Things are really starting to get rolling for the “road to the Kentucky Derby”.
Steve Haskings weekly rankings & thoughts.
Current leader board.
Magnitude is out with an ankle chip
PP for the Rebel
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I haven’t paid attention to any Derby trail stuff yet but, I like the name Getaway Car 
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Ferocious has a game face that lives up to his name. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred/ferocious/2022?source=BHonline
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I wonder what the height of suspension in his gallop.
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It’d be nice for Smoken wicked to do well, I don’t think there’s been an la bred contender for the derby in a while if ever.
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Bullard is out of the Rebel
https://paulickreport.com/news/triple-crown/fever-knocks-bullard-out-of-sundays-rebel-at-oaklawn
First Resort is out
Is Hypnus still in? He’s quite the big strong looking colt. https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred/hypnus/2022
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Super nice run from Coal Battle in the Rebel.
They were smokin!!
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Coal Battle made a great move around the turn.
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Watched Coal Battle last night. I don’t think I have ever been so thrilled to see someone stick it to the Baffert crew as I was yesterday evening! What a gutsy little horse. Super balanced, professional, calculated horse. Not to mention he is also quite good looking. Sired by a $2000 stallion that was moved out of KY for this year and out of black type producing WV bred Midshipman mare.
I hope he stays sound and healthy because this is the type of horse and connections who deserve every bit of the fame. Just proving that all the high dollar stallions, millions of dollars being dumped on one horse at the sales, and billionaire ownership teams have not entirely taken over the industry. I’m rooting for the little guy
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$70,000 yearling. Has more than paid his way.
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Another one is off the KD trail.
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Every year it feels like I end up more out of the loop re. what horses are in the Triple Crown races.
Ought start following it again beyond just “throw the Derby, etc. on, on TV.”
I do not bet at all but a couple years back when Rich Strike won the Derby I remember hearing he was a last minute entry due to another horse scratching, had pretty long odds, and he was a chestnut like the OTTB I owned as a teenager so I was like “wouldn’t it be cool if he won.” Yep. He won. I could not say that and have the horse actually win again in my life.
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Sovereignty looked great today in the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream.
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/usa/gp/2025/3/1/13/coolmore-fountain-of-youth-s-g2
He seems to be a come from behind horse, which may count against him in the Derby, with that 20 horse field.
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As did Journalism out west. Both colts have many similarities, big, fast boys from good barns very lightly raced. Both very fashionably bred, Journalism’s dam, Mopotiism was a successful racehorse herself.
They will need to prove they can come from behind more serious early speed through more than 4 and 5 other horses but, IMO, there is hope behind the hype.
Not ready to pick my favorite yet. There are a couple that are temporarily on the sidelines need to watch first and these plus the other winners from the last couple of weeks could use another race.
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They both looked good winning their respective races.
Flood Zone earned points winning the Gotham
Promising young jockey on that one as well…glad new connections kept him up there.
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After watching Mine That Bird, 50 to 1 long shot, come from last to win the KY Derby in 2009 I’d say any horse can do it with the right jockey. That was an amazing race!
Did a quick google search, but not getting the answer I’m looking for.
If they allow up to 20 horses to start in the Derby, why is the Oaks still limited to 14?
