In my previous article I profiled five of the top Kentucky Derby contenders. Good Magic, Mendelssohn, Flameaway, Magnum Moon, and Justify were discussed. The link to the "part one" article can be found here https://chelsealowman66.wixsite.com/mysite/blog-1/top-kentucky-derby-contenders-part-one . Today we are going to go over the remaining five and discover their strengths and weaknesses as we move ever closer to the legendary "Run for the Roses". We will start off where we left off at number 6 now, with Florida Derby winner, Audible.
6. Audible
With four wins in five starts, Audible is a horse that has never put forth a poor effort. A third place finish in his debut as a two-year-old is the lone blemish on this athletic colt's record. The nimble bay kicked off his three-year-old season with a start in the Grade II, Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park. It was his first try against stakes competition, but it was a test that Audible would pass with flying colors. The intrepid youngster faced a fierce lineup of rivals, but quickly made short work of his foes by romping to a 5 1/2 lengths victory, defeating the likes of Grade 1 winner, Free Drop Billy, and multiple graded stakes winner, Enticed. Audible looked like an unstoppable force when he came sweeping up to take command, and one month later he returned to the same track to prove that his breathtaking victory was no fluke.
Audible entered the Florida Derby with some question marks surrounding him. His workouts leading up to the race were less than impressive, but trainer Todd Pletcher was not dismayed. He simply shrugged it off, stating that the colt was never flashy in the mornings. Instead, Audible preferred to save his power for when it really mattered, and that is exactly what he did in the Florida Derby. After a frenzied speed duel up front between Promises Fulfilled and Strike Power, Audible made a crushing move from behind. As the pace setters began to collapse, Audible came charging forward to finish them off. Extending his massive stride, Audible roared into the stretch with the force of a freight train and swiftly blew by each and every rival until he was the last one standing. Audible undoubtedly benefited from the fire hot pace that was set before him in the Florida Derby, but with a near-perfect record and his long, efficient stride, there is not much not to like about this consistent performer. The pace in the Kentucky Derby is likely to be a lively one, setting the stage for Audible to make his signature closing move.
7. Bolt d'Oro
Bolt d'Oro is one tough horse. He started off his career undefeated with eye-catching triumphs in the Del Mar Futurity (Gr.1) and FrontRunner Stakes (Gr.1) after his romping maiden win. It wasn't until the Breeders' Cup Juvenile where the handsome bay met his first defeat, when he ran third behind Good Magic and Solomini. Unabashed, the colt and his connections shrugged it off and planned for a three-year-old campaign that would lead him to he first Saturday in May. However, a pulled muscle reared its ugly head over the winter and put the colts seasonal debut on hold. The missed time from training and racing may have knocked Bolt d'Oro down, but it certainly didn't knock him out.
Bolt d'Oro made his return in the Grade II, San Felipe Stakes. It was a daunting task, as he would have to face the fierce and undefeated, McKinzie. However, the imposing challenge was not enough to deter Bolt d'Oro, and the unflappable colt rose to the fight with unwavering courage and gusto. McKinzie and Bolt d'Oro hooked up going into the stretch, and the battle was on. The tenacious duo became locked in a dogfight, running as fast and as hard as their legs could carry them. Neither foe wanted to give in to defeat, and the battle raged on as they roared down the stretch beneath the ominous backdrop of the storm-filled sky. In the heat of the moment, things became physical and bumping between the colts ensued. Locked in battle, the determined pair wildly stormed to the wire, with McKinzie inching clear in the final strides. However, victory was not meant to be for the gallant colt. After initiating the contact in the stretch, the stewards made the difficult decision to disqualify McKinzie from first to second. Bolt d'Oro was declared the winner.
Whether or not the right call was made in the San Felipe Stakes, there is no denying the fact that Bolt d'Oro's performance was nothing short of incredible. After recovering from a pulled muscle and enduring a layoff, Bolt d'Oro put forth an astonishing effort for a horse that was nowhere near as fit as his rivals. The fact that he was able to come back that strong and put up such a relentless fight speaks volumes about this colt. And one month later, in the Santa Anita Derby (Gr.1), Bolt d'Oro's grit and determination came through once again. He ran second to the immensely talented Justify, despite the fact that he had injured his right, front hoof during the race. A bloody hoof wasn't enough to keep Bolt d'Oro from giving it his best shot. No matter what seems to happen, this colt does not know how to quit. There isn't much that can make this colt shy away, and that makes him a live and dangerous contender when the starting gates blast open on the first Saturday in May.
8. Enticed
Enticed, hands down, has the most beautiful pedigree out of all of the horses entering the 2018 Kentucky Derby. He is by the red-hot stallion, Medaglia d'Oro and is out of the multiple graded stakes winning mare, It's Tricky. His regal bloodlines scream class and ability, and suggest that the increasing distances of the Triple Crown races that await ahead will be no issue. The only reason Enticed isn't ranked higher on the list is because he doesn't always appear comfortable when he gets stuck racing inside of horses, which could spell trouble in the twenty horse field of the Kentucky Derby. However, if he can establish good position in the Derby, he will be an extremely dangerous threat to his foes. This dark, massive beast is built as solid as a tank, and can use his brute size and strength to his advantage when he charges into the fray.
