Kentucky Derby 2017 Update: Delta Jackpot/Bob Hope Preview

A couple of graded stakes races on Nov. 19 could have Kentucky Derby 2017 implications beginning with the Grade III Bob Hope at Del Mar.

My brand new top ranked Derby contender Mastery is the strong 4-5 favorite in the Bob Hope. He looked outstanding throughout in his six furlong debut and is expected to target the CashCall Futurity at Los Alamitos in December if everything goes well at Del Mar on Saturday.

There appears to be plenty of early pace in the Grade III Delta Jackpot and if that scenario plays out on the racetrack, watch out for stretch runners Gunnevera and J Boys Echo.

Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 11-18-16)

#1 - MASTERY

#2 - Not This Time

#3 - Classic Empire

#4 - Three Rules

#5 - Gormley

#6 - Takaful

#7 - Beach Bum

#8 - Klimt

#9 - Theory

#10 - Royal Mo

#11 - Silver Assault

You can read my entire Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update blog at The Runaway Horse.

* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards