Who is your top Kentucky Derby contender?

[moses]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

Definitely a talented horse given his record and pedigree. Had to work a bit to establish the lead entering the backstretch but still was able to bust the race open heading to the 1/4 pole. Medina Spirit was the only thing in there with any foundation that could have conceivably reeled him in after that.

On the negative side, he struggled to switch leads entering the stretch, drifted in, then switched back to his left lead at the 1/16th pole. Rispoli was a bit over-animated on the horse down the lane (something else to worry about on Derby Day) so maybe that accounts for some of the awkwardness of the stretch run.

The Twitterverse seems to love that he was many, many lengths ahead with his gallop out. That might suggest that the late lead switch isn't something to be too concerned about?

I'm not sure. I'm wondering if Medina Spirit and Dream Shake have simply not improved.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by moses

The Twitterverse seems to love that he was many, many lengths ahead with his gallop out. That might suggest that the late lead switch isn't something to be too concerned about?

I'm not sure. I'm wondering if Medina Spirit and Dream Shake have simply not improved.

Never impressed with gallop outs. Velasquez wrapped up on Medina Spirit late and Dream Shake has done nothing in the stretch in either of his routes. Dream Shake's connections better regroup with that horse else he's not going to fulfill any of the promise he's shown.

The late lead switch isn't as concerning as the struggle to switch leads appropriately entering the stretch. But Justify did something similar in his Santa Anita Derby with just 2 starts under his belt, so maybe you can chalk it up to greeness (although at the same time Justify wasn't particularly sound, either).

[moses]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

Never impressed with gallop outs. Velasquez wrapped up on Medina Spirit late and Dream Shake has done nothing in the stretch in either of his routes. Dream Shake's connections better regroup with that horse else he's not going to fulfill any of the promise he's shown.

The late lead switch isn't as concerning as the struggle to switch leads appropriately entering the stretch. But Justify did something similar in his Santa Anita Derby with just 2 starts under his belt, so maybe you can chalk it up to greeness (although at the same time Justify wasn't particularly sound, either).

I'd like to see Dream Shake cut back to one turn again and see how he does. He also has some successful turf runners in his family so maybe that's an option for him at some point. Whatever they do, hopefully they figure it out.