Below, we compiled a list of who we feel are the top three year olds in 2013 and the reasons to back it up. As always, please feel free to comment and let us know your thoughts.

#1 – Orb – Trainer Claude McGaughey
He is the Kentucky Derby winner, period. That is enough to keep him on the top of the list. A three-time graded stakes winner this year already. Along with his Derby score, he won the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at 1 1/16 miles and Florida Derby (G1) at 1 1/8 miles. We can throw out the Preakness Stakes effort for now as the Derby trail and strong Derby performance could have taken enough out of him with the quick two week turnaround. Let’s see how he responds next time out whether it is the Belmont Stakes or Haskell Invitational.

#2 – Revolutionary – Trainer Todd Pletcher
Go back and watch film of the stretch drive for this War Pass colt on route to winning the Withers Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct going 1 1/16 miles. He battles all types of adversity and finds his way through to get up for the win. His win in the Louisiana Derby (G2) was just as impressive. As it looked like he would be passed by Mylute, he fought back to win by a neck. In the Derby, he found himself in trouble right from the start as he was bumped hard at the break. He was sitting 18th early on. On the far turn, he sat in 12th as we starting to make his big move. As is the case on a sloppy track and a full field, he found traffic trouble down the stretch. Borel wen to the middle, then back to the rail and was making up ground on everyone. By the time he had a clear run, he had finished 3rd beaten a length for 2nd and 2 1/2 more for the win. He has a toughness that no other horse has displayed. Combine that with raw talent and we feel this is the best three year old right now.

#3 – Oxbow – Trainer D. Wayne Lukas
This Awesome Again colt showed the Derby trail didn’t take as much out of him as others. Despite running in five races already this year and the quick two week turnaround from his 6th place Derby performance, he and jockey Gary Stevens still found a way to steal the show in Preakness Stakes. At odds of 15/1, he went to the lead and was allowed to sit on easier than expected fractions. He would go gate to wire and win by 1 1/2 lengths. In between the Preakness and his 11 1/2 lengths win in the Lecomte Stakes (G3) on January 19 at Fair Grounds, he finished 4th in the Risen Star Stakes (G2), 2nd in the Rebel Stakes (G2), 5th in the Arkansas Derby (G1) and 6th in the Kentucky Derby. The jury is still out to whether he can run the 1 1/2 miles Belmont Stakes distance. We will find out in less than three weeks.

#4 – Verrazano – Trainer Todd Pletcher
The More Than Ready colt did everything right by winning his first four races including an easy win in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) at Tampa Bay Downs on March 9. He followed it up with a gritty win in the Wood Memorial (G1) at Aqueduct on April 6. It was the first time he had to work hard for a win. For now, we can discard the poor 14th place result in the Kentucky Derby as he might not have liked the sloppy track. We will see how he responds when he returns to action in the Pegasus Stakes (G3) at Monmouth Park on June 16.

#5 – Vyjack – Trainer Rudy Rodriguez
He’s another that didn’t seem to appreciate the wet surface in the Derby and posted by far his worst career result. Before his 18th place finish in the Derby, the Into Mischief colt ran a solid 3rd in the Wood Memorial and won both the Jerome Stakes (G2) and Gotham Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct. He won all four starts before the Wood.

#6 – Itsmyluckyday – Trainer Ed Plesa Jr
Easily won the Gulfstream Park Derby by almost seven lengths to open up his three year old campaign. The Lawyer Ron colt followed it up by not only defeating two year old champion Shanghai Bobby in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park, he broke the 1 1/16 miles track record with a final time of 1:41.81. His first loss of the season came to Orb in the Florida Derby. He was not himself in the Derby as he posted his worst career result by finishing 15th. He responded quite well in the Preakness Stakes as he finished 2nd. Aside from the Derby performance he has two wins and two 2nd. Tough to knock him for that.

#7 – Mylute – Trainer Thomas Amoss
The gray Midnight Lute colt has yet to win a stakes race, but you have to be pleased with his runner-up performance to Revolutionary in the Louisiana Derby and Derby-Preakness combination of 5th and 3rd. You get the feeling he will be one of those horses who will always be in the thick of things, but won’t see too many trips to the winner’s circle. With his come from behind running style, his best chance should come in the 1 1/2 miles Belmont Stakes.

#8 – Overanalyze – Trainer Todd Pletcher
The Dixie Union colt is already a three-time graded stakes winner including the Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park on April 13. He was all over the place in the Derby en route to an 11th place finish. Pletcher elected to bypass the Preakness in favor of the Belmont Stakes on June 8. Can a Dixie Union colt win the third leg of the triple crown in back-to-back years (Union Rags – 2012)?

#9 – Goldencents – Trainer Doug O’Neill
The Sham Stakes (G3) and Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner did not perform well in the Derby as he faded to finish 17th after sitting off the brisk early leaders. Expected more out of this Into Mischief colt in the Preakness Stakes as the slower than normal pace should have been a perfect fit to his running style. Instead it was Oxbow who stole the early lead, set slow fractions and drew off to win. Goldencents was behind in 2nd for most of the race and didn’t have enough to keep up when needed. He was part of the second group along with Orb and Departing. He finished 5th. He should ship back to SoCal and get a breather. Be interesting to see if O’Neill gives him a break as there aren’t any local stakes races coming up in June at BetFair Hollywood Park or if he will ship him back East for the Haskell on July 28 or Iowa Derby (G3) at Prairie Meadows on June 29.

#10 – Normandy Invasion – Trainer Chad Brown
Another colt like Mylute who has yet to win a stakes race, but always seems to be there at the end. The Tapit colt finished 2nd to Overanalyze in the 1 1/8 miles Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct last November and didn’t return until February 23 when he ran 5th in the Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds. He had all sorts of trouble during the race and didn’t have a clear path until it was too late. He just about beat Verrazano in the Wood Memorial, but once again ran out of room and lost by 3/4 length. He made a premature move in the Derby and that cost him. He held the lead at the top of the stretch, but faded late to finish 4th beaten 3 1/2 lengths. Brown decided to bypass both the Preakness and Belmont Stakes in favor of the $1,000,000 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park on July 28. We will have to wait a few more weeks to see if he can finally breakthrough with a stakes win.

#11 – Java’s War – Trainer Ken McPeek
The War Pass colt followed up his runner-up effort behind Verrazano in the Tampa Bay Derby with a strong last to first win in the field of 14 horses in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland on all weather. He hesitated at the start in the Derby and found himself far back in last early on. He made a small move late to get up and finish 14th, but it certainly wasn’t what anyone expected after his performance one race earlier. He too bypassed the Preakness Stakes and McPeek hasn’t made any timeline on a return just yet. He can run on the dirt, synthetic and turf, so he could go in a number of ways.

#12 – Departing – Trainer Albert Stall Jr.
Many felt that he would be the horse to compete and possibly defeat Orb in the Preakness Stakes after his impressive score in the Illinois Derby (G3) at Hawthorne on April 20. This coming on the heels of his first defeat when he finished 3rd in the Louisiana Derby. He had the opportunity like a few others to make a move on Oxbow and Goldencents on the front end, but he didn’t mount much of a move. He finished 6th just behind Orb and Goldencents. He could end up running in the Belmont Stakes, but no word yet from the Stall camp.

#13 – Freedom Child – Trainer Thomas Albertrani
Another Malibu Moon colt who made his mark with a 13 1/4 lengths demolition of the field in the Peter Pan Stakes (G2) at Belmont Park on May 11. He went gate to wire over the 1 1/8 miles race. He came out of the gate awkwardly in Wood Memorial and found himself far back and wide early. He finished 10th and last. It did take him four tries to break his maiden at Belmont Park, Aqueduct and finally Gulfstream Park on March 3, but it seems he has found his groove. He will be entered in the Belmont Stakes. It will be interesting to see how he handles early competition on the front end and the additional distance.

