III) 8.5 f 1 $400,000 10/27/07 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) 8.5 f 5 $50,000 10/06/07 Champagne (gr. I) 8 f 3 $40,000 09/02/07 Sapling (gr. III) 6 f 3 $16,500 08/08/07 Maiden @ Saratoga 5.5 f 1 $37,200 Record: 8 Starts, 2-0-3 | Total Earnings: $621,450

Z Humor

Distorted Humor Forty Niner Danzig's Beauty Offtheoldblock A.P. Indy Chip

20-1

Smooth Air

Trainer: Bennie Stutts, Jr.
Jockey: Manoel Cruz
Owner: Mount Joy Stables Inc.
Breeder: Mount Joy Stables Inc.

The homebred Smooth Air has been a pleasant surprise for his connections. In his debut last July at Calder he beat a very nice horse in Hey Byrn, then came back to place in a couple of Florida bred stakes at the same track. An impressive allowance win set him up for his first start in graded company. He upset the field in the Hutcheson (gr. II) with a sustained stretch drive over a sloppy track. In his only two-turn start to date, he was third behind Fierce Wind and Big Truck in the Sam Davis at Tampa Bay Downs. The latter would go on to win the Tampa Bay Derby (gr. III). Smooth Air may have been five lengths behind Big Brown at the finish of the Florida Derby (gr. I), but he was still 7 1/2 clear of the rest of the field. After arriving at Churchill, he had a brief setback, missing a couple days of training due to a slight fever. He recovered pretty quickly, and Stutts says all is well for his first Derby starter.

Auction History Year Sale Price 2006 Keeneland September Yearling Sale $180,000 --> Racing History Date Race Name Distance Finish Earnings 03/29/08 Florida Derby (gr. I) 9 f 2 $200,000 02/16/08 Sam F. Davis 8.5 f 3 $30,000 01/05/08 Hutcheson (gr. II) 7 f 1 $90,000 11/26/07 Allowance @ Calder 7 f 1 $15,700 11/10/07 Jack Price Juvenile 7 f 2 $30,000 08/11/07 Dr. Fager 6 f 3 $11,000 07/21/07 Maiden @ Calder 5.5 f 1 $18,800 Record: 7 Starts, 3-2-2 | Total Earnings: $395,500

Smooth Air

Smooth Jazz Storm Boot Blushing Issue Air France French Deputy Twin Propeller

20-1

Bob Black Jack

Trainer: James Kasparoff
Jockey: Richard Migliore
Owner: Jeff Harmon and Tim Kasparoff
Breeder: Gary Howard, Marlene Howard and Bruce Dunmore

California-bred Bob Black Jack was kept at sprint distances during his 2-year-old campaign, and also raced mainly against state breds as well. His lone try against open company last year saw him finish fourth in the Hollywood Prevue (gr. III). This year, he won the restricted Sunshine Millions Dash in an extremely quick time over a very fast Santa Anita surface. He made his two-turn debut in the San Felipe (gr. II), and after setting the pace, he still managed to hold on well for third. After running a huge race to be second in the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), he punched his ticket to Louisville, and will now attempt to stetch his considerable early speed to new limits.

Auction History Year Sale Price 2006 Barrett's January Yearling Sale $4,500 Racing History Date Race Name Distance Finish Earnings 04/05/08 Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) 9 f 2 $150,000 03/15/08 San Felipe (gr. II) 8 f 3 $24,000 01/26/08 Sunshine Millions Dash 6 f 1 $137,500 12/26/07 California Breeders' Champion 7 f 1 $83,025 11/22/07 Hollywood Prevue (gr. III) 7 f 4 $6,000 08/26/07 Maiden at Del Mar 6 f 1 $31,800 07/29/07 Maiden at Del Mar 6 f 2 $10,600 Record: 8 Starts, 3-2-1 | Total Earnings: $442,925

Bob Black Jack

Stormy Jack Bertrando Tiny Kristin Molly's Prospector Native Prospector Spell Victory

15-1

Monba

Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: Ramon Dominguez
Owner: Starlight, Lucarelli and Saylor
Breeder: Mill Ridge Farm Ltd. & Jamm, Ltd.

