Horse Racing Blog Posts by Post Time Pete

Merit Man is a With Distinction and Precise Strike colt who broke his maiden in his first attempt. He finished second in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint, won the Spectacular Bid and finished third in the Florida Derby (G1) after a disappointing fourth in the Hutcheson Stakes (G2). He's right on the cusp as far as qualifying points go, but he may have just enough to make him a contender.

Another Saturday in April, another Derby prep race. It really is the most exciting time of the year isn't it? This weekend the 2013 Arkansas Derby takes place at Oaklawn Park. Ten horses vie for a shot at enough points to make a Run for the Roses.

Den's Legacy is a Medaglia d'Oro and Sunshine Song colt trained by Bob Baffert. In 11 career starts he has a record of two wins, five places, and two shows, including his most recent show in the Rebel Stakes (G2). Baffert knows he'll need a few more points if he hopes to make the Kentucky Derby, so he'll be running in the Arkansas Derby this weekend.

Falling Sky is a Lion Heart and Sea Dragoness colt. He won the Sam F. Davis (G3) and finished third in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2). He's currently slated for the Arkansas Derby this upcoming weekend and he'll need a top 4 finish to garner enough points to run in the Kentucky Derby.

Departing is a War Front and Leave Gelding trained by Albert M. Stall Jr. He was three for three in his career until a third place finish derailed his road to Kentucky. Unfortunately, he'll need another prep race to garner enough points for a 1 in 20 chance at Kentucky glory.

Code West is a Lemon Drop Kid and Charitabledonation colt. He finished second in the Risen Star (G2) but ran a disappointing 6th in the Louisiana Derby (G2). Bob Baffert has a few other horses in contention for the Derby. This one made our list of top 30, but he won't make the cut, so we won't waste your time.

West Hills Giant is a John P. Terranova, II trained Frost Giant colt. He won the New York Breeders' Futurity back in September and most recently finished second in the Gotham Stakes (G3). He's got the same problem all the other horses we've review up to this point have which is not enough points to qualify for the Kentucky Derby. That also means another prep race is in his future.

Golden Soul is a Perfect Soul and Hollywood Gold colt. He is trained by Dallas Stewart and ridden by 3-time Kentucky Derby winning jockey Calvin Borel. He broke his maiden in just his second attempt and finished second in the Lecomte (G3) in mid-January.

Dynamic Sky is a Sky Mesa and Murani colt. He won the Simcoe at Woodbine in September and the Pasco at Tampa Bay Downs in January. In 7 career starts he's only finished out the money once. Trainer Mark Casse has him prepping for the Blue Grass stakes on April 13th in which he'll need a top 3 finish in order to have enough points to qualify for the Kentucky Derby.

Speak Logistics is a High Cotton and Miss Sabrina colt who's not likely targeting the Derby, so we'll keep this short. He's trained by Edward Plesa Jr. He broke his maiden in his second attempt and won the Florida Stallion In Reality at Calder. That's where the good news ends.