No one could touch the Awesome Again colt after he was allowed to post slow fractions early in the race. Fractions of 23.4, 48.3 and 1:13.2 for the first six furlongs allowed him to have enough in the tank late to win by 1 3/4 lengths. The final time of the race was a lackluster 1:57.2 which was a full five seconds slower than the track record. Not exactly what everyone expected for many of the top three year olds in the country. In terms of expectations, Derby winner Orb became yet another victim of the grueling triple crown trail and extended the disappointment of fans for not producing a triple crown contender or winner. The drought now extended to 36 years.

Click here to view the full order of finish.

With Oxbow winning the Preakness Stakes, we thought it would be good to run down some stats for the winner and the connections.

-This was Oxbow’s second career graded stakes win. The other came on January 19 at Fair Grounds when he won the LeComte Stakes (G3) by 11 1/2 lengths. It was also the last time this colt won a race.

-This was the 6th Preakness victory for trainer D. Wayne Lukas. He now sits 2nd on the all-time list behind R. Wyndham Walden who has 7.

-Gary Stevens wins his 3rd Preakness Stakes and is now tied for 3rd with Lloyd Hughes, Bill Hartack and George Barbee. The record holder is Eddie Arcaro with 6 and Pat Day sits 2nd with 5.

-The final time of 1:57.2 was the slowest in 42 years since Carry Back won in a final time of 1:57.3 in 1961.

-Oxbow went gate to wire in winning the Preakness Stakes. It marks just the 3rd in the last 23 years that a horse was able to lead the entire race and win. The other two were Rachel Alexandra in 2009 and Louis Quatorze in 1996.

-Owner Calumet Farms notches victory #7 in the Preakness. The most all-time for race. However, it has been 35 years since their last win with Forward Pass in 1968. Other wins coming in 1941, 1944, 1947, 1948, 1956 and 1958.

The Belmont Stakes is less than three weeks away. It’ll be interesting to see which horses get entered now that there it is wide open and no triple crown threat. Keep an eye on the possible entries by consistently checking out the 2013 Belmont Stakes page we created.

However, that’s not the only thing that gets in the way. Another major issue is staying healthy and clear of injury. Simply go back to last year when I’ll Have Another won the Derby and Preakness but was forced to miss his chance at history with a career-ending injury just days before the race.

2013 Kentucky Derby winner Orb can join an elite class by winning the 2013 Preakness Stakes this Saturday, May 18. Only 33 horses have ever won the first two legs of the triple crown. 22 of the 32 missed their chance at claiming North America’s most prestigious horse racing accomplishment.

Kentucky Derby & Preakness Stakes Winners
I’ll Have Another – 2012
Big Brown – 2008
Smarty Jones – 2004
Funny Cide – 2003
War Emblem – 2002
Charismatic – 1999
Real Quiet – 1998
Silver Charm – 1997
Sunday Silence – 1989
Alysheba – 1987
Pleasant Colony – 1981
Spectacular Bid – 1979
Canonero II – 1971
Majestic Prince – 1969
Forward Pass – 1968
Kauai King – 1966
Northern Dancer – 1964
Carry Back – 1961
Tim Tam – 1958
Pensive – 1944
Bold Venture – 1936
Burgoo King – 1932

Only 11 went onto win the elusive third leg and triple crown title.

Triple Crown Winners (Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes)
Affirmed – 1978
Seattle Slew – 1977
Secretariat – 1973
Citation – 1948
Assault – 1946
Count Fleet – 1943
Whirlaway – 1941
War Admiral – 1937
Omaha – 1935
Gallant Fox – 1930
Sir Barton – 1919

With the absence of 2nd, 3rd and 4th place Derby finishers Golden Soul, Revolutionary and Normandy Invasion, as well as, Derby prep winners Verrazano (Wood Memorial), Overanalyze (Arkansas Derby), and Java’s War (Blue Grass Stakes), it gives Orb a little breathing room. The departure this week of two-time graded stakes winner Vyjack also help his cause. The race may seem to have lost some luster, but it will still include several horses who will give Orb a run for his money.

The field for the Preakness looks to be a short, yet competitive nine horse field. Leading the way will be Santa Anita Derby winner Goldencents who finished 17th in the Derby. The Doug O’Neill trained colt certainly didn’t like the sloppy track and the fact that he didn’t get close to the lead might have played a factor as well. He’s a colt that likes to control the race on the front end as he showed in winning three graded stakes races in his brief career. Last year, he won the Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes (G3)in gate to wire fashion and this year the Sham Stakes (G3) and Santa Anita Derby (G1). In the Derby, he sat 4th early on and didn’t like the wet dirt kicking him in the face. Jockey Kevin Krigger eased him up after a mile. If a fast track and he gets out quickly, he is a serious threat to go the entire 1 3/16 miles in gate to wire fashion.

Itsmyluckyday won the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream in January, defeating Shanghai Bobby, then ran 2nd to Orb in the Florida Derby. He too didn’t like the sloppy surface as he finished an uninspired 15th. By far the worst career performance from the Lawyer Ron colt trained by Ed Plesa Jr.

The 5th place finisher in the Derby, Mylute, looks to build off that effort and win his first ever stakes race. The Thomas Amoss trained Midnight Lute finished strong late in the Derby after being steadied early and going 6-wide on the backstretch and far turn. This effort comes on the heels off a runner-up result to Revolutionary in the Louisiana Derby. He’s only won 2 of 10 races but has been in the money 7 of 10 races.

The War Front colt Departing did not qualify for the Kentucky Derby due to lack of points, so trainer Al Stall Jr. elected to send him to Hawthorne and run in the $750,000 Illinois Derby (G3). He would easily defeat a field of 13 others by 3 1/4 lengths in the 1 1/8 miles race. Despite sitting back in 9th early on and going 6-wide on the first turn and backstretch, then 4-wide on the turn for home, he circled the field and cruised to victory under the guidance of jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. In five races, he was defeated just once. The lone loss was a 3rd place finish in the Louisiana Derby (G2) to Revolutionary and Mylute. Again in that race, he went 4-5 wide on both turns. Be interesting to see how well he runs without any issues during the race.

Will Take Charge could be the surprise horse that goes under the radar in the Preakness Stakes. Two-time graded stakes winner of the Smarty Jones Stakes and Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park this year, ran into trouble down the stretch in the Derby. As he was making a move towards the lead, a tired Verrazano stopped in his tracks and stopped all the momentum of this D. Wayne Lukas trained colt. He finished 8th. After looking at the video a few times, a clean run could have posed a threat to winner Orb. We will never know. He gets his chance for redemption here.

Oxbow is another Lukas trained horse coming out of the Derby. The Awesome Again colt and winner of the LeComte Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds earlier this year got bumped a couple of times during the race, but held strong near the front for the first mile. He began to fade as they continued down the stretch and finished 6th beaten ten lengths.

Govenor Charlie hasn’t been seen since winning the $800,000 Sunland Park Derby (G3) at Sunland Park on March 24. This colt, also by Midnight Lute, has only started three times and all in 2013. He did not run at age two. Trainer Bob Baffert did not have an entry in the Derby and will look to take down the big boys with his own speedster. He missed in his debut on January 19 at Santa Anita going six furlongs, but quickly returned less than a month later to win going a mile. The step up to the Sunland Derby was his first attempt in stakes company and long distance. He tracked the early leaders and cruised to victory down the stretch to win by five lengths. The final time of 1:47.54 was the fastest 1 1/8 miles time posted this season by a three year old. Baffert narrowly lost the Preakness last year with Bodemeister.

