Kentucky Derby C omments - FTBOA
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Kentucky Derby Comments
By Brock Sheridan Photos by Coady and Chelsea Durand
#1 Known Agenda, 6-1
Drawing the inside post is his biggest problem. He won the Curlin Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park in his last
start, and an allowance race, also at Gulfstream, before that on Feb. 26 and is trained by two-time Derby-winning
trainer Todd Pletcher (Always Dreaming, 2017 and Super Saver, 2010). The Florida Derby has produced more Ken-
tucky Derby winners than any other prep race (24) and six Kentucky Derby winners since 2000. Third in the Rem-
sen (G2) won by Brooklyn Strong at Aqueduct on Dec. 5 and fifth in the Sam Davis (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs on
Feb. 6, Known Agenda looks to be a “getting good at the right time” horse with the addition of blinkers for his last
two races. Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. is a plus, even among the world’s best and post one.
Known Agenda
#2 Like the King, 50-1
Won the Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park in his last race and his first career victory was on turf, so rac-
ing on dirt for him is a question mark. In two starts on dirt, he was second in his career debut in July and third
against allowance horses at Keeneland in October. Although this is the first Derby starter for trainer Wesley Ward,
he has a reputation for his horses performing well on a world stage.
Like the King
#3 Brooklyn Strong, 50-1
Was the last to qualify for the Kentucky Derby as he made the field over the weekend when others were with-
drawn. Won the Remsen Stakes (G2) in New York on Dec. 5 then finished fifth in the Resorts World Casino Wood
Memorial (G2) on April 3. Also won the minor Sleepy Hollow Stakes at Belmont Park in October but will have to show
improvement to be competitive with some of the best in the Derby.
Brooklyn Strong
#4 Keepmeinmind, 50-1
One of two horses in the Kentucky Derby field with a stakes victory and the only one with a graded stakes win
over the Churchill Downs surface having won the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club there Nov. 28. Has been dull in
two races this year with a sixth in the Rebel (G2) at Oaklawn and fifth, beaten more than 16 lengths by Essential
Quality and Highly Motivated, in the Blue Grass (G2) at Keeneland on April 10. The first Derby starter for mid-west
high percentage trainer Robertino Diodoro and will need to correct his habit of breaking from the starting gate slow
to be in the hunt here.
#5 Sainthood, 50-1
Keepmeinmind
Was second to Like the King in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) on a synthetic track in his last race on March 27 off of a
maiden score at Fair Grounds on Feb. 13 in his second career start. Has the benefit of being one of four Derby
starters from the Todd Pletcher barn and reports say his morning works have been notably good. Lacks experience
at this level and will be a big surprise if he improves enough to win the Kentucky Derby. Jockey Corey Lanerie has
been a top rider at Churchill for years so he knows the course and should be an asset.
Sainthood
Continued on next page
Kentucky Derby Comments
By Brock Sheridan Photos by Coady
#6 O Besos, 20-1
Closed with a rush to finish third in the Louisiana Derby (G2), two lengths behind winner Hot Rod Charlie and
just a head behind Midnight Bourbon. He is the son of 2013 Kentucky Derby-winner Orb and his dam, Snuggs
and Kisses, was a stakes-winner around two turns so distance is not a question. In fact, distance may work
in his favor as he likes to come with a late run. However, he may have same challenges in Kentucky Derby
as he did when fourth in the Risen Star (G2) when he was forced to go five-wide in the second turn. The post
should help him avoid that problem on the first turn as he will likely be eased into a comfortable, no-rush
strategy early in the race. He also has shown improvement in each of five career starts so he is one to con-
sider for a those seeking a longshot.
#7 Mandaloun, 15-1
O Besos
Mysteriously threw a clunker in his last race as the 6-5 favorite when sixth behind Derby contenders Hot Rod
Charlie and Midnight Bourbon, who were first and second respectively in the Louisiana Derby (G2). He won the
Risen Star (G2) two starts back, defeating Midnight Bourbon in third, but was third as the odds-on favorite in
the Lecomte won by that one the race before on Jan. 16. An inconsistent type who could surprise in the Ken-
tucky Derby with one of his top performances.
Mandaloun
#8 Florida-bred Medina Spirit, 15-1
This Florida-bred is the lone starter this year trained by Hall of Fame and six-time Kentucky Derby trainer Bob
Baffert. This one-time $1,000 yearling won the Robert B. Lewis (G3) stakes at Santa Anita on Jan. 30 in a gutsy
performance defeating third-place finisher and Kentucky Derby foe Hot Rod Charlie by a neck. He was then
second in the San Felipe (G2) to Baffert super star Life is Good—who was sidelined with a minor injury—be-
fore finishing second as the favorite to Kentucky Derby entrant Rock Your World in the Santa Anita Derby (G1)
in his last race. Ironically, Florida-bred Silver Charm took the same pattern into the 1997 Kentucky Derby (2nd
in both San Felipe and Santa Anita Derby) and gave Baffert his first win in the Run for the Roses. A Baffert horse
at 15-1 deserves wagering consideration.
