Ranking

[philcski]

1. Circular Quay: The most accomplished and best suited to win the Derby... except Pletcher blew up his chances by skipping the final round of preps. Too bad because I thought this might be the one that gets it done for him.
Most similar: Thunder Gulch (not trained in name by Pletcher, but he was under his care when he won the Derby. Interestingly, his sire.)

2. Any Given Saturday: Drops a notch after the Wood disappointment, but has the best chance of actually winning on the first Saturday in May. The lack of a graded win despite 3 golden chances is a big negative. Big chance to be close at the end. Most similar: Bluegrass Cat (interestingly, also owned by Winstar).

3. Scat Daddy: Won early and often, but has stretched out successfully as well. Seems to find his way into a perfect setup every time, which is a good thing, but always seems to crawl home (which isn't). I've underrated him the whole way and I may be again here... Most similar: More than Ready (interestingly, also owned by Scatuorchio.)

4. Deadly Dealer: Could be the best of the group in the end, but not seasoned enough for the pinball machine that is the Derby. Have a feeling wins the Arkansas Derby and Pletcher (unwisely) sends him. Most similar: Flower Alley.

5. Cowtown Cat: Horrific name for a $1.5MM purchase, but a gorgeous animal. Just don't think he's all that fast and the Illinois field this year was suspect, at best. A likely midpack finisher. Most similar: Coin Silver.

6. King of the Roxy: Has the 2YO success, but lacks the ability at 2 turns required. Will be a killer at elongated sprints. Most similar: Keyed Entry.

7. Sam P.: A plugger who doesn't give up, but clearly lacks the talent of the top of the group. If the whole front end blows up he could catch a piece of the tri/super. Most similar: Impeachment.