Titletown Five will be the 3rd entry for trainer Lukas and on paper should be an after thought considering what the rest of the field has accomplished. The Tiznow colt comes into this race off a 4th place effort in the Derby Trial Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs a week before the Derby. Prior to that, he finished 9th in the Louisiana Derby. It took four races to break his maiden at Saratoga and Churchill. He finished 2nd in the Gazebo Stakes at Oaklawn Park on March 2.

It should be an exciting race filled with speed, those who rate and a couple who come from far back. This race will be dictated by how quick or not quick the first two sets of fractions go. Nonetheless, the favorite Orb won’t be too far back for that to bother him. He is the horse to beat after his strong Derby performance. All eyes will be on him come Saturday to see if he can give horse racing yet another hopeful to end the long triple crown drought. Can’t wait!

His three year old Malibu Moon colt, Orb, had already won the Florida Derby (G1) and Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park. He added to his impressive resume with a comfortable 2 1/2 lengths win in the 2013 Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2013. Finally, Shug can add this prestigious race to his extensive resume.

He’s been to Churchill Downs to participate in the historic race just six times over the 30+ years and his best chance came in 1989 when his prized colt, Easy Goer was touted as the next triple crown winner. He finished 2nd to Sunday Silence in both the Derby and Preakness, but came back to defeat his rival in the Belmont Stakes. His sire Alydar finished 2nd to Affirmed in all three triple crown races in 1978. That was the closest Shug came to winning the Kentucky Derby. Fast forward 24 years and Shug’s name is next to a horse who had a chance to win the Derby. He finally did that. Let’s add to this.

Orb has shown great promise, grit and talent winning his last five races and the last two with relative ease. So not only is he is 2013 Kentucky Derby winner, he has a serious chance at winning the triple crown. Yes, we know, let’s not get too carried away. There have been several horses to win the Kentucky Derby that couldn’t win the Preakness next time out. There have been a few that have won the Derby and Preakness, but couldn’t seal the deal at Belmont Park for the Belmont Stakes.

It looks like most of the field from the Derby will not be attending the second leg of the triple crown, but it’s not just the horses he has to compete with, it’s also the grueling schedule. The Preakness is just two weeks after the Derby. IF he wins the Preakness, he would need to turnaround three weeks later and win the marathon 1 1/2 miles Belmont Stakes.


It’s a tall task, but so far so good for this talented colt. Not only is he the best three year old currently running, he has the hottest jockey in the country, quite possibly the World riding him as well. Joel Rosario already won the 2013 Dubai World Cup aboard Animal Kingdom. He just came off a record setting riding title at Keeneland and now he’s won his first Derby.

He was quite patient on Orb. He had his colt sitting 16th and 17th for the first mile. He made his move with Orb on the far turn and started to pick off horses one by one. As they turned for home, he was already half way through the field. Rosario pushed him to the outside for more room. Perfect tactic as the combination of less horses and a horse firing on all cylinders propelled him to the lead with 1/4 mile to go. He cruised from there.

It’s great to see good guys in the industry break-through and do well. Shug McGaughey is one of those guys. Congratulations goes out to him, the ownership group of Stuart Janney and of course the long time owners from the Phipps Stable who have used Shug for over 20 years as their trainer. We will be rooting for all of you!

Next up, the 2013 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico. Click here to see expected entries.

The 139th running of the Kentucky Derby will run on May 4th, 2013 at Churchill Downs.

CALVIN BOREL
You can’t talk about Derby success without bringing up his name. People don’t realize that Calvin first rode in the Derby back in 1993. It wasn’t a successful ride as he finished 17th aboard Rockamundo. He would go the next six years without a mount until he rode Exchange Rate to a 12th place finish in 2000. Over the next few years is where he really became a household name on a National level. He won his first Derby in 2007 on Street Sense, finished 3rd with Denis of Cork in 2008, then back to back wins in 2009 and 2010 on Mine That Bird and Super Saver. It’s one of the best stretches ever by a jockey. Last year, it didn’t go well for Borel as he and Florida Derby winner Take Charge Indy finished 19th. This year, he will ride Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Revolutionary for the first time as regular ride Javier Castellano took off to ride Normandy Invasion. Borel is currently tied with five other jockeys with three Derby wins. He sits one back of the legendary Bill Shoemaker who has four and two back of Bill Hartack and Eddie Arcaro.

CAREER STATS

Win: 3
2nd: 0
3rd: 1
4th: 0
5th-10th: 2
11th-20th: 4
Total: 10

His 30% winning percentage ranks among the all-time greats such as Bill Hartack who won his 5 in just 12 races (41%) and Earl Sande was 3 of 8 (37.5%).

GARY STEVENS
The hall of famer has returned to elite status already in just a few months since coming out of retirement. He currently rides on the Southern California circuit and has 18 wins in limited action, 47% in the top three, $1,437,270 in purse earnings and has won two graded stakes. He is tied with Calvin Borel with three career Derby wins. He won with Winning Colors (1988), Thunder Gulch (1995) and Silver Charm (1997). D. Wayne Lukas trained both Winning Colors and Thunder Gulch and the two look to re-kindle past glory with LeComte Stakes (G3) winner Oxbow. He also rode Best Pal (1990) and Casual Lies (1991) to 2nd place finishes. His last ride in the Derby came in 2005 when he ran 14th on Noble Causeway.

CAREER STATS

Win: 3
2nd: 2
3rd: 1
4th-9th: 9
10th-15th: 3
16th-20th: 0
Total: 18

He has a respectable win percentage of 16.7%, and an in the money percentage of 33%.

MIKE SMITH
Smith is another jockey who has been around for over two decades. His first Derby ride was in 1990 aboard Thirty Six Red. They ran 9th. It would take until his 11th try to win the Derby. That came in 2005 when Giacomo upset the field at odds of 50-1! That would be his only Kentucky Derby victory from 18 total races as he finished a tough 2nd last year with Bodemeister. He’s had three runner-up performances on Prairie Bayou in 1993, Proud Citizen in 2002 and Lion Heart in 2004. This year, he will ride one of Todd Pletcher’s five entries in Palace Malice. The Curlin colt has yet to win a race other than his maiden but comes off his best career effort in a runner-up come from behind performance in the Blue Grass Stakes.

CAREER STATS

Win: 1
2nd: 4
3rd: 1
4th: 0
5th-10th: 5
11th-20th: 7
Total: 18

His 5% win percentage is quite low for a hall of fame jockey, but as you will see, the Kentucky Derby has not been kind to several of this year’s riders.

JOHN VELASQUEZ
The rough road at the Derby spanned from 1997 to 2010 for Johnny V. No wins and just one runner-up finish in 12 races. He finished 2nd in 2001 on Invisible Ink. Aside from that, he’s finished outside of the money in every other race. He’s even finished last on three occasions. He finally broke through in 2011 aboard Animal Kingdom at odds of 20-1. Some luck was on his side as he was supposed to ride Uncle Mo, but he was scratched due to stomach virus. Then regular Animal Kingdom jockey Robby Albarado was injured the week before and was unsure if he would be able to ride. If it weren’t for an injury, Animal Kingdom might have been able to compete for the triple crown. Last year, he finished 4th with Spiral Stakes winner Went the Day Well. This year, he will ride the potential favorite in undefeated Verrazano. He is a perfect 4 for 4 taking both the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) and Wood Memorial (G1).

CAREER STATS

Win: 1
2nd: 1
3rd: 0
4th: 2
5th-10th: 4
11th-20th: 6
Total: 14

His win percentage currently sits at 7% and in the money at 14%.

