Posted on Tue, Mar. 25, 2008
Saturday's $1 million Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park offers the most intriguing prep of the season with a full field expected. Post positions for the 11/8-mile event will be drawn tomorrow. Adriano easily captured last weekend's Lane's End over the Polytrack at Turfway Park for trainer Graham Motion in the lone Derby prep.The 134th renewal of the Kentucky Derby is on May 3. Here is a look at Craig Donnelly's top 10 leading contenders.
No. Horse Trainer Jockey Odds
1. Pyro Asmussen Bridgmohan 4-1
Worked yesterday at Keeneland in preparation for Blue Grass (April 12); perfect this season after overcoming traffic woes in Louisiana Derby romp.
2. Big Brown Dutrow Jr. Desormeaux *6-1
He made a big visual impression with his second double-digit romp after a long absence. Gets class test in Florida Derby.
3. Court Vision Mott Gomez 16-1
He rallied from far back in his season debut while gaining experience. Progress expected in Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 5.
4. Cool Coal Man Zito Desormeaux 26-1
He has been perfect in routes. Blue Grass at Keeneland is next (April 12).
5. Elysium Fields Tagg Coa 17-1
He was runner-up to Cool Coal Man after altering his course in stretch. Will be a big threat in Florida Derby.
6. Denis of Cork Carroll Albarado 12-1
Lightly raced colt crushed Oaklawn rivals with a powerful kick. He bypassed the Rebel for Wood Memorial.
7. War Pass Zito Velasquez 9-2
Champ was perfect prior to dismal 231/4-length defeat at Tampa. He needs to rebound in the Wood but appears vulnerable.
8. Hey Byrn Plesa Lezcano *6-1
Making steady progress at Gulfstream and merits an upset chance at home track in Florida Derby.
9. Visionaire Matz Lezcano 19-1
He closed a huge gap through slop and fog to narrowly win the Gotham. Road trip continues to Illinois Derby (April 5).
10. Tale of Ekati Tagg Prado 47-1
Roughed-up early, he never rallied in his season debut at the Fair Grounds. The Wood Memorial is next.
Others: El Gato Malo, Colonel John, Georgie Boy, Majestic Warrior.
Future Wager Pool Two odds. * Mutuel field (all others).