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

Kentucky Derby 2017 update: Breeders' Cup Juvenile recap

Early Kentucky Derby 2017 favorite Classic Empire stalked, pounced, and held off Not This Time to capture the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita Park on Saturday, November 5.

The aforementioned BC Juvenile also attracted Grade 1 winners Gormley, Klimt, and Practical Joke, but they were no match for Classic Empire and Not This Time. The aforementioned dynamic duo were well clear of show finisher Practical Joke and the Juvenile Beyer Speed Figure came back a very good 102. 

You can read my entire Breeders' Cup Juvenile 2016 update blog at The Runaway Horse.

* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards

Kentucky Derby 2017 update: Breeders' Cup Juvenile preview

The 2016 Breeders' Cup Juvenile will be run later this weekend at Santa Anita Park and seven of my Top 11 Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders are entered. 

Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 10-29-16)

#1 - Silver Assault

#2 - Klimt

#3 - Not This Time

#4 - Three Rules

#5 - Theory

#6 - Gormley

#7 - Classic Empire 

#8 - Straight Fire

#9 - Favorable Outcome

#10 - Mastery

#11 - Term of Art

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

* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards

Breeders' Cup Juvenile 2016 video preview

The 2016 Breeders' Cup Juvenile is shaping up as a competitive race with a good mix of speed horses, stalkers, and closers.

Syndergaard and Gormley are the early threats and the latter has the home court advantage following a wire job win in the G1 FrontRunner. Undefeated Gulfstream shipper Three Rules should be forwardly placed as well.

Klimt, the FrontRunner runner-up, should be stalking the pace for trainer Bob Baffert. G1 Breeders' Futurity hero Classic Empire and Theory, 2-for-2 at six furlongs for trainer Todd Pletcher, should also be tracking the front runners.

If the early pace heats up, look for Churchill Downs shipper Not This Time to pick up the pieces.

Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update (10-12-16)

The 2016 FrontRunner, Champagne, and Breeders’ Futurity are in books and that means it is time for another Kentucky Derby 2017 contenders update.

Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders (Updated 10-12-16)

#1 - Silver Assault

#2 - Klimt

#3 - Not This Time

#4 - Three Rules

#5 - Straight Fire

#6 - Theory 

#7 - Gormley

#8 - Classic Empire 

#9 - Favorable Outcome

#10 - Big Gray Rocket

#11 - Term of Art

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

* Churchill Downs photo by Stacy Edwards

Kentucky Derby 2016 Contenders: The First Step

Kentucky Derby 2017 is right around the corner. Well, not quite, but we are well into the month of September and it is time to roll out my annual Derby contenders list. 

Jarrod Horak’s “Exceptional Eleven" Kentucky Derby 2017 Contenders

#1 - Silver Assault

#2 - Klimt

#3 - Not This Time

#4 - Three Rules

#5 - Straight Fire

#6 - Plum Dandy

#7 - Favorable Outcome

#8 - Big Gray Rocket

#9 - Term of Art

#10 - Theory

#11 - Vibe

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

* Nyquist photo by Stacy Edwards