EDGAR PRADO
The veteran jockey has nine total Derby races under his belt and won it back in 2006 on the impressive Barbaro. His next best result was in 2003 when he ran 3rd aboard Peace Rules. His last attempt at the run for the roses came in 2009 when he finished 11th on Dunkirk. This year, he will ride be riding the Todd Pletcher trained Charming Kitten who comes off a decent 3rd place showing in the Blue Grass Stakes.

CAREER STATS

Win: 1
2nd: 0
3rd: 1
4th-9th: 2
10th-15th: 2
16th-20th: 3
Total: 9

ROBBY ALBARADO
He’s been to the big dance 12 times and has yet to win. He did have two 3rd place finishes with Steppenwolfer in 2006 and the great Curlin in 2007. His last ride was in 2010 when he rode Dean’s Kitten to a 14th place finish. This year, he will ride 50/1 longshot Golden Soul for trainer Dallas Stewart. The Perfect Soul (IRE) colt comes off a 4th place finish in the Louisiana Derby after trailing for most of the race. He finished 2nd to Oxbow in the LeComte Stakes earlier this year.

CAREER STATS

Win: 0
2nd: 0
3rd: 2
4th-9th: 5
10th-15th: 4
16th-20th: 1
Total: 12

RAFAEL BEJARANO
The leading rider multiple times at Santa Anita, Hollywood Park and Del Mar has also been roughed up by the biggest race in the United States. In 8 attempts, he’s never finished in the top 3 and just one 4th coming in 2009 on Papa Clem. In 2010 and 2011, he finished 18th and last year, he finished 13th on El Padrino. He and Todd Pletcher will team up again with Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Overanalyze. He is a two-time graded stakes winner at both sprinting and long distance.

CAREER STATS

Win: 0
2nd-3rd: 0
4th: 1
5th-10th: 3
11th-20th: 4
Total: 8

GARRETT GOMEZ
“Go Go” has been attending the Kentucky Derby since 1994 although he had an 11 year hiatus from 1995 to 2006. His first ride was on Southern Rhythm in 1994 and they finished 7th. He’s been at every Derby since returning to racing in 2006. Although the results have not been good. His best performance was in 2009 when Pioneerof the Nile finished 2nd. All others were off the board efforts including last year when he finished 10th on Sunland Derby (G3) winner Daddy Nose Best. This year, he will ride Jerome Stakes (G2) and Gotham Stakes (G3) winner Vyjack. His latest was a 3rd in the Wood Memorial.

CAREER STATS

Win: 0
2nd: 1
3rd-4th: 0
5th-10th: 5
11th-20th: 3
Total: 9

JAVIER CASTELLANO
He’s been a fixture atop or near the top of New York, Florida and National jockey standings for a few years now, but again, the Derby has not been a kind race. He’s been there for five of the last six years, missing only 2009. His best finish was 13th on two occasions (Derby Kitten 2011 and Discreetly Mine 2010). His other two races were even worse. Last year, he finished 16th on Gemologist, who was undefeated heading into the race following his Wood Memorial win. This year, he made an interesting move. He decided to hop off Revolutionary, who he guided to victory in the Louisiana Derby (G2) to ride Normandy Invasion, the come from behind runner-up performer in the Wood Memorial.

CAREER STATS

Win: 0
2nd-12th: 0
13th: 2
14th-20th: 3
Total: 5

JULIEN LEPAROUX
His career started in 2005, by setting a Saratoga apprentice record with 28 wins during the meet. In 2006, it officially became his coming out party. He led all U.S. jockeys with 403 wins and took home the Eclipse Award for leading Apprentice Jockey. Since then, he has won titles at Turfway Park, Keeneland and Churchill Downs while winning the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey in 2009. As the same with his counterparts though, the Derby is a race that has eluded him so far. In six tries, his best finish was 5th aboard Sedgefield in 2007. Since then, nothing better than 8th place in 2011 when he rode Dialed In. Last year, he ran 7th on Union Rags. This year, he will ride Blue Grass Stakes (G2) winner Java’s War. It was the first stakes win for the Ken McPeek trained colt. He came from last to take the win.

CAREER STATS

Win: 0
2nd-4th: 0
5th: 1
7th: 1
8th: 1
9th-20th: 3
Total: 6

JOEL ROSARIO
Part of the new crop of jockeys hasn’t been too bad in his three starts so far in the Kentucky Derby. He finished 4th in 2010 on Make Music for Me and 7th aboard Brilliant Speed in 2011. Last year, he finished 5th on Creative Cause. This year, he has an incredible opportunity to notch victory #1 in this historic race as he will ride the morning line favorite Orb. The Shug McGaughey trained colt comes into the Derby off wins in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) and Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park. He already won the richest race in the World this year when he guided Animal Kingdom to victory in the $10,000,000 Dubai World Cup. That would be quite the personal daily double.

CAREER STATS

Win: 0
2nd-3rd: 0
4th: 1
5th-7th: 2
Total: 3

JON COURT
The veteran journeyman jockey has been riding since 1980, but has only been to the Derby on two occasions. Those coming in the last two years. He rode ArchArchArch to victory in the 2011 Arkansas Derby, but was unfortunately hurt at some point during the Derby and ended up finishing 15th. He was retired after the race. Last year, he rode Optimizer to an 11th place finish. This year, he will ride another D. Wayne Lukas trained colt in Rebel Stakes (G2) and Smarty Jones Stakes winner Will Take Charge.

CAREER STATS

10th-15th: 1
16th-20th: 1
Total: 2

ROSIE NAPRAVNIK
Has only been riding since 2005, but Her career took off shortly after in 2006 as she won titles at Pimlico and Laurel Park. Later in the year, she was runner-up to Leparoux for Apprentice of the Year honors. She won the titles at Fairgrounds Race Course and Delaware Park in 2011. She finished 9th in 2011 board Pants on Fire. The best ever performance by a female jockey. Last year, she didn’t have a mount as Mark Valeski was scratched the week before the race. This year, she will return to the big stage as she will ride Louisiana Derby runner-up MyLute.

CAREER STATS

9th: 1
Total: 1

JOE BRAVO
He’s ridden in New Jersey, New York, Kentucky and Florida over his 25 year career and is usually within the top 30-40 for most statistical categories Nationally. He has won numerous riding titles at Monmouth Park and Meadowlands. He’s ridden in the Derby twice, but not with success. He finished 16th on Spanish Chestnut in 2005 and 16th on Atomic Rain in 2009. This year, he will ride a horse that comes in on a winning note. He and Black Onyx took the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Spiral Stakes (G3) at Turfway Park on March 23 going 1 1/8 miles on the all weather surface. The Spiral Stakes has been a good platform for success the last two years with Animal Kingdom winning the Derby in 2011 and Went the Day Well finishing 5th last year. Both won the Spiral Stakes just prior to running at Churchill Downs.

CAREER STATS

16th-20th: 2
Total: 2

FIRST TIMERS AT THE DERBY

KEVIN KRIGGER
He could become the first Afriican-American jockey to win the Derby since 1902. He started his career in Auburn, Washington at Emerald Downs where he rode for several years, winning a title in 2005. For the last couple of years, he has been riding on the Southern California circuit and it looks like he has found a new home. He will be riding one of the favorites in this race, Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Goldencents. He will try to make it back-to-back years for trainer Doug O’Neill who won his first Derby last year with another Santa Anita Derby winner, I’ll Have Another.

