Kentucky Derby field close to finalization as prep season winds down

Apr 05, 2021 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

With just one significant point-scoring opportunity remaining on the prep
schedule, the field for the May 1 Kentucky Derby (G1) is nearly set after a busy
round of final preps this past weekend.

Essential Quality's narrow victory in the Blue Grass (G2) cemented his
position as the clear head at the top of the points leaderboard, as well as the
role of the favorite on the first Saturday in May. Entering the leaderboard for
the first time were Rock Your World, who captured the Santa Anita Derby
(G1), and Bourbonic, who sprung the biggest upset in Wood Memorial (G2)
history at odds of 72-1.

Bourbonic is one of potentially four starters for two-time Derby-winning
trainer Todd Pletcher, who also saw Wood Memorial runner-up Dynamic One
secure a spot in the field with a solid run in what was his stakes debut.

Not every horse currently in the Top 20 is likely headed to Louisville,
though. Weyburn and Crowded Trade are reportedly leaning against
an appearance under the Twin Spires, nor is participation from UAE Derby (G2) winner Rebel's Romance a sure thing. That might open up spots in the
field to horses currently sitting on the borderline, such as Rombauer,
Proxy and Hidden Stash, should their connections be interested in
running.

Saturday's Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park is the final prep that will
award 100 qualifying points to the winner and 40 points to second, so the top
two finishers in that 1 1/8-mile test are sure to get in if they haven't already
done enough to do so. Concert Tour will be a strong favorite in the
Arkansas Derby, but an earlier win in the Rebel (G2) already ensured his
Kentucky Derby slot. His stablemate Hosier, who ran second in the Rebel,
can become trainer Bob Baffert's third Derby starter with another placement on
Saturday.

The other prep this weekend is the Lexington (G3) at Keeneland, a 1 1/16-mile
event which will award points on a 20-8-4-2 basis.