Kentucky Derby Power Rankings

Old Fashioned Remains Tops

One week closer to the Kentucky Derby and nothing much has changed in the BetUS Racebook.  Of course, everything could change for the contenders and betting fans once the Grade III Risen Star Stakes is run at the Fairgrounds this Saturday.

The winner of the Risen Star Stakes should automatically jump to the top of the Kentucky Derby contenders list in Arkansas and Louisiana.

I have made some changes in the power rankings because some horses are starting to look just a bit better to me than others.

Let’s get to the rankings!

Kentucky Derby Power Rankings

1. Old Fashioned +1200 - - This son of Unbridled’s Song was bought for $800,000 and is trained by Larry Jones, the fella who lost Eighte Belles in last year’s Derby.  He would like nothing more than to come back and win the race.  This guy is a serious contender and will remain one until his online odds drop below +1000.

2. Charitable Man +3000 - - Take the odds and make the bet, okay?  This guy is two for two including a Grade II victory in his second race.  He hasn’t gone onto the track just yet this year, but when he does he’s going to be awesome.  He’s trained by Kiaran McLaughlin and comes out of Lemon Drop Kid.  He’s a major player.

3. Capt. Candy Man +2500 - - This son of Candy Ride out of the barn of Ian Wilkes has the experience to pull off a Captain Bodgit 2009 style.  In 1997 Captain Bodgit went into the Derby with the most experience.  He finished second in that race to Silver Charm.  Capt. Candy Man might do the same.  Oh, his speed ratings are pretty good too.

4. Vineyard Haven +2500 - - Okay, so he’s wintering in Dubai.  Will that have any affect on how does in this race?  No.  I don’t think so.  He comes up big because he’s a much better horse than anyone knows and trainer Bobby Frankel is one of the best in the nation.  His daddy didn’t get good until his four year old season but Vineyard Haven is good now.  I’ll take the odds and roll the dice that the Dubai issue isn’t an issue.

5. Alma D’Oro No BetUS Odds - - He’s not even on the board but if you want to go crazy, ask BetUS to get some odds for this son of Medaglia D’Oro that’s trained by Richard Dutrow.  Dutrow did the same thing with Big Brown last year.  So, why not do it with a real horse like this?  I suspect that eventually this guy is going to make his presence felt on the Derby Trail.  Why not go for him now?

6. Midshipmen +2000 - - I have faith in the son of Unbridled’s Song even though he’s spending his winter in Dubai like Vineyard Haven.  I have to.  He won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile after building up his resume like a good two year old should.  I see Baffert taking his time with this guy since he already has two turn experience and enough races to qualify him for the Derby.  Two preps will be all that he needs.

7. Hello Broadway +3000 - - His last two races have been very, very good and trainer Barclay Tagg won the Derby with Funny Cide.  He already has placed in a Grade II and a Grade III and coming out of Broken Vow means that he can definitely get the distance.  He’s a live contender for the roses.

8. Silver City No BetUS Odds - - Like Alma D’Oro, Silver City is another that hasn’t been looked at quite yet by the BetUS odds makers.  They should.  He’s out of Unbridled’s Song like a lot of others in here and has won his last two races.  Neither was a graded stakes but he’s won easily and should improve because his trainer, Brett Calhoun, knows how to get these horses ready.  I’d take a swing at huge odds.

Good Luck!