Colonel John offered the most impressive effort of the major prep-filled weekend, capturing the Santa Anita Derby with a powerful late kick after earlier traffic problems. He is the leading West Coast candidate after El Gato Malo's disappointing showing. Tale of Ekati edged War Pass in the Wood Memorial and Denis of Cork was dismal as the odds-on favorite behind winner Recapturetheglory in the Illinois Derby. The $750,000 Blue Grass and $1 million Arkansas Derby top Saturday's prep agenda. The Kentucky Derby is May 3. Here is a look at Craig Donnelly's top 10 leading contenders with Pool Three Future Wager odds.

No.   Horse         Trainer         Jockey             Odds

With a perfect record and three wide-margin victories after his Florida Derby romp, how much would anybody want to bet against him?

2. Pyro            Asmussen      Bridgmohan         5-1

He overcame traffic woes to capture the Louisiana Derby, and the 11/4-mile distance should suit him well. Blue Grass is next, and Team Asmussen is always dangerous.

3. Colonel John      Harty            Nakatani               6-1

Awaiting room on the final turn, he exploded when clear to take the Santa Anita Derby. He is the son of dual Breeders' Cup Classic winner Tiznow.

4. Cool Coal Man       Zito         Desormeaux         20-1

He was perfect in routes, but big effort in Gulfstream was not as impressive after Elysium Fields' dull effort. Blue Grass is next.

5. Visionaire             Matz         Lezcano               19-1

After closing huge gap through slop and fog to narrowly win Gotham, he can show late punch on Polytrack in the Blue Grass.

6. War Pass             Zito         Velasquez            14-1

He rebounded from a dismal Tampa setback as a game runner-up in the Wood after being pressured early.

7. Tale of Ekati         Tagg         Prado               18-1

He benefited from a dream trip to win the Wood after a poor showing at the Fair Grounds. His barn won the Derby in 2003 with Funny Cide.

8. Court Vision          Mott         Gomez               19-1

He lacked a solid closing kick in the Wood, but raced well and made progress after a winter hiatus.

9. Smooth Air          Stutts         Cruz                  30-1

Easily second best to Big Brown in Florida Derby, he still needs to show improvement.

10. Eight Belles          Jones      Dominguez            14-1

She gained a hard-earned triumph in the Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Sunday. Hard Spun's connections are considering the Derby, but the filly is better suited for the Oaks.