ELVIS TRUJILLO
He’s won the riding title at Monmouth Park three of the last four years, winning 456 races over that span. He will ride Itsmyluckyday for trainer Ed Plesa Jr.. The Lawyer Ron colt defeated two year old champion Shanghai Bobby in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park where he set a new track record for 1 1/16 miles. He is coming off a runner-up effort to Orb in the Florida Derby.

RYAN MOORE
The veteran jockey from Europe will accompany his European trainer counterpart Aiden O’Brien to try and get one for Europe at the Derby. It hasn’t been an easy feat, but both hope that U.A.E Derby (G2) winner Lines of Battle will get the job done. O’Brien ran 20th last year with Daddy Long Legs, but 5th the year before with Master of Hounds.

JOSE ESPINOSA
His first try for the run for the roses will come aboard late entry Giant Finish, who finished 3rd last out in the Spiral Stakes. Espinosa has been riding since 1995 mostly on the New York circuit. He has a career win percentage of just 8%, but is seeing decent success so far in 2013. He’s won 24 of 131 races for a percentage of 18% including a pair of grade 3 races.

LUIS SAEZ
Has only been riding in the US since 2009, but has quickly become one of the top jockeys in Florida. He rides at Calder Race Course, Tampa Bay Downs and Gulfstream Park. Last year, he ranked 5th in overall wins and 36th in earnings Nationally. He has three graded stakes win in 2013 already. He will ride Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) winner Falling Sky trained by John Terranova. His last two races resulted in a 3rd place finish in the Tampa Bay Derby and 4th place finish in the Arkansas Derby.

VICTOR LEBRON
Started his career in 2005 and has won over 1,300 races with a total of $21,000,000 in purse earnings. His best year was 2008 when he won 263 races worth $3,764,479 in purse earnings. He currently rides on the Kentucky circuit and will ride Frac Daddy for trainer Ken McPeek. After a couple of subpar effort at Gulfstream Park in the Holy Bull Stakes and Florida Derby, the gray Scat Daddy colt comes off a solid 2nd place finish to Overanalyze in the Arkansas Derby on April 13.

Below each name, you will see how many Derby’s they have won along with other interesting statistics and information.

TODD PLETCHER
Pletcher is considered one of the top trainers in the country. For the last few years he has been consistently at the top or at the top of every statistical category; wins, graded wins, in the money, win percentage and overall purse earnings. He won the 2010 Kentucky Derby with Super Saver (his only win), and looks to have a fantastic opportunity to notch number two with five starters including undefeated colt Verrazano (Wood Memorial winner), Revolutionary (Louisiana Derby winner), Overanalyze (Arkansas Derby winner, Palace Malice (Blue Grass Stakes runner-up) and Charming Kitten (3rd place in the Blue Grass Stakes). Last year, he finished 13th with El Padrino and 16th with Gemologist.

CAREER STATS

Win: 1
2nd: 2
3rd: 1
4th: 2
Other: 25
Total: 31

He’s had multiple horses entered nine times, but that hasn’t meant success for Pletcher. 80% off the board percentage is proof of that.

D. WAYNE LUKAS
Lukas has achieved star status over the year’s at Churchill Downs as he’s entered more horses in the Derby than any other trainer in the history of this prestigious race. Included in those horses were four winners; filly Winning Colors in 1988, Thunder Gulch in 1995, Grindstone in 1996 and Charismatic in 1999. Those four wins have him tied for 2nd place all-time with Henry Thompson and only behind Ben Jones who totaled six over his illustrious career.

Last year, he finished 11th with Optimizer. This year, he has a legitimate shot at reclaiming past glory by saddling Rebel Stakes winner Will Take Charge and LeComte Stakes (G3) Oxbow. They will be his 46th and 47th horses that he has entered in the Derby. An all-time record.

CAREER STATS

1st: 4
2nd: 1
3rd: 5
4th-9th: 16
10th-15th: 11
16th-20th: 8
Total: 45

As much success as he’s had over the years, he has had several years with lack of success, as you can see with his 35 of 45 (78%) out of the money results with 19 of 45 (42%) at 10th or worse. This is a tough race and it became much tougher when the field expanded to 20 horses in 1990′s.

DOUG O’NEILL
Based in Southern California, O’Neill has been a annual fixture at or near the top of the trainer standings at Hollywood Park, Santa Anita and Del Mar. He has won many graded stakes victories over his career including Grade 1′s, 2′s and 3′s. However, the Kentucky Derby was one he hadn’t won, until last year. The unprecedented rise to stardom for his colt I’ll Have Another was quite remarkable. After finishing 2nd to Creative Cause in the Best Pal Stakes at Del Mar in the summer of 2011, he was injured in the Three Chimneys Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga. He didn’t race until February 4th, 2012 in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita. At odds of 43/1 he would easily defeat the field. He followed it up with another tremendous performance in the Santa Anita Derby out dueling Creative Cause at the end. He went onto win the 2012 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes before being forced to retire prior to his chance at winning the triple crown. This year, O’Neill has another Santa Anita Derby winner in Goldencents. The Into Mischief colt saw success at two winning the Delta Downs Jackpot, then immediately at age three by taking the Sham Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita. He finished 5th in the San Felipe Stakes (G2) before winning the SA Derby.

CAREER STATS

1st: 1
13th: 1
14th: 1
Total: 3

CLAUDE “SHUG” MCGAUGHEY
Shug has been training horses for over three decades, winning many of the top stakes race across the country in the process. The one race that has eluded him over the years is the Kentucky Derby. He was close back in 1989 when Easy Goer and Awe Inspiring finished 2nd and 3rd respectively behind Sunday Silence. His last Derby entrant was back in 2002 when Saarland finished a disappointing 10th. It’s been a long time coming for the veteran hall of fame trainer. This year, he has as good a chance as any to finally get his first Kentucky Derby win with Florida Derby (G1) winner Orb. He currently rides a four race winning streak that also includes the Besilu Stables Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2).

CAREER STATS

2nd: 1
3rd: 1
4th-9th: 2
10th-15th: 1
16th-20th: 1
Total: 6

KENNETH MCPEEK
McPeek has had four horses run for the roses during his career as a trainer and he’s come close on a couple of occasions. In 1995, Tejano Run finished 2nd behind the D. Wayne Lukas winner Thunder Gulch and 5th with Noble’s Promise in the 2010 Kentucky Derby. That was his last time in the Derby. This year, he will head into the race with two contenders. His best chance on paper looks to be Blue Grass Stakes (G1) winner Java’s War. The Blue Grass was an impressive last to first effort. His other colt is Arkansas Derby runner-up Frac Daddy.

CAREER STATS

2nd: 1
4th-9th: 2
10th-15th: 1
Total: 4

AIDAN O’BRIEN
One of the few European trainers who consistently brings horses to the big races in North America, had his first Derby encounter back in 2002. He actually brought two horses that time. Castle Gandolfo ran 12th and Johannesburg finished 8th. Johannesburg was brought over the previous November and won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Johannesburg has gone on to have an outstanding career as a sire. In 2011, O’Brien brought Master of Hounds and he finished a respectable 5th. Last year, he wasn’t as fortunate with Daddy Long Legs (UAE Derby winner) as the Scat Daddy colt finished 20th and last. This year, he brings yet another UAE Derby winner over in Lines of Battle. Last November, he ran 7th in the BC Juvenile Turf (G1) at Santa Anita.

CAREER STATS

5th: 1
8th: 1
12th: 1
20th: 1
Total: 4

MICHAEL MAKER
The last three Derby’s have not gone well for Maker. He had Union Rags (7th) last year, Derby Kitten (13th) and Twinspired (17th) in 2011 and Stately Victor (8th) and Dean’s Kitten (14th) in 2010. Fear the Kitten finished 2nd in the Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park, then 5th in both the Spiral Stakes (G3) at Turfway Park and Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland. His only non-maiden win came in an Allowance last year at Churchill Downs, that was originally for the turf, but on dirt. So he at least knows the Churchill dirt surface if he gets in. He will be entered as an also eligible and will need a horse to scratch to get in.