#9 Hot Rod Charlie, 8-1
Florida-bred Medina Spirit
Will try to give trainer Doug O’Neill his third Kentucky Derby victory from just six starters after saddling winners
I’ll Have Another in 2012 and Nyquist in 2016. Hot Rod Charlie won the Louisiana Derby (G2) while leading from
gate to wire showing he has the speed to position himself well early in the crowded Kentucky Derby. He was also
third in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita won by Derby foe Medina Spirit on Jan. 30 but it was a tena-
cious effort as he lost only by a neck. He was also second to Essential Quality in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1)
in November, so he has shown to be on par with the Derby favorite.
#10 Midnight Bourbon, 20-1
Hot Rod Charlie
Trained by Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen and comes into the Kentucky Derby after finishing second to
Hot Rod Charlie in the Louisiana Derby (G2). The most consistent performer in all three Derby prep races in
Louisiana having won the Lecomte (G3) on Jan. 16 and finishing second to Derby rival Mandaloun in the Risen
Star on Feb. 13 before the La. Derby second. Never worse than third in seven career races but the Lecomte
is his only victory in stakes company. Sire Tiznow won the Breeders’ Cup Classic twice, once at Churchill, so
he should like the distance.
Continued on next page Midnight Bourbon
Kentucky Derby Comments
By Brock Sheridan Photos by Coady
#11 Dynamic One, 20-1
Caught at the wire by longshot and fellow Kentucky Derby-contender Bourbonic in the Resorts World Casino Wood
Memorial (G2) in his last race on April 3. One of four Kentucky Derby entrants trained by two-time Derby winner
Todd Pletcher and he has looked good in morning works. The Wood was also his first start after winning his first
career race in his fourth try so experience is a question. However, his sire, Union Rags, won the Belmont so he should
like the distance despite being caught late in the Wood.
Dynamic One
#12 Helium, 50-1
The lightly-raced winner of the Tampa Bay Derby (G2), which he won after a five-month layoff. He is undefeated
in three starts and would have had more, but the pandemic canceled racing at his base at Woodbine last
year—hence the long layoff. He has looked good in morning works at Churchill from the barn of lifetime Ocala
resident Mark Casse, who has expressed high level of confidence in this horse since the Tampa Bay victory.
He’s had a long time between Tampa Bay Derby win on March 6 and the Kentucky Derby, but his last race
showed he can perform well when fresh. Speed figures don’t measure up, but Casse notes five-wide trip off
long layoff in Tampa Bay Derby off-sets those marginal numbers.
Helium
#13 Hidden Stash, 50-1
Was a well beaten fourth in the Toyota Blue Grass (G2) at Keeneland in his last race on April 3 and second to
Helium in the Tampa Bay Derby. Has never won a stakes-race but does have a victory at Churchill Downs, win-
ning a first level optional claiming allowance there in his last start as a juvenile in November. His best races have
been well below the standards of this Kentucky Derby field and will be a big surprise if he gets close.
#14, Essential Quality 2-1
Hidden Stash
He is undefeated in five starts and is the morning line favorite at 2-1. He was pushed hard by Derby con-
tender Highly Motivated in winning the Toyota Blue Grass (G2), so wondering if that effort may have taken a
bit of the polish off. Has also benefited from passing early leaders who tired after a fast pace in previous races
which is an unlikely scenario in the Kentucky Derby. The last undefeated Derby starter was Maximum Secu-
rity in 2019, who crossed the finish line first, but was disqualified and placed fourth. Since 2000, there have
been 15 undefeated Derby starters but only five have won the Run for the Roses. He is also the first Derby
starter for trainer and Louisville native Brad Cox, who will also saddle Mandaloun. Luis Saez is a top rider who
can prove to be an additional weapon.
#15 Rock Your World, 5-1
Essential Quality
He won the Santa Anita Derby (G1) while leading from start to finish in what was only his third career start and
first on dirt. He is undefeated in those three races and has the slight edge among Derby contenders with the
highest Beyer Speed Figure of 100 from the Santa Anita Derby. Although he won impressively by four-and-a-
half lengths ahead of the Bob Baffert-trained Derby horse Medina Spirit in the Santa Anita Derby, he will not get
another uncontested early lead in Kentucky. Fourth Derby starter for top West Coast trainer John Sadler who looks
for first Kentucky Derby score. Jockey Joel Rosario has been on fire of late and should prove to be a big asset.
