With four full months to the Kentucky Derby, here’s my new ‘Work in Progress” Derby rankings.  Eventually I hope to expand this to several other categories, including Handicap, Distaff, Sprint, Turf, and 2-yo rankings, that I’ll update as the big races occur.

With the Arkansas Derby in the bag, and a trepidatious route through Churchill’s planned spring meet, here we go.

1. Charlatan – I liked the front running score in the Arkansas Derby division. Did exactly what was expected and asked of him, won by a distance. I’m a bit surprised the Beyer came back a little light, but let’s be honest – who did much running behind him

1a. Tiz The Law – Again, has passed every test so far.  Fits on speed numbers.  Read Barclay is going to take him to the Matt Winn, which would hopefully let us see how he handles a fast Churchill track, and seems like they aren’t going to ask him to do to much before the Derby.

2. Nadal – nothing wrong with the result in his division of the Arkansas Derby. May be flattered when we see the others, particularly King Guillermo, next time out.
3. Authentic – Again, has answered every test. Would like to see a little more seasoning and prove he’ll get the distance
4. King Guillermo – This was a pretty good plan B
5. Basin – Not giving up on him yet . . . was game best of rest in defeat  . .  let’s see what the next couple months bring.

Others to Watch:  Honor AP (needs to get a race in ); Thousand Words (excusing his last with the stumble); Sole Velante (flattered by King Guillermo); Ete Indien (will give him a chance to bounce back from the foot injury); Structor (will he ever run again  . . .  how about on dirt ?)

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