CAREER STATS

7th: 1
8th: 1
13th: 1
17th: 1
Total: 4

KELLY BREEN
The Belmont Stakes winning trainer from 2011 with Ruler on Ice has been to the Derby twice, but with three horses. In 2009, he finished 9th with West Side Bernie and 16th with Atomic Rain. His last attempt came in 2011 when Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Pants on Fire finished 9th. This year, he comes in with the relative unknown Black Onyx. The Rock Hard Ten colt did win the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Spiral Stakes (G3) at Turfway Park, but that was his first attempt in stakes company. He also won an Allowance Optional Claimer at Gulfstream Park a month earlier.

CAREER STATS

4th-9th: 2
16th-20th: 1
Total: 3

DALLAS STEWART
He’s been to the big dance twice with his best result coming back in 1999 when Kimberlite Pipe finished 6th. His last time Derby was in 2001 with Dollar Bill finishing in a distant 15th place. He comes in to this race with Golden Soul. He has yet to win a race other than his maiden but he qualified by finishing 3rd in the LeComte Stakes, 6th in the Risen Star Stakes and 4th in the Louisiana Derby.

CAREER STATS

4th-9th: 1
10th-15th: 1
Total: 2

THOMAS AMOSS
Amoss did not see success in his two previous tries in the Derby. In 2003, he finished 15th with Lone Star Sky and 20th and last with Backtalk. This year, he comes in with Louisiana Derby runner-up MyLute. His two wins to date have been his maiden score and an Allowance Optional Claimer at Fair Grounds. The LA Derby effort certainly showed he is a talented colt.

CAREER STATS

10th-15th: 1
16th-20th: 1
Total: 2

ED PLESA JR.
The Florida based trainer has had one previous attempt at winning the Derby, but it didn’t go as planned. His talented filly Three Ring finished 19th and last back in 1999. It was her only career performance worst than 3rd. This year, Itsmyluckyday will try and get back to the winner’s circle after finishing 2nd to Orb in the Florida Derby. Already in 2013, he won the Gulfstream Park Derby by 6 3/4 lengths and defeated two year old male champion Shanghai Bobby in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3).

CAREER STATS

16th-20th: 1
Total: 1

The following trainers will be making their Kentucky Derby debuts:

RUDY RODRIGUEZ
The New York based trainer will saddle previously unbeaten Vyjack in the Kentucky Derby. He was a perfect 4 for 4 before finishing a solid 3rd in the Wood Memorial. He won the Jerome Stakes (G2) and Gotham Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct earlier in the year.

CHAD BROWN
The turf specialist has himself a dirt contender in Normandy Invasion. After breaking his maiden last November at Aqueduct, he ran 2nd in the Remsen Stakes (G2). After three months off, he returned to finish 5th in the Risen Star Stakes. His last race was a strong come from behind 2nd place in the Wood Memorial. It was the first time Verrazano has had a challenge late in a race.

JOHN TERRANOVA
Since winning the Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs on February 2, Falling Sky has finished 3rd in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) and 4th in the Louisiana Derby.

ANTHONY DUTROW
Giant Finish gets into the Derby by way of other qualified horses bypassing the race or being sidelined due to injury. The Frost Giant colt comes off a 3rd place finish the Spiral Stakes on March 23.

Will Take Charge – Trainer D. Wayne Lukas – Owner Willis Horton

The chestnut colt by Unbridled’s Song missed in his debut at Saratoga last summer finishing 5th going 5 1/2 furlongs. A switch to Keeneland and the all weather surface helped him win in last to first fashion a couple of months later going seven furlongs. He finished an un-inspired 13th and last in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes in November, but something must have been wrong as he was never a factor. His last race in 2012 was a 2nd place finish to Texas Bling in the Remington Springboard Mile Stakes at Remington Park on December 9.

In his three year old debut, he turned the tables on Texas Bling in the Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park on January 21 as he got up in time to defeat his counterpart at the wire by a head. A 6th place effort in the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn on February 18 might be due to the sloppy track. We will give him a break from that effort as he returned to win the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn on March 16 going 1 1/16 miles. Lukas bypassed the last prep races, so we never got to see him go 1 1/8 miles.

He’s been working quite well posting bullets at five furlongs and one mile at Oaklawn Park and Churchill Downs. He should be fresh and ready for a big run.

PEDIGREE

His sire, Unbridled’s Song, was a multiple graded stakes winner capturing the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Belmont Park in 1995. He started off his three year old campaign with a 2nd place effort in the Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream Park in February 1996. He finished 2nd yet again in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) 20 days later. He easily won the Florida Derby (G1) at Guflstream before heading to New York and taking the Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct. Back then, those two races were separated by a month.

He went off as the 7/2 favorite in the Kentucky Derby. He took over lead a mile into the race, but weakened late to finish 5th beaten four lengths. He was never quite the same after the Kentucky Derby. In his next four races, he would finish 2nd in the Woody Stephens (G2) at Belmont Park, 9th in the Arlington Citation Challenge Invitational Stake at Arlington Park, 2nd in an Allowance and a win in the Olympic Handicap back at Gulfstream Park in January 1997. He retired after that race.

He did go on to have a great career as a sire. Hall of Fame type of numbers year after year producing graded stakes winners and champions across the country.

Over his career as a sire, he has produced:

-over 180 stakes winning horses
-45 graded stakes winners (15 in Grade 1)
-gross earnings over $85,000,000
-Nine Millionaires

He currently rides a streak of seven years with earnings over $6,000,000 (2006-2012)

TOP HORSES

Unrivaled Belle, defeated 2011 Horse of the Year Havre de Grace in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs in November 2010 and defeated 2010 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra in the La Troienne Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs in April 2010. She also won the Rampart Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park that year. Career earnings over $1,800,000.

Unbridled Elaine, was a multiple graded stakes winner including the Monmouth Breeders’ Cup Oaks (G2) at Monmouth Park and Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) at Belmont Park in 2001. Career earnings over $1,700,000.

Octave was a multiple graded stakes winner including the Mother Goose Stakes (G1) and Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) at Belmont Park. She ran 2nd seven times in 13 races and was never worse than 3rd. Earnings over $1,600,000.

Graydar, winner of the Donn Handicap (G1) at Gulfstream Park and New Orleans Handicap (G2) at Fair Grounds.

Emcee, winner of the seven furlongs Forego Stakes (G1) at Saratoga in 2012.

Noble Tune, winner of the Pilgrim Stakes (G3) at Saratoga and runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G2) at Santa Anita in 2012.

Keep Up, winner of the River City Handicap (G3) at Churchill Downs on turf in 2012.

Mission Impazible, winner of the Louisiana Derby (G2) in 2010 and New Orleans Handicap (G2) in 2011.

Midshipman, won three of four races at age two including the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Oak Tree Santa Anita and Del Mar Futurity (G1).

Political Force, winner of the 2007 Suburban Handicap (G1) at Belmont Park

Zensational winner of three Grade 1 sprints in Southern California in 2009. He won the Bing Crosby Stakes and Pat O’Brien Stakes at Del Mar and Triple Bend Handicap at Hollywood Park.

The sire of Unbridled’s Song, Unbridled, won the 1990 Kentucky Derby and place 2nd in the Preakness Stakes. He won the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Belmont Park later that year. He went on to have a good career as a sire as well.

