Click on horse's name to access Contender Page

1-A P Valentine/ Nick Zito/A.P. Indy-Twenty Eight Carat, by Alydar

Standing pretty much alone by sticking with him, but Zito has lost no confidence in him, so neither will we. If shins are nice and cool by Flamingo, then Lexington, we should see return of the real A P Valentine.

2-Point Given/Bob Baffert/Thunder Gulch-Turko's Turn, by Turkoman

Weather had been playing havoc with his training schedule, but he turned in another super move, going 7 furlongs in 1:25 2/5. With only two Derby preps, everything will have to continue to go smoothly.

3 -- Street Cry/Saeed bin Suroor/Machiavellian-Helen Street, by Troy

His 2-length victory in the UAE 2,000 Guineas shows at least that he's made the transition from 2 to 3 nicely. Everything is progressing perfectly and there's little happening here; could be Godolphin's year.

4--Hero's Tribute/John Ward/Sea Hero -- Eastern Dawn, by Damascus

Doesn't have to win the Louisiana Derby. A good showing against Dollar Bill and Millennium Wind will set him up beautifully for the Blue Grass. Could be ready to peak on Derby Day.

5 -- Millennium Wind/Dave Hofmans/Cryptoclearance-Bali Babe, by Drone

His race in the Louisiana Derby will tell a lot. If he wins, he vaults right to head of the class and boosts California form. With his looks and pedigree, he has the potential to be something special.

6--Dollar Bill/Dallas Stewart/Peaks and Valleys-Saratoga Game, by Saratoga Six

By coming back with such a strong effort in fast time, he hasn't been asked to do too much. He's a hard-knocking, professional colt and will be tough to beat in the Louisiana Derby with race over track.

7 -- Startac/Simon Bray/Theatrical-Tenga, by Mr. Prospector

We just have a feeling that all the ingredients are there for a great Derby story - Paulson legacy, Mott protégé, colt a son of Paulson's first great horse. El Camino Real Derby will be big test vs. better company.

8 -- Songandaprayer/John Dowd/Unbridled's Song-Alizea, by Premiership

His 7-furlong work in 1:23 4/5 indicates he's going to be very tough again in the Florida Derby. Starting to think he could be his father's son in terms of raw ability. May be a better horse than people think.

9 -- Outofthebox/Bernie Flint/Montbrook-Cricket Box, by Notebook

Important to see a significant step forward and what he can do with a good, clean trip in Florida Derby. But again will be up against it if Songandaprayer is allowed to run free on an easy pace.

10 -- Palmeiro/John Sadler/Pleasant Tap-Fortune Pending, by Fortunate Prospect

Couldn't expect too much more from him in the San Rafael, chasing Crafty C.T. over speed-favoring track. Desormeaux had to strangle him to keep him from hooking leader. Should improve off this race.