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With a full field of 20 likely to go to the post, this is one of the strongest Kentucky Derbys I have seen in recent years. I have attended most of the Derby trials on the East coast this year and below is my analysis of all the runners for the big race.

Dunkirk

This beautifully bred son of Unbridled's Song came in to the Florida Derby with two huge wins but was no match for Quality Road who ran out an impressive winner. He is still immature and will come in to his own later in the year. I was at Gulfstream Park to witness his performance and Garret Gomez was working hard on this colt a long way from home and this race may come to soon for him. Current Betfair price [8.0]

Musket Man

I have seen plenty of this gutsy performer at Tampa Bay Downs and he was very impressive when getting up right on the line to beat Join In The Dance in the Tampa Bay Derby. This improving son of Yonaguska followed up that victory with a win in the Illinois Derby at Hawthorne. He will run well at a big price. Current Betfair price [32.0]

West Side Bernie

This horse finished second to the brilliant I Want Revenge in the Wood Memorial but he was flattered by his proximity to the winner. Not for me. Curent Betfair price [55.0].

Chocolate Candy

This horse ran well when a fast finishing second to Pioneer Of The Nile in the Santa Anita Derby and represents one of the better West coast horses. Curent Betfair price [21.0]

General Quarters

If this horse wins there wont be a dry eye in the house. This Sky Mesa colt is owned and trained by ex-school teacher Tom McCarthy who has only this horse in training. Mcarthy regretted not buying this horse in the sales ring but got another chance when claiming him at Churchill Downs for only $20k. He has since won the Blue Grass at Keenland. Current Betfair price [38.0]

Square Eddie

Third in the Lexington but not good enough in my opinion. Current Betfair price [42.0]

Papa Clem

This guy fought like a lion to win the Arkansas Derby beating Old Fashioned and is a lively longshot. Current Betfair price [34.0]

Pioneer Of The Nile

This Zayat home bred comes in to this race with the best form on the West coast. He won the Santa Anita Derby in good style but his main rival that day The Pamplemousse was scratched. This horse only does just enough and is a little lazy but he is also talented. I am tossing him because I think the East coast form is stronger. Current Betfair price [8.8]

Mine That Bird

Fourth in the Sunland Derby and has little chance. Current Betfair price [220.00]

Friesan Fire

Bags of ability and thrashed Pappa Clem in the Louisiana Derby. Trainer Larry Jones trained the ill fated Eight Belles last year but this horse has a legitimate chance to erase some of those bad memories. Current Betfair Price [8.2]

Flying Pirate

Not much to recommend here but he is by a Kentucky Derby winner. Current Betfair price [110.00]

Desert Party

This horse was second in the UAE Derby to stablemate Regal Ransom. I have always maintained that you cannot win this race without competing in the domestic trials. Pass. Current Betfair price [25.0]

Mr. Hot Stuff

His third in the Santa Anita Derby is not good enough to trouble these. Current Betfair price [40.0]

Summer Bird

Not for me. Current Betfair price [65.0]

Quality Road

This horse was very impressive winning the Florida Derby and boasts the all important tactical speed. The bad news is that he has another quarter crack to add to the one he picked up at Gulfstream. He may not run but if he does I am passing as this latest injury may be to much to overcome. Current Betfair price [10.0]

I Want Revenge

This horse has everything you want to see in a Derby candidate. I have seen him run twice this year but his performance in the Wood Memorial was breathtaking. He nearly came down leaving the gate but he recovered to blow the opposition away and was back on the bridle on the line. Young Joe Talamo has the ride on this son of Stephen Got Even and I think he will go very close. Current Betfair price [5.6]

Win Willy

This horse could run in to a place at a big price. He was finishing with interest behind Papa Clem in the Arkansas Derby. Current Betfair price [38.0]

Regal Ransom

He won the UAE Derby but I am passing. Current Betfair price [21.0]

Hold Me Back

Second to General Quarters in the Blue Grass but plenty to find on the book. Pass. Current Betfair price [34.0]

Selections:

1- I Want Revenge
2 - Musket Man
3- Friesan Fire

Kentucky Oaks

This race features the brilliant Rachel Alexander and she is sure to go off as the heavy favourite. This Medaglia d'Oro filly has scared off most of the opposition and she has been nothing short of spectacular in her recent races. Last time out in the Fantasy at Oaklawn she never came off the bridle in an effortless victory. She will probably only face five rivals in the Oaks and I think she will take the world of beating. I very rarely bet odds on but I am unloading on this very smart horse. I will try and get matched at [1.5] and work my way down.