The dam of Will Take Charge, Take Charge Lady won eight career graded stakes including the Spinster Stakes (G1) on two occasions and the Ashland Stakes (G1) all at Keeneland. She had career earnings over $2,400,000. She produced last year’s Florida Derby winner Take Charge Indy.

TRAINER

The modern King of the Kentucky Derby as he’s won the Run for the Roses four times. Putting him in a tie for 2nd place all-time with Henry Thompson and only behind Ben Jones (6). The hall of famer hasn’t won the big race since 1999 when Charismatic shocked the field at odds of 31/1.

Lukas will also saddle Oxbow in this race and that will mark the 46th and 47th horses that he has entered in the Derby. An all-time record. Last year, he finished 11th with Optimizer.

This year, he currently sits tied for 8th with four graded stakes wins. Will Take Charge won the Rebel Stakes (G2), Optimizer won the Fair Grounds Handicap (G2) and Colonel E.R. Bradley Handicap (G3) at Fair Grounds, while Oxbow won the LeComte Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds.

JOCKEY

Jon Court is a journeyman jockey who has been riding since 1980. He’s ridden in Colorado, Indiana, California, Louisiana and Kentucky. He currently sits in 37th place with 2013 overall purse earnings of $1,546,668. He has four graded stakes (two grade 2 and two grade 3) on the year with wins on all of D. Wayne Lukas horses that we mentioned above. He only had two all of last year.

Over his career, he has amassed a total of 3,667 wins and earnings over $85,000,000. He is still searching for his first Kentucky Derby win.

Overanalyze – Trainer Todd Pletcher – Owner Repole Stable

This Dixie Union colt had a successful debut to his career taking a five furlongs maiden special weight race at Saratoga on August 9. He went to gate to wire to win by 1 1/4 lengths. He finished 4th less than a month later in the seven furlongs Three Chimneys Hopeful Stakes (G2) at Saratoga after getting bumped and squeezed early on in the race. 27 days later, he cut back to six furlongs and easily won the Futurity Stakes (G2) at Belmont Park after getting bumped early. He made a last to first effort to win by 3 1/4 lengths. He didn’t have a great trip in his 3rd place finish in the Iroquois Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs on October 28. He ended his two year old campaign on a winning note taking his second graded stakes in the 1 1/8 miles Remsen Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs on November 24. It was a good sign for Pletcher and this colt as it showed his long distance capabilities at a young age.

He made his first start as a three year old in the Gotham Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct in February and ran a mediocre 5th. He might have needed a race considering the layoff. It seemed that way as he drew off from nine other competitors in the Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park on April 13. The fact that Pletcher took a different approach with him compared to his other Derby contenders makes us feel he isn’t as confident. The final time for the race was a slow 1:51.94. Not too exciting, but nonetheless did what he had to do against this field.

PEDIGREE

Dixie Union was a five-time graded stakes winner including two Grade 1 at age three. After winning the Norfolk Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita in October 1999, he finished 5th in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Gulfstream Park in November. He would miss the next few months due to injury, missing the Kentucky Derby in the process. He returned to take an Allowance at Santa Anita on May 7, 2000.

He finished 2nd in both the Lazaro Barrera Memorial Stakes and Affirmed Handicap (G3) at Hollywood Park before heading East to win the Haskell Invitational (G1) at Monmouth Park. He defeated favorite Captain Steve and More Than Ready, who is the sire of another 2013 Kentucky Derby Contender, Verrazano.

He shipped to New York and ran in the Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga 20 days later. He finished 4th beaten handily. This time he was the beaten favorite. It was later mentioned that he was injured. Good excuse for not running as well as expected. He missed the next four months until he made a return to California and won the Malibu Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita on December 26. That was his last race before heading to stud.

MOST NOTABLE STAKES WINNER BY DIXIE UNION

Union Rags won his first three starts at two including the Champagne Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park in September 2011 and Three Chimneys Saratoga Special Stakes (G2) at Saratoga in August. He was a head away from being crowned Eclipse Award winner for two year old horse of the year as he lost to Hansen in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in 2011. His first race after a winter break of 3 1/2 months was a solid win in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park on February 26, 2012. He didn’t have racing room in the Kentucky Derby until the end and finished 7th. He bypassed the Preakness Stakes for the longer Belmont Stakes and that did the trick. He rallied late along the rail to defeat Paynter by a neck. He was forced to retire after the race due to a leg injury.

The sire of Dixie Union, Dixieland Band, was a multiple graded stakes winner himself. He won the Pennsylvania Derby (G2) in May, 1983 and Massachusetts Handicap (G2) in June 1984. He finished 14th in his Kentucky Derby attempt.

The dam of Dixie Union, She’s Tops, was a graded stakes winner taking the Railbird Stakes (G2) at Hollywood Park in May 30, 1992.

TRAINER

The Kentucky Derby has not been kind for Pletcher over the years. Heading into the 2010 race, he was a brutal 0-24. He was forced to scratch the early favorite Eskendereya due to a leg injury. He still had four horses entered in the event, but they ranged from 8-1 to 31-1. It ended up being 8-1 Super Saver finally giving Pletcher that breakthrough moment. Since then though, he’s continued to deal with adversity with favorite Uncle Mo getting scratched prior to the Derby (stomach flu) and last year, he finished 13th and 16th respectively with El Padrino and Gemologist.

Overanalyze is the 3rd of a possible five starters for the Pletcher barn. He is the leading American trainer in terms of overall graded wins including Grade 1 races, purse earnings and took four of the main Derby prep races with Revolutionary winning the Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds, Verrazano winning the Wood Memorial (G1), Overanalyze taking the Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park and Winning Cause capturing the Coolmore Lexington Stakes (G3) at Keeneland. Although, Winning Cause has been declared out of the race.

It’s unprecedented what he has done in 2013, but he knows far too well not to take things for granted considering the past woes. Having a 5 in 20 chance (25%) to win this race with four of them considered to be a serious contender, You have to like his chances at getting Derby #2 this year.

JOCKEY

Rafael Bejarano was the 4th jockey to ride Overanalyze in seven races. He’s been ridden by other super stars such as John Velasquez, Ramon Dominguez and Julien Leparoux. They all have a different mount of the Derby.

Bejarano has been the leading rider multiple times at Santa Anita, Hollywood Park and Del Mar, but he too has been roughed up by the biggest race in the United States. In 8 attempts, he’s never finished in the top 3 and has just one 4th coming in 2009 on Papa Clem. The last three year’s he’s finished 18th, 18th and 13th. The 13th was last year on the Pletcher trained El Padrino.

CAREER DERBY STATS

Win: 0
2nd-3rd: 0
4th: 1
5th-10th: 3
11th-20th: 4
Total: 8

He currently ranks 7th with six graded wins in 2013; one grade 1, two Grade 2′s and three grade 3 races. The lone grade 1 being the Arkansas Derby aboard this colt. He sits 2nd in overall 2013 purse earnings with $5,686,526 and 1st among the top 20 jockeys with a 28% win percentage.

Vyjack – Trainer Rudy Rodriguez – Owner Pick Six Racing (David Wilkenfeld)

Another son of Into Mischief comfortably won both of his starts as a two year old taking his maiden debut going 6 1/2 furlongs and the seven furlongs Traskwood Stakes, both at Aqueduct. He carried the momentum over to 2013 and won the Jerome Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct on January 5 going one mile and 70 yards. His win in the 1 1/16 miles Gotham Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct on March 2 against a group of 10 colts and geldings propelled him to the elite class of three year olds. He had a wide trip in the Wood Memorial and challenged Verrazano down the stretch. He faded to 3rd but was only beaten less than a length.

