“Every horse that runs in the Derby absolutely needs to be taken seriously because of the nature of the Derby that you need to qualify,” said Andrew Moore, racing general manager for. The qualifying process begins in the fall with points awarded to the top four in selected graded stakes races, increasing in value in early spring championship races that largely determine the field and presumed favorites. While wide-ranging odds are common in most races, horsemen and handicappers note the gaps in Derby horses don’t necessarily reflect quality. Japan-bred horse Mandarin Hero, who replaced Lord Miles following trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.’s suspension, and Confidence Game are listed at 20-1. Disarm, Hit Show, Cyclone Mischief - who got in on Thursday after Practical Move was scratched - and Rocket Can are listed as 30-1. Angel of Empire (8-1) is the third choice and trained by Louisville-born Brad Cox.Įverybody else has double-digit odds, with Jace’s Road, Raise Cain, Reincarnate, Sun Thunder and just-added King Russell the longest shots at 50-1. Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher has the top two 3-year-old choices on Saturday in Forte (3-1), who is on a five-race winning streak, and Tapit Trice (5-1), who rallied to win the Blue Grass at Keeneland.
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