Prep Analysis Continued and Completed

Welcome back for the conclusion of my Derby Prep Analysis.  The first session  was digging into the more recent races -- here I delve into the archives at races prior to April involving the primary horses.  So without further adieu let's roll.

Sunland Derby (3/28 Sunland) Grade III - Chart  Race Video
Endorsement played the stalker role and had an impressive win. Normally this is not a race I would review, but since he is a contender, it beckoned. Little company in this race that yielded a 101 Beyer.  In future posts, you will see information on pedigree with this horse getting a careful examination --


Much like Fletch, "Moon River" and "No that's Babar-- 2 B's? -- No 1 B. B-A-B-A-R -- That's two. -- Yeah, but not right next to each other."

Conveyance  Did he get injured during race?  He will have distance issues in Derby.

Florida Derby (3/20 Gulfstream) Grade I - Chart  Race Video
Ice Box Showed tremendous deep closing abilities reminiscent of Joe Nathan the past 5 or so years.  The pace in this race was average with :23 and a fast :46 which opened the door for him and he finished strong and just missed the elusive 100 Beyer with a 99.  One to consider depending on Derby race type.
Rule opened  my eyes to question his running style -- it seemed quite choppy.  He was a stalker that tired in the stretch.  Question marks???

San Felipe (3/13 Santa Anita) Grade II - Chart  Race Video 
Sidney's Candy again went wire to wire in another slow paced race with :24 and :48.  Can't fault the horse for that -- he just wins.  My question is if this colt can rate when the competition is legit a la Eskendereya?Certainly one to consider.

Interactif was second best much like teams who had Marian Hossa the past two Stanley Cups, but did close the gap on Sidney at the wire -- could bode well..  As for Hossa, being in Chicago would love to see the third time be the charm -- wish they had picked up Vokoun at the deadline.  
American Lion was very antsy in the gate and weakened as the race played out.  But liked the dirt his next time out at Hawthorne.  

Rebel (3/13 Oaklawn) Grade II - Chart Race Video
Lookin At Lucky should massive deep closing skills in this tilt with his impression of Sugar Ray Leonard bobbing and weaving through traffic on the Kennedy at rush hour.  It was a tough trip but found a way to win.  Interesting that the next time out he had trouble in traffic again with a disappointing Show.  98 Beyer.
Noble's Promise was stalking the leader's throughout and was caught at the wire by LAL.  Concerns for me here.
Dublin went 5 wide and later passed by LAL in stretch much like everyone else.  Didn't do much in an unispiring Arkansas Derby in next trip.
 
Fountain of Youth (2/20 Gulfstream) Grade II - Chart Race Video
Eskendereya played the role of the morning line favorite for the Derby again.  This time showing a stalking tactic and then blew everyone away starting at 3/4 pole (:23 and :47 splits).  Great animal!
Jackson Bend again played second fiddle.
Ice Box mentioned him earlier -- this time he struggled loading into the gate.  Non-factor in this one.
 
Gotham (3/6 Aqueduct) Grade III - Chart Race Video
Awesome Act demonstrated solid closing ability by weaving through traffic which he will see at Churchill.  Fast early pace with :22 and :46 splits.


Thank you again to DRF for Charts and Race Video

So there you have my analysis of top Derby Preps and the end of my imitation of Peyton Manning (big Derby fan). I will need to let this digest much like a Bone in Filet at Joe's. Hope this helps you get a feel for some of the contenders in this year's fastest two minutes in sports.
 
See you in the Winner's Circle. Rider's Up!