Enticed broke his maiden on his first try at the age of two. His impressive effort was followed up by a game third place finish behind Firenze Fire and Good Magic in the Grade I, Champagne Stakes, and then a gritty win in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (Gr.2). The imposing colt didn't race again until the age of three, when he made his seasonal debut in the Holy Bull Stakes (Gr.2). After a frustrating trip from the inside post, Enticed could do no better than fourth that day. It was not the type of performance that you would want to see from such a promising prospect, but one month later, Enticed returned to the winner's circle to prove that the skill was still there. The big, strong horse unraveled his hulking stride in the stretch of the Gotham Stakes (Gr.3) to win going away. It was an easy win for a horse that undeniably belongs in the Kentucky Derby.
Enticed's final Kentucky Derby prep came in he Grade II, Wood Memorial at Aqueduct. He bravely battled with Vino Rosso for the entire length of the stretch before having to settle for second place. It was a game effort that is even more impressive when you take into account that Vino Rosso repeatedly slammed into him throughout their stretch duel. The inquiry sign flashed but after much delay and consideration, the stewards made the controversial decision not to disqualify Vino Rosso. The battle may have been won by Vino Rosso, but the war isn't over yet. On May 5, Vino Rosso and Enticed will get their chance to renew their budding rivalry and settle their dispute once and for all.
In the Wood Memorial, Enticed showed the ability to fight on despite the fact that things got rough in the stretch. The class and determination that this colt naturally possesses will carry him far in this sport. This is not a horse that you will want to dismiss. He already has a win over the track of Churchill Downs, which gives him a slight advantage since he is proven over the battlegrounds of the Kentucky Derby. Interestingly enough, this colt also appears to have a win-lose pattern going on. Every time he has lost, he has come back to win his next start, which means that if this pattern is to continue, he is due to win his next start, which just so happens to be the Kentucky Derby.
9. Vino Rosso
Just like Enticed, Vino Rosso has an impeccable classic pedigree. He is by Curlin, and out of the Street Cry mare, Mythical Bride. Endurance is strong on both sides of his pedigree, which will give him an edge when he finds himself running 1 1/4 miles for the very first time.
Vino Rosso broke his maiden at first asking at the age of two, and followed it up with a dominating score in an allowance optional claiming event at Tampa Bay Downs. When he turned three, he dove headfirst into stakes competition, in the Grade III, Sam F. Davis Stakes. Vino Rosso came roaring down the stretch with blazing speed to finish third, just behind Catholic Boy and the very gritty, Flameaway. Vino Rosso's breathtaking acceleration and sublime turn of foot was enough to make him the favorite for the Tampa Bay Derby (Gr.2) one month later, but he could do no better than a distant fourth that day.
Vino Rosso rebounded from his disappointing effort with a powerful win in the Grade II, Wood Memorial. His win wasn't without controversy, as his clash with Enticed became physical. However, the stubborn chestnut found enough strength to pull away in the end, which left stewards to believe that he still would have come out on top regardless of any contact made in the stretch. Whether or not it was the right call, there is no denying the fact that Vino Rosso has earned his place in the Kentucky Derby. He is a colt that is relentless in his pursuit of victory and was bred up and down to run 1 1/4 miles. When the field turns for home and soars down the stretch in the Derby, keep an eye out for Vino Rosso's big, red frame, because he will be making his rally and passing tired horses in the end.
10. Noble Indy
Noble Indy is a hard-knocking and competitive racehorse. In all four of his races, he has displayed grit, determination, and pure class. This strapping son of Take Charge Indy started off his career with two powerful wins before entering the Grade II, Risen Star Stakes to pursue points for the Kentucky Derby. He ran a game third that day, but it would be his next start where his true potential would shine through.
Noble Indy entered the Grade II, Louisiana Derby at the end of March. He tracked a quick pace in second before taking over to show the way. However, when the colt dashed into the stretch, he found himself with some unwanted company. Lone Sailor came sprinting up to steal the lead right from under Noble Indy's nose. The colt looked hopelessly defeated, but in fact, he was only just getting started. The tenacious youngster boldly went after Lone Sailor, unleashing every last bit of power that he possessed. In an astonishing display of courage and determination, Noble Indy found another gear, and battled his way back to the front. The gutty colt threw his head in front of Lone Sailor's and there it stayed. It isn't everyday that you see a horse get passed in the stretch and still come back to win. It takes courage, strength, and unbelievable tenacity to pull off such a feat, and in doing so, Noble Indy proved that he will let nothing stand in his way when victory is on the line. This persistent colt does not like to lose, and he will do whatever it takes to achieve glory.
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