Rock Your World
Continued on next page
Kentucky Derby Comments
By Brock Sheridan Photos by Coady
#16 King Fury, 20-1
He was a come-from-behind winner of the Grade 3 Lexington Stakes at Keeneland on April 10 on a track
that favored closers. It was also his best career race using several metrics, so he is a candidate to bounce
in the Run for the Roses. He has two wins at Churchill including a victory in the minor Street Sense there
around two turns in October and a maiden score first out in September. He is by Horse of the Year Curlin out
of Taris, multiple graded stakes-winning, millionaire mare who won at such levels around two turns, so he
should like the distance.
#17 Highly Motivated, 10-1
King Fury
Gave Essential Quality all he wanted when second by a neck to the Derby morning line favorite in the Toyota
Blue Grass on April 3. The Blue Grass was Highly Motivated’s first race around two turns, first race while run-
ning on the lead, and an improvement from his first start of 2021 when third in the Gotham (G3) in New York
on May 6. Improving trend should continue, especially when trained by Chad Brown, the young, four-time
Eclipse Award-winning trainer (2016-2019) who has been very selective about who he takes to the Kentucky
Derby. Brown has only five Kentucky Derby starters previously and was second in 2018 with Good Magic and
fourth with Normandy Invasion in his first try in 2013. Also has multiple champion jockey Javier Castellano
which gives him another plus.
Highly Motivated
#18 Super Stock, 30-1
He was a 12-1 upset winner of the Arkansas Derby (G1) in his last start, a race which produced 2019 Ken-
tucky Derby winner Country House and 2015 Triple Crown-winner American Pharoah in recent years. He is
trained by Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, who has a deceptive 0-21 record in the Kentucky Derby de-
spite his excellent credentials as a trainer. In other words, Asmussen is due to win eventually. Super Stock also
has tactical speed so he figures to be in a good position to make a run turning for home. Is another who has
improved in each start this year so may be at his best at the right time.
#19 Soup and Sandwich, 30-1
Super Stock
A Florida-bred, who was second to Known Agenda in his first start against stakes horses in the Grade 1
Curlin Florida Derby on March 27. That was also only his third career race after winning his debut at Gulf-
stream by more than seven lengths on Jan. 28 and an allowance at Tampa Bay on Feb. 24. He set the pace
in the Florida Derby, so look for him to also be close in early stages of Kentucky Derby. The outside post
also gives jockey Tyler Gaffalione a clear path to find optimal spot before getting to the usually crowded club-
house turn. Inexperience also showed in Florida when he did not change leads late, so he has more room
for improvement.
Florida-bred Soup and Sandwich
#20 Bourbonic, 30-1
He comes into the Kentucky Derby off of a win in the Resorts World Casino Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct
at odds of 72-1. Outside post is not a concern as he will be in no hurry to get the lead and will likely be to-
wards the back of the pack early in the Kentucky Derby. Look for him to make his big late run so he’ll need
some racing luck in last half-mile. One of four Derby starters for trainer Todd Pletcher and while he has won
three of his last four, the victories have come against much less talented horses. His sire, Bernadini; and ma-
ternal grand-sire, Florida-bred Afleet Alex, are both Preakness winners so distance should not be a concern.
Derby Post Positions on next page
Bourbonic
147th Running of the Kentucky Derby
Owner: St. Elias Stable Owner: Bernard Racing LLC, Tagg Team Racing,
Trainer: Todd Pletcher 6-1 West Point Thoroughbreds and Terry L. Stephens
Trainer: Gregory Foley
20-1
1 KNOWN AGENDA
Ch. c. Curlin-Byrama (GB), by Bryon (GB).
Bred by St. Elias Stable (Ky)
6 O BESOS
Ch. c. Orb-Snuggs and Kisses, by Sofo.
Bred by L. Barrett Bernard (Ky)
Weight / Jockey
Weight / Jockey
126 Irad Ortiz Jr.
126 Martin Pedroza
Owner: M Racing Group
Trainer: Wesley Ward 50-1 Owner: Juddmonte Farms Inc.
Trainer: Brad Cox 15-1
2 LIKE THE KING
Ch. c. Palace Malice-Like a Queen, by Corinthian.
Bred by Horseshoe Racing LLC (Ky)
7 MANDALOUN
B. c. Into Mischief-Brooch, by Empire Maker.
Bred by Juddmont Farms Inc.
Weight / Jockey Weight / Jockey
126 Drayden Van Dyke 126 Florent Geroux
Owner: Mark Schwartz Owner: Zendan Racing Stables
Trainer: Daniel Velazquez 50-1 Trainer: Bob Baffert 8-1
3 BROOKLYN STRONG
B. g. Wicked Strong-Riviera Chic, by Medaglia d’Oro.
Bred by Cheryl Prudhomme and Dr. Michael Galivan (NY)
Weight / Jockey
8 MEDINA SPIRIT
Dk. b. or br. c. Protonicio-Mongolian Changa, by Brilliant Speed.
