1

Monba Todd Pletcher

Maria’s Mon - Hamba, by Easy Goer

Have him on top basically looking for a decent price and because the two logical choices both have questions to answer. He’s not the kind of horse I normally would have on top, but I’ve had a good feeling about him from day one.

 2

Colonel John Eoin Harty

Tiznow - Sweet Damsel, by Turkoman

His latest 5-furlong breeze was brilliant, and all signs point to a huge effort May 3. Can’t imagine him not handling the dirt, but still has to do it. So far, his fellow Californians are kicking butt back east.

 3

Big Brown Richard Dutrow, Jr.

Boundary �?Mien, by Nureyev

It would come as no surprise if he won the Derby by daylight, despite his inexperience and the other questions surrounding him. He’s done things horses just aren’t supposed to do. But who really knows what we’re dealing with?

 4

Smooth Air Bennie Stutts

Smooth Jazz—Air France, by French Deputy

He seems to have the least number of question marks. Pedigree could be stronger, but Stutts�?training has put plenty of stamina and conditioning into him. His 1:254/5 was another big work. Tough little horse who always tries.

 5

Court Vision Bill Mott

Gulch - Weekend Storm, by Storm Bird

The one thing you want to see is a horse who suddenly wakes up after arriving at Churchill Downs. Never a fast worker, his bullet half-mile breeze in :461/5 with blinkers on was a real eye opener for him.

 6

Pyro Steve Asmussen

Pulpit - Wild Vision, by Wild Again

Blue Grass is a toss and not just because of the track, which he obviously didn’t handle. Even before the race, and in the gate, he looked as if it might not be his day. If he shows all the right signs on Derby day, a big effort will follow.

 7

Visionaire Michael Matz

Grand Slam �?Scarlet Tango, by French Deputy

Breezed a half in :49 3/5 at Keeneland, but actually worked five furlongs in 1:02. If weather forecast is OK, he'll have final work at Churchill. If not, he'll remain at Keeneland. He's got the big stretch kick, just has to deliver it at 1 1/4 miles.

8

Adriano H. Graham Motion

A.P. Indy-Gold Canyon, by Mr. Propsector

With Prado choosing to ride him over Monba and Tale of Ekati, he could wind up being the wise-guy horse. Odd splits in recent work at Churchill�?25�?:12 3/5�?:11 2/5�?:12 4/5, galloped out another eighth in :14 1/5.

 9

Tale of Ekati Barclay Tagg

Tale of the Cat—Silence Beauty, by Sunday Silence

Loved this horse as a 2-year-old, especially his Futurity win, but just don’t know what to make of him this year, and can’t get a grasp on his race in the Wood. Just not sure if he’s ready for a grueling mile and a quarter.

 10

Z Fortune Steve Asmussen

Siphon - Fortunate Faith, by Fortunate Prospect

So, is he a live longshot or not? Still trying to figure it out. He hasn’t managed to escape Pyro’s shadow yet, despite his close second-place finish and Pyro’s 10th. Most of the signs point in his favor, but his Rebel was a baffler.

11

Gayego Paulo Lobo

Gilded Time - Devils Lake, by Lost Code

Pace scenario doesn’t seem to suit him, with four other classy horses with the same style. And his pedigree doesn’t indicate he’ll stay the 10 furlongs. But he’s fast, consistent, and he can rate. He’ll make them run to beat him.

12

Denis of Cork David Carroll

Harlan’s Holiday—Unbridled Girl, by Unbridled

Despite the disastrous decision to change from the original game plan to one that predictably blew up in connections�?faces, I can’t give up on him because I still feel he’s an immensely gifted horse. Big work bolsters confidence.