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Week 5 Derby Hopefuls Still In the Hunt
Original article written by The Steward posted 16 years 3 weeks agoFor the first time in years the Louisville Derby may be oversubscribed. Right now the field stands at 19 horses with a decision on Jon Xett's two horses, Looking For Light and Tiger, expected in a few days.
There are several horses running on Tuesday and Friday of this week who may opt for the Derby with good performances. Haunted Life is already entered in the Derby and is also entered in the Lexington for trainer Norman Architecture. Right now, Haunted Life is heavily favored to win that race, which would make him a logical candidate for the Derby.
However, two Tuesday races also may have an impact on the Big Dance. The Mexico Derby at 1 1/8 miles features Hidalgo, a very talented son of California for trainer Laura Ferguson. Ferguson currently only has one entrant in the Derby, the filly Sahara. If Hidalgo manages to win big (and easily), he could very well deserve a shot at Louisville glory.
The Chicago Derby looks more likely to produce a legitimate Derby horse. Also run on Tuesday, three horses in the race could continue on to Louisville. Slight edge must be given to Josh Dutzy's Frank Lloyd Wright, three for six and the impressive winner of the Christmas Cup last year. He showed that he can stick with the best by being third behind King and Desert Force in the Tremendous Stakes.
If Frank Lloyd Wright fails, both Dogfight and Star Power could pick up the pieces. Star Power is an Emily Shields-bred Vindication colt for Rob Kilbourn who won the Sun Devil Derby, a Louisville prep race. Dogfight is a full sibling to top sire Fighter Jet and can also run with the best. His only losses have come to Looking for Light, Then, and Jester of Kings, three of the Derby favorites.
Formidable is also in the Chicago Derby for trainer Susie Raisher and could jump up and win, but it is more likely that he would continue on to the Long Island Classic rather than head to the Derby.
If more than 20 horses start in the race, Dave Shields' Fang will be the first horse bumped out. Fang, winner of the Rebellion Stakes, only has 25 points to his name. Second on the list of horses that could be bumped is Big Aspirations, winner of the Grade 3 Rivalry Stakes. Thar He Blows and Renown are also in danger of losing their spot to Week 5 winners.