Bred by Gail Rice (Fla)
Weight / Jockey
126 Umberto Rispoli
126 John Velazquez
Owner: Cypress Creek Equine, Arnold Bennewith, Owner: Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing LLC,
Spendthrift Farm LLC
Trainer: Robertino Diodoro
50-1 Strauss Bros Racing, Gainesway Thoroughbred Ltd.
Trainer: Doug O’Neill 8-1
4 KEEPMEINMIND
B. c. Laoban-Inclination, by Victory Gallop.
Bred by Southern Equine Stables LLC (Ky)
9 HOT ROD CHARLIE
Dk. b. or br. c. Oxbow-Indian Miss, by Indian Charlie.
Bred by Edward A. Cox (Ky)
Weight / Jockey Weight / Jockey
126 David Cohn 126 Flavien Prat
Owner: CHC Inc. and Winstar Farm LLC
Trainer: Todd Pletcher 50-1 Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC
Trainer: Steven Asmussen 20-1
5 SAINTHOOD
Dk. b. or br. c. Mshawish-Lemon Hero, by Lemon Drop Kid.
Bred by Edward Taylor & Springland Farm (Ky)
10 MIDNIGHT BOURBON
B. c. Tiznow-Catch the Moon, by Malibu Moon.
Bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (Ky)
Weight / Jockey Weight / Jockey
126 Corey Lanerie 126 Mike Smith
Continued on next page
Churchill Downs—05/01/21
12th Race / Approx. Post: 6:50 P.M.
Dirt / One Mile and One Quarter / Track Record: Secretariat 1:59 2⁄5
Owner: Repole Stables, Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable
Trainer: Todd Pletcher 20-1 Owner: Fern Circle Stables, Three Chimneys Farm and
Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek)
Trainer: Kenneth McPeek
20-1
11 DYNAMIC ONE
Ch. c. Union Rags-Beat the Drum, by Smart Strike.
Bred by Phipps Stable (Ky)
16 KING FURY
Ch. c. Curlin-Taris, by Flatter.
Bred by Heider Family Stables LLC (Ky)
Weight / Jockey
Weight / Jockey
126 Jose L. Ortiz
126 Brian Hernandez Jr.
Owner: D J Stable LLC Owner: Klaravich Stables Inc.
Trainer: Mark Casse 50-1 Trainer: Chad Brown 10-1
12 HELIUM
B. c. Ironicus-Thundering Emilia, by Thunder Gulch.
Bred by Teneri Farm Inc. & Bernardo Alvarez Calderon (Ky) 17 HIGHLY MOTIVATED
B. c. Into Mischief, by Strong Incentive, by Warrior’s Reward.
Bred by Klaravich Stables (Ky)
Weight / Jockey Weight / Jockey
126 Julien Leparoux 126 Javier Castellano
Owner: B B N Racing LLC
Trainer: Victoria Oliver 50-1 Owner: Erv Woolsey and Keith Asmussen
Trainer: Steven Asmussen 30-1
13 HIDDEN STASH
Ch. c. Constitution-Making Mark Money, by Smart Strike.
Bred by Rhineshire Farm (Ky)
Weight / Jockey
18 SUPER STOCK
B. c. Dialed In-Super Girlie, by Closing Argument.
Bred by Pedro Gonzalez & P.J. Gonzalez (Ky)
Weight / Jockey
126 Raphel Bejarano 126 Ricardo Santana Jr.
Owner: Godolphin LLC
Trainer: Brad Cox 2-1 Owner: Live Oak Plantation
Trainer: Mark Casse 30-1
14 ESSENTIAL QUALITY
Gr/ro. c. Tapit-Delightful Quality, by Elusive Quality.
Bred by Godolphin (Ky)
Weight / Jockey
19 SOUP AND SANDWICH
Gr/ro. c. Into Mischief-Souper Scooper, by Tapit.
Bred by Live Oak Stud (Fla)
Weight / Jockey
126 Luis Saez 126 Tyler Gaffalione
Owner: Hronis Racing LLC and David Michael Talla
Trainer: John Sadler 5-1 Owner: Calumet Farm
Trainer: Todd Pletcher 30-1
15 ROCK YOUR WORLD
Dk. b or br. c. Candy Ride (Arg)-Charm the Maker, by Empire Maker.
Bred by Ron and Deborah McAnnaly (Ky)
Weight / Jockey
20 BOURBONIC
Dk. b or br c. Bernardini-Dancing Afleet, by Afleet Alex.
Bred by Calumet Farm (Ky)
Weight / Jockey
126 Joel Rosario 126 Kendrick Carmouche
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