My Derby Picks

There were a few changes to my list of Derby horses after this weekend's Arkansas Derby and Blue Grass Stakes.

1. Gemologist
2. Union Rags
3. I'll Have Another
   
4. Hansen -- Tried to pull off a front-running victory in the Blue Grass (G1) but was run down in the stretch. My Derby hopes for him rely on whether or not he'll accept being kept off-the-pace.
   
5. Reveron -- Looking forward to seeing his performance in the Lexington.
   
6. Secret Circle -- Finished a well-beaten second in the Arkansas.
7. Alpha
   
8. Creative Cause
9. Bodemeister -- Has been lightly raced. Was second in the San Felipe (G2). Absolutely dominated the Arkansas Derby (G1) when he took the lead and never looked back.
10. Dullahan -- Third and fifth in maidens at Churchill Downs. Then switched to turf for two starts: second in a maiden and third in With Anticipation (G2). Rounded out the year with a win in the Dixiana Breeders' Futurity (G1) on the synthetic and a fourth place finish in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. He started his three-year-old season with a second in the Palm Beach over turf. This weekend, he won the Blue Grass impressively, overtaking Hansen in the stretch coming from the back of the pack.
    
11. Mark Valeski -- Have a soft spot for this one. Finished second in the Risen Star (G2) by a nose and Louisiana Derby (G2) by a half-length. He's still young and I don't think he's shown his full promise yet.