Derby Hopefuls Outside Looking In

By Emily Shields

The prep races are done and the top 20 horses have staked their claim for spots in the starting gate of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. For the top five horses on the outside hoping to get in, and with each passing day their chances of entry get bleaker. But there are unexpected defections nearly every year, meaning it is likely that at least one of the “bubble” horses will make the field, if not more.

Sitting at #21 is Bodexpress with 40 points accumulated. The son of Bodemeister is still a maiden but ran second in the $1 million Xpressbet Florida Derby (G1) on March 30 at 71-1 odds. Gustavo Delgado trains the bay colt, who has been second in three of five lifetime starts and would be the first maiden to enter since Sonneteer in 2017. He had a published workout on April 11.

#22 Signalman has 38 points, the same as #23 Anothertwistafate. However, Signalman far exceeds his rival in non restricted stakes earnings – $496,840 to $268,960 – and that is why he is placed above the other in preference for entry. The son of General Quarters is trained by Ken McPeek. Although he is not a winner in either of his 2019 starts, the bay colt won the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs last fall after finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

#23 Anothertwistafate has arrived at Churchill Downs to train for the Derby in hope of making the field. He has already secured a spot in the Preakness Stakes thanks to his victory in the El Camino Real Derby. Since then he finished second in both the Sunland Park Derby (G3) and the Stonestreet Lexington (G3), both with questionable trips. The Derby would be his fifth start of 2019.

#24 is Sueno, not yet declared out by his connections. He earned his 32 points finishing third or second in all four of his prep races this season. He is always nearby at the finish, but hasn’t won since December 1 in the Gold Rush Stakes at Golden Gate. Keith Desormeaux trains the son of Atreides.

Rounding out the top five hopefuls is #25 Bourbon War, with 31 points. With a strong rally, the son of Tapit got up to be second in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) behind Code of Honor, and defeated Vekoma, who came back to win the Blue Grass next out. Bourbon War made his rally again in the Florida Derby but could do no better than fourth, beaten 7 ½ lengths.

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