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First Derby Six of the 2015 Kentucky Derby Trail

Derby Six for 11/6/14 


1. Texas Red 
Afleet Alex- Ramatuelle (CHI) by Jeune Homme 
Jockey: Kent Desormeaux 
Trainer: Keith Desormeaux 
Owner:  Brehm, Erich, Detmar, Wayne, Michaels, Lee, Desormeaux, J. Keith et al. 

Derby Points: 12 

Loved the acceleration he showed when winning the Breeders Cup Juvenile. It was the type of acceleration that reminds me much of Street Sense, now I'm not getting ahead of myself, but this horse just really reminds me of Street Sense. Like Street Sense he had only a maiden win to his credit when he took the Breeders Cup, and also like Street Sense Texas Red possesses a monster late kick that will really come in handy when it comes to the Kentucky Derby. 

Last Win: 

   

Last Race Finish: 1st in the Breeders Cup Juvenile 




2. Carpe Diem 
Giant's Causeway- Rebridled Dreams by Unbridled's Song 
Jockey: John Velazquez 
Trainer: Todd Pletcher 
Owner: WinStar Farm and Stonestreet Farm  

Derby Points: 14 

His trip last out in the Breeders Cup Juvenile was not the best, and he showed a very good closing kick to run second by a nose. He learned a lot that will definitely help him move forward in the future with that kind of learning experience he can only move forward. He still showed me quite a lot in running second he showed he could take kickback and still put in a very good effort. I was on hand for his Breeders Futurity win, and I'll be the first to tell you that this horse is an incredible specimen, and one I for sure will be keeping a close eye on. He can be an absolute monster, and with his pedigree he could very well run all day. 

Last Win: 

  

Last Race Finish: 2nd in the Breeders Cup Juvenile  





3. American Pharoah 
Pioneerof The Nile- Littleprincessemma by Yankee Gentleman
Jockey: Victor Espinoza 
Trainer: Bob Baffert 
Owner: Zayat Stables 

Derby Points: 10 

Can't argue with his impeccable form though I am slightly worried with his injury, and how severe it will prove to be. Haven't heard any word on if it was a bruise or a soft tissue issue, so we will just have to wait, and see. Since there is such a long time till the Kentucky Derby if his injury is in fact a bruise then there will be no issue in getting him ready in time for a Kentucky Derby try. His pedigree is slightly troubling though with Yankee Gentleman on bottom there is some serious questions on whether or not he will be able to handle the Kentucky Derby distance, but with the way he strides out I personally cannot see him having an issue with it. 

Last Win: 



Last Race Finish: 1st in the Frontrunner Stakes  





4. Mr. Z 
Malibu Moon- Stormy Bear by Storm Cat 
Jockey: Mike Smith 
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas 
Owner: Zayat Stables 

Derby Points: 4 

This is one hard knocking colt, and one that has almost never missed the board. He also seems to never get enough respect. He is also one that will only get better as he gets older, and finds longer distance races. With D. Wayne Lukas as his trainer you can bet this one will be completely fit for the Kentucky Derby, and could very well give Lukas another Kentucky Derby winner as long as he stays healthy. 

Last Win: 6/28 Maiden Special Weight @ Churchill Downs 
Last Race Finish: 5th in the Breeders Cup Juvenile 




5. Punctuate 
Distorted Humor- Pepper's Pride by Desert God 
Jockey: Rosie Napravnik 
Trainer: Bob Baffert 
Owner: Arnold Zetcher 

Derby Points: 0 

Love the way this colt closed so persistently in his debut; he really made his mama proud too. His mother was a perfect 19 for 19 she was the best New Mexico bred of all time without a question. Her son looks like he's following right in her tracks. With him also being by Distorted Humor he would seem like he would run all day. Baffert also considered running him in the Breeders Cup, but opted to let him aim for next year instead which in the long run will only aide this colt. 

Last Win: 9/27 Maiden Special Weight @ Santa Anita Park 
Last Race Finish: 1st in 9/27 Maiden Special Weight @ Santa Anita Park 




6. The Truth Or Else 
Yes It's True- Lakenheath by Colonial Affair 
Jockey: Cornealio Velazquez 
Trainer: Ken McPeek 
Owner: Harold Lerner 

Derby Points: 2 

Loved his race last out when closing into weak fractions to be third. This is one that will only get better as the distances get longer, and as he grows and matures. He still has almost all the time in the world to mature, and grow. We have not seen the best of him yet. 

Last Race Win: 9/12 Maiden Special Weight @ Belmont Park 
Last Race Finish: 3rd in the GR3 Nashua Stakes @ Aqueduct 


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