Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen

GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com

1 Old Fashioned Larry Jones Unbridled’s Song—Collect Call, by Meadowlake

Finally had his first work over the Oaklawn Park surface and everything appears to be on schedule for his debut in Southwest Stakes Feb. 16. Has to come back with a big effort if he's to maintain top spot in his own stable.

2 Pioneerof the Nile Bob Baffert Empire Maker—Star of Goshen, by Lord At War

If he didn't have the dirt question hanging over his head, he'd be a solid No. 1. He did everything right; fanned 7-wide, yet showed quickness and agility. Looked like a European the way he closed; long, gorgeous stride.

3 Patena Rick Dutrow, Jr. Seeking the Gold—Handpainted, by A.P. Indy

IEAH and Dutrow are over the moon about this colt, and feel they've struck another gold mine. Not crazy about the two-month gap between Lecomte and Louisiana Derby, but no one is better with a fresh horse than Dutrow.

4 Giant Oak Chris Block Giant's Causeway—Crafty Oak, by Crafty Prospector

Lost no stature in the Risen Star. Nightmare trip; made a big middle move into heavy traffic, got stopped and dropped back, then had to wander 10 off the rail looking for room. Finally got going, but way too late.

5 Hello Broadway Barclay Tagg Broken Vow—Nightstorm, by Storm Cat

Still waiting to hear plans. This colt needs a pair of two-turn races; one to make sure he can relax off the pace going a distance, and another to get him ready for the Derby. He has a world of talent, and it's time to show it.

6 Friesan Fire Larry Jones A.P. Indy—Bollinger, by Dehere

Certainly can't fault the way he's progressing, and he's obviously finding his niche. He did get a bit rank early when stuck between horses, and he does paddle his left foot quite noticeably. But he's now a major contender.

7 Capt. Candyman Can Ian Wilkes Candy Ride—Stormy Way, by Storm Creek

Right now, he's the most accomplished 3-year-old in Florida, but still has to show he can relax off the pace going two turns. Pedigree is OK, not great, so it would seem two turns would be more beneficial.

8 Flying Pegasus Ralph Nicks Fusaichi Pegasus—Lilly Capote, by Capote

Connections had to be thrilled with his Risen Star effort; first race in five months and breaking from post 12. He was hung five-wide on the first turn and continued to race wide. Kicked in turning for home and came up just a bit short.

9 Poltergeist Donnie Von Hemel Tapit—I’m Relaunchable, by Relaunch

Continues to work well for the Southwest, but he'll be in tough against some brilliant horses. His allowance score still is one of the most impressive performances we've seen so far, so basing his ranking mainly on that.

10 Stardom Bound Bobby Frankel Tapit—My White Corvette, by Tarr Road

Don't know if she’s ready to handle Pioneer and Co., but she looked good in her return and had to negotiate through traffic this time. She was striding out magnificently in the stretch and came home last two quarters in :24.

11 Vineyard Haven Bobby Frankel Lido Palace—Princess Aloha, by Aloha Prospector

Gets his chance in the UAE One Thousand Guineas this week. Don't know what he's up against yet, but if he can run big against some solid Southern Hemisphere horses, it would be a major step in the right direction, moving him up the list.

12 I Want Revenge Jeff Mullins Stephen Got Even—Meguial, by Roy

Don't know what to make of his performance in the Lewis. Wore blinkers for the first time, but was drifting on occasion. He ran well enough, but didn't seem to move forward from his previous races. Simply a case of being outrun.