Horse Racing Fantasy Community

With the 2009 Kentucky Derby just over two short weeks away, let's take a look at some of the major contenders for this year's edition of the Run for the Roses.

Desert Party

After being privately purchased last summer, Desert Party has run three times in Dubai to prepare for the Kentucky Derby. His last two races were particularly impressive. Two back, he blew by one of the top 2-year-olds in the country from 2008, Vineyard Haven; and last time, he ran a great second in the UAE Derby to Regal Ransom against the track bias. Even though Godolphin hasn't been very successful shipping in for the Derby in the past, this horse could be the best shot they've ever had.

Dunkirk

This lightly-raced, impeccably-bred colt is on the bubble to get into the Derby, but with a few recent defections, it looks like he should get in. Even though he didn't race as a two-year-old and only has three lifetime starts, this colt has proven that he's extremely talented. Last time out, he finished a very strong second to Quality Road in the Florida Derby, while closing into the teeth of some fast splits against a strong inside, speed bias. If he gets a quick pace to chase in the Derby, he could make some noise late.

He is by the great Unbridled's Song, who has sired top horses like Unbridled Elaine, Eight Belles, and Octave. Dunkirk is out of Secret Status, who was a Kentucky Oaks winner.

Friesan Fire

This talented Larry Jones trainee has been towards the top of everyone's Derby list for several months now. He is by the incomparable A.P. Indy and out of a Dehere mare. The only knock against this colt is that he's trying to win the Derby off a seven-week layoff, which hasn't been done since 1956. His last race was stellar, destroying his competition in the Louisiana Derby. His running style should fit this race perfectly, but will he have enough left to hold off the closers? History says no, but his monstrous win last time is hard to ignore. I can see him getting a perfect trip in the Derby, much like Charismatic got in 1999. He can sit just off the pace, a little wide, and out of trouble. Larry Jones has been one of the hottest horsemen around over the last few years, so if anyone can get him ready off a seven week break, he can.

General Quarters

General Quarters comes out of a small stable, but has a pedigree filled with top influences. He is by Sky Mesa, out of an Unbridled's Song mare and he seems to be rounding into form at the right time. General Quarters ran a huge race in the Sam F. Davis at Tampa, but regressed off that race -- and had a tough trip -- in the Tampa Bay Derby next out. Last time out, General Quarters got a perfect stalking trip and rolled to a solid win in the Blue Grass at 15-1. This colt has every right to take another step forward on May 2nd, but a perfect trip is unlikely again.

Musket Man

Musket Man is another horse who comes out of a very small stable. Word on the street is that they were offered $6 million for the horse after the Illinois Derby.... and turned it down. That's a risky move in horse racing, so here's hoping it pays off for them. This colt has run two huge races in a row. He won the Tampa Bay Derby and the Illinois Derby in workman-like fashion. His pedigree does not suggest that he'll relish the added distance in the Derby, but he's outrun his pedigree so far, so we can take that with a grain of salt.

Next time, we'll cover I Want Revenge, Pioneer of the Nile, Chocolate Candy, Papa Clem, and Quality Road, among others.