Monba was the now horse after finishing a fast-closing 4th in the CashCall Futurity after being bumped at the start. However, after finishing 12th (and last) in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II) as the favorite, the gray son of Maria's Mon fell off plenty of handicappers' lists. Trainer Todd Pletcher said he came out of that race with several bumps and bruises, and gave him time to heal up. The colt must have recovered; he turned in a big effort in the Blue Grass (gr. I), beating stablemate Cowboy Cal and setting himself up as a prime contender for the First Saturday in May.

Auction History Year Sale Price 2006 Fasig-Tipton New York Saratoga Select Yearling Sale $200,000 Racing History Date Race Name Distance Finish Earnings 04/12/08 Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) 9f 1 $465,000 02/24/08 Fountain of Youth (gr. II) 9f 12 $0 12/22/07 CashCall Futurity (gr. I) 8.5f 4 $50,000 11/24/07 Allowance 8f 1 $31,264 10/17/07 MSW 7f 1 $31,270 Record: 5 Starts, 3-0-0 | Total Earnings: $577,534

Monba

Maria's Mon Wavering Monarch Carlotta Maria Hamba Easy Goer Ciao

30-1

Adriano

Trainer: Graham Motion
Jockey: Edgar Prado
Owner: Courtlandt Farm
Breeder: Courtlandt Farm

Adriano's affinity for the turf has been well-documented, and after a 17-length loss in the Fountain of Youth (gr. II) it seemed he would be off the Kentucky Derby trail. His connections gave him one more shot in the Lane's End (gr. II) over Turfway Park's synthetic surface, and the homebred son of A.P. Indy responding with an outstanding effort. However, even that race was have been enough to put him in the Derby picture, as his connections felt that he was still most likely a better horse on the grass. However, after a workout a Churchill Downs a few weeks before the Derby, they had a change of heart and decided that the colt liked the Churchill racing surface, and will now get another chance to prove he is capable of big things on a conventional dirt track.

Auction History Year Sale Price 2006 Keeneland September Yearling Sale $180,000 --> Racing History Date Race Name Distance Finish Earnings 03/22/08 Lane's End (gr. II) 9 f 1 $291,400 02/24/08 Fountain of Youth (gr. II) 9 f 9 $0 01/11/08 Allowance @ GP 8.5 f 1 $24,300 11/24/07 Laurel Futurity 8.5 f 5 $3,000 10/06/07 Breeders' Futurity (gr. I) 8.5 f 4 $25,000 08/29/07 Maiden 8.5 f 1 $37,800 08/03/07 Maiden 8.5 f 2 $12,600 Record: 7 Starts, 3-1-0 | Total Earnings: $394,100

Adriano

A.P. Indy Seattle Slew Weekend Surprise Gold Canyon Mr. Prospector Golden Treat

20-1

Denis of Cork

Trainer: David Carroll
Jockey: Calvin Borel
Owner: William and Suzanne Warren Jr.
Breeder: Westbury Stables

Denis of Cork has been inspiring Derby talk since his impressive maiden victory at Churchill Downs in his first start. He followed that up with game win at Fair Grounds in January. A step into graded company produced a professional 2 1/4 victory in the Southwest Stakes (gr. III). By 2002 Derby favorite Harlan's Holiday out of an Unbridled mare, Denis of Cork should continue to move forward as the distances increase, but suffered his first setback when he ran an uncharacteristically dull race in the Illinois Derby (gr. II), checking in fifth. His rider felt he never really handled the Hawthorne surface, so trainer David Carroll took his colt back to his Churchill Downs base to prepare for the Kentucky Derby. There were some anxious days prior to entry, as Denis of Cork was sitting on the outside looking in with his rank of 21 on the graded earnings list. However, once the connections of Behindatthebar decided not to run, Denis of Cork was assured a spot in the starting gate.

