January Derby Trail Top 10

Buddy's Saint (Jose Lezcano up) wins the Remsen at Aqueduct. 11.28.2009 Credit: EquiSport Photos/Dianne Boothe


Okay, so it's January. And it's snowing here in Kentucky. The fact is that a few contenders have already surfaced in some early Derby preps.
Not the least impressive of which has been Buddy's Saint. From the only crop of the ill fated Saint Liam, the Bruce Levine charge has already captured two Grade 2 Stakes at Aqueduct. The colt won both the Nashua and the Remson in November, by a combined 16+ lengths! Now in training at Gulfstream Park for Owner Kingfield Stables, the Fountain of Youth Stakes will mark the 3 year-old debut for Buddy's Saint on February 20.

"The Word", My ranking of the 2010 Derby Contenders
"For recreational purposes only, not intended as a substitute for actual handicapping"
January 7, 2010 www.equisportphotos.com
Rank Horse Sire Trainer Jockey Owner Comment
1 SUPER SAVER, Maria's Mon, Todd Pletcher, Calvin Borel, Winstar, 11/28 CD 1st in Ky. Jockey Club (G2).
2 VALE OF YORK, Invincible Spirit, Saeed by Suroor, Ahmed Ajtebi, Godolphin, 11/7 SA 1st in BC Juvenile (G1)
3 LOOKIN' AT LUCKY, Smart Strike, Bob Baffert, Garrett Gomez, Pegram Watson Weitman, 12/19 HW 1st in Cash Call Futurity (G1), 11/7 SA 2nd in BC Juvenile (G1), 9/6 DM 1st in Del Mar Futurity (G1)
4 BUDDY'S SAINT, Saint Liam, Bruce Levine, Jose Lezcano, Kingfield Stables, 1/3 AQ 1st in Nashua (G2), 11/28 AQ 1st in Remson (G2).
5 RULE, Roman Ruler, Todd Pletcher, John Velazquez, Winstar, 12/4 FG 1st in Delta Jackpot (G3)
6 NOBLE'S PROMISE, Cuvee, Ken McPeek, Rafael Bejarano, Chasing Dreams Racing, 12/19 HW 2nd in Cash Call Futurity (G1), 10/10 KEE 1st in Breeder's Futurity (G1)
7 AMERICAN LION, Tiznow, Eoin Harty, Julien Leparoux, Winstar, 11/21 HW 1st in Hollywood Prevue (G3)
8 UH OH BANGO, Top Hit, Kory Owens, Glenn Corbett, Triple AAA Ranch (Richard Owens), 12/4 FG 2nd in Delta Jackpot (G3), 11/1 CD 2nd in Iroquois (G3)
9 TAKE CONTROL, AP Indy, Bob Baffert, Martin Garcia, Kaleem Shah, 1130 SA 1st in MSW
10 LAUS DEO, Medaglia d'Oro, Anthoney Dutrow, David Cohen, Rick Porter & Fox Hill Farm, 1/2 AQ 1st in Count Fleet (G3)