Expert Pick of the Week: Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 4

The wager has taken an unexpected twist with the postponement of the Run for the Roses from May 2 to Sept. 5. And with the date change, the way to analyze the contenders has been altered, as well.

#8 Honor A. P. (12-1) is at the top of my current Kentucky Derby list, and moving the storied race to late summer should only aid the lightly raced colt. The John Shirreffs trainee will be in peak form in Louisville on the first Saturday in September, and Honor A. P. is the Best Bet of the Week.

The son of Honor Code has flashed great potential since his unveiling at Del Mar in the summer when closing from last to be second in a sprint endeavor. A convincing graduate at one-mile over maiden special weight foes in his second assignment, the $850,000 yearling purchase was an excellent second to the unbeaten Authentic in the San Felipe (G2) at Santa Anita to commence his sophomore season.

Bred in the Bluegrass State, Honor A. P. was produced from two-time Grade 1 heroine Hollywood Story. And he boasts the pedigree to be a force at a classic distance as his campaign progresses. The dark bay colt also hails from expert connections, as both his conditioner and pilot have endured Kentucky Derby success in the past.

Honor A. P. has shown versatility from his trio of lifetime assignments, and he is expected to improve with additional seasoning, as well. With a few extra months to develop the talented colt will be on point for the Kentucky Derby.

I will tab Honor A.P. in Pool 4 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager as the Best Bet of the Week.