Auction History Year Sale Price 2006 OBS August Yearling Sale $120,000 2007 Barretts March Two-Year Olds in Training $250,000 Racing History Date Race Name Distance Finish Earnings 04/05/08 Illinois Derby (gr. II) 9f 5 $15,000 02/18/08 Southwest Stakes (gr. III) 8f 1 $150,000 01/19/08 Allowance 1M40Y 1 $24,000 11/24/07 MSW 7f 1 $24,552 Record: 4 Starts, 3-0-0 | Total Earnings: $213,552

Denis of Cork

Harlan's Holiday Harlan Christmas in Aiken Unbridled Girl Unbridled Sound Wisdom

20-1

Cowboy Cal

Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: John Velazquez
Owner: Stonerside Stable
Breeder: Stonerside Stable

Cowboy Cal has been primarily a turf horse up to this point. After a poor debut on the dirt last summer at Saratoga, Todd Pletcher switched him to the grass, where the son of Giant's Causeway has lost only once in four outings. He kicked off the Derby prep season with a win in the Tropical Park Derby (gr. III) on New Year's Day, but was upset six weeks later by stablemate Why Tonto in the Hallandale Beach Stakes at Gulfstream. With Todd Pletcher seemingly out of Kentucky Derby bullets, he fired Cowboy Cal in the Blue Grass (gr. I) at Keeneland, and the colt was second once again to another stablemate, Monba. Cowboy Cal is certainly bred to get the 10 furlongs of the Kentucky Derby, and will need the stamina as he is sure to be accompanied by others that also possess his natural early speed.

Auction History Year Sale Price 2006 Keeneland September Yearling Sale $180,000 --> Racing History Date Race Name Distance Finish Earnings 04/12/08 Blue Grass (gr. I) 9 f 2 $150,000 02/16/08 Hallandale Beach 8.5 f 2 $15,000 01/01/08 Tropical Park Derby 8.5 f 1 $57,660 11/24/07 Laurel Futurity 8.5 f 1 $60,000 09/26/07 Maiden @ Belmont 8 f 1 $31,800 08/25/07 Maiden @ Saratoga 6 f 7 $248 Record: 6 Starts, 3-2-0 | Total Earnings: $314,708

Cowboy Cal

Giant's Causeway Storm Cat Mariah's Storm Texas Tammy Seeking the Gold Hot Novel

20-1

Recapturetheglory

Trainer: Louie J. Roussel, III
Jockey: E. T. Baird
Owner: Ronnie Lamarque
Breeder: Charles Jacobi

Recapturetheglory was a late nominee to the Triple Crown, made eligible for the Classics with a $6,000 payment just prior to the March 29 deadline. He quickly made up that expense and more when he took home the $300,000 winner's share of the Illinois Derby (gr. II) just a week later. Prior to that, the son of Cherokee Run had been spending his time in allowance and maiden races, winning one of five starts. The owner/trainer team or Lamarque/Roussel (VIDEO: Part 1 / Part 2) have been down the Triple Crown Trail twice before: with Risen Star, who was third in the Derby but won the Preakness and Belmont in 1988; and six years later with Kandaly, who took the Louisiana Derby but didn't make it to the gate in Louisville.

Auction History Year Sale Price 2005 Keeneland November Weanling Sale $130,000 2006 Fasig Tipton Kentucky Summer Yearling Sale $160,000 2006 Fasig Tipton Florida Select 2YO Sale $215,000 Racing History Date Race Name Distance Finish Earnings 04/05/08 Illinois Derby (gr. II) 9 f 1 $300,000 02/29/08 Allowance @ Fair Grounds 8.5 f 3 $4,400 11/03/07 Allowance @ Churchill 8.5 f 2 $10,000 09/29/07 Maiden @ Hawthorne 8 f 70 yds 1 $15,600 08/11/07 Maiden @ Arlington 6 f 3 $3,080 07/14/07 Maiden @ Arlington 5 f 9 $0 Record: 6 Starts, 2-1-2 | Total Earnings: $333,080

Recapturetheglory

Cherokee Run Runaway Groom Cherokee Dame Cold Awakening Dehere Chilly Chick

15-1

Gayego

Trainer: Paulo Lobo
Jockey: Mike Smith
Owner: Cubanacan Stables
Breeder: Hargus Sexton & Sandra Sexton