PEDIGREE

Into Mischief ran just six times, but was quite consistent in limited action. He broke his maiden first out at Oak Tree Santa Anita in October 2007. He finished 2nd in the Hollywood Prevue Stakes (G3) at Hollywood Park a month later. His first career stakes win came in the CashCall Futurity (G1) on December 22. Trainer Richard Mandella decided against the Derby trail and ran him in sprint races instead. He finished 2nd in the seven furlongs San Vicente Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita in February 2008. Unfortunately, he was injured in the race and would miss nearly eight months. His return came in the seven furlongs Damascus Stakes at Oak Tree Santa Anita in October where he finished in a very quick 1:20.38. He won by two lengths. His last career race resulted in a 2nd place finish in the Malibu Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita as well.

His first foals hit the track last year and they experienced immediate success in stakes company. Other than Vyjack, he has another budding star who will also run in the Derby.

Goldencents is a three-time graded stakes winner taking the Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes (G3) at Delta Downs, Sham Stakes (G3) and Santa Anita Derby (G1) at Santa Anita.

The dam, Life Happened never made it to the track, but comes from a multiple Group stakes winning sire from Europe, Stravinsky. Part of the down line of of the great Northern Dancer and Nureyev. On the dam’s dam side, Round It Off, never participated in a stakes race in 20 career starts, but she did win a couple of Allowance races at Pimlico and Laurel Park in 1993-1994.

TRAINER

Rudy Rodriguez had the attention turn from this colt, who was undefeated until the Wood Memorial, to himself as the New York based trainer had to serve 20 days for a third violation of his horses using the banned substance Banamine. The probation was supposed to be 40 days, but was reduced in half if he didn’t receive another violation within a year. Well, a third violation did appear when his horse Majestic Marquet tested positive after a race at Aqueduct on March 10. If the test is confirmed, he will serve the additional 20 days, as well as, any other additional penalty from the gaming commission. Not exactly what he or the connections of Vyjack were hoping for as they head towards the biggest race of their careers.

Rodriguez currently sits in 6th place with overall 2013 purse earnings of $2,379,107. He’s won 46 of 215 starts for a 21% win percentage. Of those 46 wins, three are graded stakes. He won the two with Vyjack and the third was Head Heart Hoof in the Toboggan Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct on March 2.

JOCKEY

Garrett Gomez is a seasoned veteran and picks up the mount on Vyjack due to the departure of Joel Rosario, who picked up the mount on Florida Derby (G1) winner Orb. That mount opened up when John Velasquez decided to stick with undefeated Wood Memorial winner Verrazano. The first three starts for Vyjack came under the guidance of Cornelio Velasquez. Rosario only rode him in the Gotham Stakes win and the 2nd place in the Wood.

Gomez has just five graded wins in 2013, but two have come in Grade 1 races. He won on Kentucky Oaks contender Beholder in both the Las Virgenes Stakes (G1) and Santa Anita Oaks (G1) at Santa Anita. He’s also won two Grade 2 and a Grade 3. He currently sits 8th with overall 2013 purse earnings of $3,392,854. He’s won 50 of 224 mounts for a 22% win percentage.

Career Highlights

Winning the Preakness Stakes (G1) and Haskell Invitational (G1) on Lookin at Lucky in 2010.

Winning multiple Grade 1 races including the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) at Oak Tree Santa Anita aboard the great mare Ventura in 2008-2009.

Winning multiple Grade 1 races including the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (G1) at Oak Tree Santa Anita aboard the great mare Life is Sweet in 2008-2009.

Winning back-to-back Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) at Monmouth Park and Santa Anita on Midnight Lute in 2007-2008.

He might be best known now for spoiling the final race of the phenomenal career of super mare Zenyatta aboard Blame in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs. She was 19 for 19 and lost by a mere head as she tried to come from far behind.

Java’s War – Trainer Kenneth McPeek – Owners Charles Fipke

The 2nd colt in this field is also from the late sire War Pass. He finished 5th in his debut at Churchill Downs last June going five furlongs on grass. A little over a month later he broke his maiden next out at Ellis Park in July going a mile on the turf. He won the Sunday Silence Stakes at Louisiana Downs going a mile on turf as well. He finished 3rd on the all weather track at Keeneland in the Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity (G1) on October 6. His 6th place performance in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs on November 24 was due to a bad break and going 6-wide the entire race. Obviously, he was injured at some point since he has missed considerable time afterwards.

His first race back came in a 2nd place finish to Verrazano in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) at Tampa Bay Downs on March 9. A 3 1/2 months layoff. He was 9th and last early on and made his traditional late move, but was not good enough to catch the winner. The additional distance in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland certainly benefited his racing style in coming from far back early on. He won the 1 1/8 miles race after a bad break that left him at the very back yet again. That didn’t hurt him as it might others who like to be on the lead or near since he comes from behind anyways. The final time of 1:50.27 wasn’t all too quick, but it was the way that he won that excites us. The bad break, early moderate fractions and still having the kick to catch up and win shows his ability. If there is a quick pace in the Derby, this horse should be flying at the end.

PEDIGREE

War Pass was an impressive two year old in 2007 winning all four races including the Champagne Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Monmouth Park. He was named 2007 two year old male Horse of the Year. All looked good in 2008 as he started off with a solid 7 1/2 lengths Allowance win at Gulfstream Park in February. In the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs, he was hit hard at the gate, fell far back and stopped during the race. He came back a month later to run 2nd in the Wood Memorial (G1) at Aqueduct, but unfortunately was injured during the race. He was not only forced to bypass the Kentucky Derby, he was forced into retirement.

He doesn’t have much of a track record since his first foals hit the track in 2012 and he passed away shortly after his return from Australia in 2010 where he was breeding. He was just five years old. Despite the lack of years as a sire, he made quite the splash in limited time.

Revolutionary won this year’s Withers Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct and Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds. He will also run in the Derby.

To have two foals head to the Kentucky Derby in his first full year as a sire it quite impressive. It’s a shame that we won’t get to see anymore of his offspring.

War Pass sire, Cherokee Run, won the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) at Churchill Downs in 1994. He was a five-time graded stakes winner and runner-up in the Preakness Stakes.

Java’s War dam Java (GB) ran just seven times, winning twice and finishing in the top three on five occasions. She mostly ran in Allowance races and never made it to a stakes race. Java’s dam Island Jamboree was a six-time stakes winner at Louisiana Downs and Oaklawn Park, not graded and finished in the top three 22 times in 37 career races.

TRAINER

Ken McPeek started training back in 1997. He has over 1,200 winners under his guidance, won over 40 graded stakes races with multiple Grade 1′s. His top horses include Harlan’s Holiday (2002 Florida Derby and Blue Grass Stakes), Sarava (2002 Belmont Stakes), Take Charge Lady (nine-time graded stakes winner), Repent (four-time graded winner including Louisiana Derby) and Dream Empress (Darley Alcibiades Stakes in 2008). He hasn’t won the Kentucky Derby.

McPeek currently sits 13th in 2013 total purse earnings with $1,707,039 in just 147 starts. He has just the one graded stakes winner this year, that being this colt.

JOCKEY

Julien Leparoux currently sits 10th in 2013 total purse earnings of $3,216,937. He’s won seven graded stakes this year which puts him 5th behind John Velasquez, Mike Smith, Joel Rosario and Javier Castellano. Leparoux has won two Grade 1, three Grade 2 and two Grade 3 races. He left France in 2003 for a career here in the United States. He’s several premier races across the country but is still looking for his first Kentucky Derby and triple crown race. He does have five Breeders’ Cup wins with three coming in 2009. He was just the second jockey ever to win three Breeders’ Cup races in the same year. Garrett Gomez in 2008.