Gayego's trainer Paulo Lobo has tasted success at Churchill Downs before, winning the 2002 Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) with longshot Farda Amiga. Gayego is a son of champion sprinter Gilded Time, leading some to question his ability to get the Derby's 10 furlongs, and his dosage of 4.33 is outside of the 4.00 guideline. However, he does have plenty of stamina influences on his dam's side, including Ribot (inbred 5x5), Arts and Letters, and 1943 Triple Crown winner Count Fleet. Gayego has never been worse than second in five starts, the first four of those coming on synthetic surfaces. Jockey Mike Smith is looking for his second Derby victory after scoring with Giacomo in 2005.

Auction History Year Sale Price 2006 Keeneland September Yearling Sale $32,000 Racing History Date Race Name Distance Finish Earnings 04/12/08 Arkansas Derby (gr. II) 9 f 1 $600,000 03/15/08 San Felipe (gr. II) 8.5 f 2 $40,000 01/20/08 San Pedro 6.5 f 1 $47,820 12/28/07 Allowance @ Santa Anita 6.5 f 2 $10,400 11/18/07 Maiden @ Hollywood 6 f 1 $25,200 Record: 5 Starts, 3-2-0 | Total Earnings: $723,420

Gayego

Gilded Time Timeless Moment Gilded Lilly Devils Lake Lost Code Diamonds 'n Dust

3-1

Big Brown

Trainer: Rick Dutrow
Jockey: Kent Desormeaux
Owner: IEAH Stable and Paul Pompa
Breeder: Monticule

After winning his debut on the Saratoga grass by 11 1/4 lengths, Big Brown attracted the attention of many including the IEAH team. Foot troubles kept Big Brown on the sidelines until March. But, he proved worth the wait as he cruised to a 12 3/4 length victory in "off-the-turf" allowance at Gulfstream Park March 5. That impressive victory got him an entry into the Florida Derby (gr. I), and he responded with a stunning victory after breaking from post 12. Trainer Richard Dutrow, Jr. brought his undefeated colt to Churchill Downs on April 28 after getting in a couple of works in Florida. Big Brown should vie with Colonel John for the title of post-time favorite.

Auction History Year Sale Price 2006 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale $60,000 2007 Keeneland April Two-Year Olds in Training $190,000 Racing History Date Race Name Distance Finish Earnings 03/29/08 Florida Derby (gr. I) 9f 1 $600,000 03/05/08 Allowance 8f 1 $24,900 09/03/07 MSW 8.5f 1 $37,800 Record: 3 Starts, 3-0-0 | Total Earnings: $662,700

Big Brown

Boundary Danzig Edge Mien Nureyev Miasma

There are some big times sires in this game. But believe it or not my favorite has been STOP THE MUSIC. Who produced more favorites, CURE THE BLUES & DIXIELAND BAND.

So because of that I'm throwing in the Filly, Number 5 Eight Belles to be in the money. Big truck also has this breeding, but just isn't impressive. Eight Belles is on a 4 race winning streak. Why stop now, for at least to be in the money. My pick of the race to WIN, Number 10 Colonel John. I watched the Santa Anita Derby and I also love CLOSERS. He ran with ease opening up on the field. Can he win on dirt? Well he worked last Sunday, 5 fur. at 57.8-second . NOT TOO SHABBY. Another horse i like in the race is Number 2, Tale of Ekati.' This horse has some nice breeding on both sides with, Storm Dance & Sunday Silence. And of course you have to like Number 20, Big Brown. His Florida Derby win was a show in itself. But POST 20 ? Don't like it. He broke from 12th in the Fl. Derby and won like a Powerhouse. But the Kentucky Derby is a whole other story. WE WILL SEE. Other notes: Number 6, Z Fortune won first three starts, including a 1 mile and 70 yds win.

10/ 2, 5, 6, 20

LONGSHOT: Number 14 Monba

THIS IS WHAT I PRAYED WHEN I RAN A HORSE,

GOD, JUST BRING THEM ALL BACK SAFE.

Longshot's Blog

134th Running of the Kentucky Derby

Longshot

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